


•s 






"> 



. •« 

























































■». ,« 



c\ 



















^ '<5\ 




•A? 'J. 












■*« '/ 






















^ ^ v^?7 ../>,. \S;K>'- : 









*o 








































































4- ^v 






o_ 































/ 



HISTORY 



OK 



Washington / Ozaukee Counties, 



WISCONSIN 



CONTAINING 



AN ACCOUNT OF ITS SETTLEMENT, GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCES; AN EXTENSIVE AND 
MINUTE SKETCH OF ITS CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES— THEIR IMPROVEMENTS, INDUSTRIES, 
MANUFACTORIES, CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES; ITS WAR RECORD, BIOGRAPH- 
ICAL SKETCHES, PORTRAITS OF PROMINENT MEN AND EARLY SETTLERS; 
THE WHOLE PRECEDED BY A HISTORY OF WISCONSIN, STATISTICS 
OF THE STATE, AND AN ABSTRACT OF ITS LAWS AND CON- 
STITUTION AND OF THE CONSTITUTION 
OF THE UNITED STATES. 



ILIi-CTST.R.A.TIEID. 



CHICAGO: 
WESTERN HISTORICAL COMPANY. 

MIICCCLXXXt. 



J _. 



^1 . . 



i<\H< 




// 









PREFACE 



rj^HE existing counties of Washington and Ozaukee are so associated in historic interest, as 
-*- well as in material growth, that no alternative was left the writer but to prepare a volume 
embracing both counties. Still, the method of treatment is as distinct as possible, and each 
county is practically separate in all matters likely to be referred to by those who seek information 
on specific topics. The plan is self-explanatory in the chapter headings, and need be but 
cursorily alluded to here. " Old Washington " is described in a division of the work, and 
includes the remarkable record of the erection of Ozaukee County — one of the most noteworthy 
instances of legislative interference in the annals of the State. The newly-formed counties are 
then treated of distinctly from that period on. 

The pioneers are given space for reminiscences which their experience so richly entitles 
them to. It has been attempted to preserve the many incidents and personal transactions which 
make up the sum of general history, and to incorporate individual sketches in accordance with 
their value. 

The co-operation of influential citizens is hereby acknowledged, and the innumerable 
kindnesses rendered the compilers is thus publicly recognized. 

The Press, the Clergy and the Pioneers are tendered the thanks of the writer for their 

valuable assistance. 

WESTERN HISTORICAL COMPANY. 

Chicago, November, 1881. 



CONTENTS. 



Page. ! 

Antiquities 19 ! 

Tn.iianTnl.es 21 

Pre-Territorial Annals 29 

Wisconsin Territory 41 

State 52 

,ist ration 52 

ninistration 57 

illustration 59 ' 

ministration 62 

ii nist ration 64 

ministration GG 

Administration 67 

• Secession Commenced 69 : 

Administration 76 I 

Administration .*. 85 

ics of Volunteers 90 

. Administration 92 

■nth Administration 93 

.ftli Administration 94 ' 

;teenth Administration 97 

irteenth Administration 99 : 

I nth Administration 104 ! 

Kteenth Administration 109 

jraphy and Geology 110 : 

Tbe Archeean Age ....112 

Paleozoic Time — Silurian Age 115 

Devonian Age 119 

Glacial Period 120 

matology 121 

ees, Shrubs and Vines 128 

Fauna 134 

Fish and Fish Culture 134 

Large Animals — Time of their Disap- 
pearance 138 

Peculiarities of the Bird Fauna 139 

Educational 140 

Original School Code 140 

Agitation for Free Schools 141 

School System under State Govern- 
ment 141 

School Fund Income 142 

State University 113 

Agricultural College 144 

Normal Schools 144 

Teachers' Institutes 14G 

Graded Schools 146 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Page. 
Educational : 

Township System 146 

Free High Schools 147 

School Offices 147 

State Teachers' Certificates 147 

Teachers' Associations 148 

Libraries 14s 

State Superintendents 148 

College Sketches 149 

Female Colleges 150 

Academies and Seminaries 151 

Commercial Schools 161 

Agriculture 151 

Mineral Resources 162 

Lead and Zinc 1*>2 

Iron 165 

Copper 168 

Gold and Silver 168 

Brick Clays 168 

Cement Rock 170 

Limestone — Glass Sand 171 

Peat— Building Stones 172 

Railroads 173 

Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 173 

Chicago & Northwestern 176 

Wisconsin Central 178 

Western Union 179 

Weal Wisconsin 180 

Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western 180 

Green Bay & Minnesota 1*1 

Wisconsin Valley 1*1 

Shehovgan & Fond du Lac LSI 

Mineral Point 182 

Madison & Portage 1S2 

North Wisconsin 183 , 

Prairie du Chien & McGregor 183 

Chippewa Falls & Western 1*3 

Narrow Gauge 183 

Conclusion 184 I 

Lumber 1S5 

Banking 191 

Commerce and Manufactures 198 j 

Furs 199 I 

Lead and Zinc — Iron 200 

Lumber... 201 

Grain 202 i 



Page. 
Commerce and Manufactures : 

Dairy Products 203 

Pork and Beef. 2l)3 

Hops 204 

Tobacco— Cranl erries 205 

Liquors 206 

Miscellaneous 206 

Water Powers 206 

Manufactures 208 

Conclusion 208 

Tbe Public Domain -1" 

Health 230 

Geographical Position - " 

Physical Features 230 

Geology 231 

Drainage 232 

Climatology 232 

Rain Character 233 

Isotherms 234 

Barometrical 234 

Wind- 236 

Climatological Changes from Settling 

in the State 235 

Influence of Nationalities 237 

Occupations— Food — Education, etc 238 

History of Disease 238 

Ratio of Sickness, Ft. Howard and Win- 
nebago 239 

Education of the Blind 241 

Institute of Deaf and Dumb 241 

Industrial School for Boys 242 

State Prison 242 

State Hospital for the Insane 242 

Northern Hospital for the Insane 243 

City of Milwaukee 243 

Health Resorts 244 

Change of Diseases 246 

Pulmonary Diseases 248 

Statistics 249 

Population, 1875, of Townships, Alpha- 
betically Arranged by Counties 24° 

Population by CountieB 258 

Nativity by Counties 259 

Valuation of Property 260 

Acreage of Principal Crops 261, 262 



ABSTRACT OF WISCOXSIX STATE LAWS. 



Page. 

Actions 283 

Arrest 283 

Attachment 284 

Adoption of Children 276 

Assignment of Mortgage 274 

Assessment and Collection of Taxes 207 

Assessmentof Taxes > 

Bills of Exchange or Promissory Notes 272 

Borrowed Money , 2C7 

Capital Punishment 278 

Collection of Taxes 270 

Commercial Terms 2St 

Common Schools 266 

Damages for Trespass 279 



Page. 

Elections and General Elections 263 

Bstrays 279 

Exemptions 284 

Fences 280 

Forms of Conveyances 273 

Forms of Mortgages 274 

Garnishment 284 

Highways and Bridges 270 

Hours of Labor 273 

Interest 277 

Intoxicating Liquors 271 

Judgments 284 

Jurisdiction of Courts 277 

Jurors 278 



Page. 

Landlord and Tenant 281 

Limitation ol Actions 285 

Marks and Brands 2S1 

Married Women 283 

Stay Law 284 

Surveyors and Surveys.. 282 

Support of Poor 282 

Suggestions to Persons Purchasing Books 

by Subscription 285 

Title of Real Property by Descent 275 

Weights and Measures 278 

Wills 27G 

Wolf Scalp? 278 



Page. 

Wisconsin State Constitution 287 

C. S. Constitution 297 



MISCELLANEOUS. 

Page. I 
Vote of Wisconsin for Governor aud Presi- 
dent 30G-307 



Population of the State.. 



Page. 

308 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Page, i Page. 

Portrait of M. A. T. Farmer 433 Portrait of George F. Hunt 397 

Portrait of L. F. Fiisby 361 | Portrait of Geo. C. Rossmnn 469 



Page 

Portrait of Moses Weil 325 

View of Church of St. Mary'* Help 451 



Mil 



CONTEXTS. 
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON ASD OZ.4CKEK COUNTIES. 



Page 
-Old Washington County. 



CHAPTER I. 

Boundaries *ua 

The River System - J1 " 

Prehistoric °" 

Indians ... 

White Men ■>" 

The Dawn of Civilization »» 

The First Roads ;>'•> 

Fir»t White Settlers «» 

The County Begins for Itself. ;"» 

First Poll List of Washington County 3 6 

TheEa-ly Records *\° 

Retrospective Summary *» 

Courts Fully Orgauized «« 

From 1846 to IMS ••-•■■- iiu 

Supervisors and County Officers, 1846 to 

IOC* J-' 

lOOO qnn 

The Town System «j 

Growth of Population •"- 

nationality "I 

The Poor Farm ™ 

The Jail 



ret School Beports J28 

itora, 



Tim County Seat 331 

CHAPTER II.— Washington Coi-ntt 
Introductory. 



362 



Material 35_ 

Mannfactnring Facilities ™ 

The People ,.~ 

Settlement of Old Scores *>•» 

County Buildings 3S * 

Ibiilroads £™ 

The Do Bar Tragedy *» 

The Great Defalcation 35° 

The War Record x 360 

Drafting :;' J 

The Draft in the County »6S 

Bostei "■ 3C0 

Roster of Commissioned Officers tor 

w ishlngton Counts 309 

Washington Agricultural Society 170 

Washington Conntj Old Settlers' Club... 372 
newspapers 'Tf 

- i i« £•:■•;■■■■ 

Number of School Insiii.t--, scholars 

hers and Batesof Wages ; >77 

Value ,.r School Property and Yearly 

i liture ■ 3 "8 

Oonntv Government. Supervisors and 
' other County Office,*, 1868 to 18( I7« 

Commissioners and other County Offi- 

i i ' i,,i 381 

Supervisors and other County Officers, 

1870 to 1881 3 *- 

The Court 383 

Countj Court 

Islaters ™? 

Growth and Wealth 385 

owing the County Tavs for 

Twenty Vears • 3S; ' 

Tahle showing Increase in Valuation of 

255 

Hon Returns 387 

Population 

Census of Washington Connly in 1880 

by Towns 

iperism ■ :' s l 

Retrospect 387 

CHAPTER in T un Histories oi 

Washington COUHTT. 

Town of West Bend 

Lakes 

t:,rlv Settlers. . , '" 1 

Personal :-i lei Skeh hi - 9*1 

First Town Meeting 394 

First School 396 



\\ iSHINOTOS I 

« i t Bend 

Baxtford 

i ington 

Barton 

Polk 

Jackson 

Trenton 



Pact 

.... 578 

B97 

710 

Tie 

727 



Page. 

First ThiDgs 395 

The Village of West Bend 395 

A Short-lived City 896 

The Changes 3<J9 

Incorporated 3 9 

other Early Comers - 3 " 

The War Period *"" 

The First War I ompany 401 

Second Company Washington County 

Rifles 4(l2 

The Women's WV.ik 403 

West Bend Village in 1881 *<>» 

Schools *M 

Churches <JB 

!, "Etc." Me 

Bands f>~ 

Indnstjies and Trade 401 

Places of Resort 4"S 

The Bar *"9 

Miscellaneous 4'0 

The Town in lss| 410 

Town of Hartford 412 

The First Town Meeting 417 

Miscellaneous Memoranda 418 

Hartford Village in lssl 418 

Churches ■••• * 1!) 

Societies *f 

Fire Department 421 

Mercantile mid Manufacturing 422 

Bui. icon Hydraulic Company 423 

Miscellaneous 423 

Town of Polk 423 

The First Town Meeting 424 

Mai-field 425 

Schleisingerville Village 426 

Town of Farmington 428 

A Look Back into Clarence 428 

Clarence Poll List of April 6/1847 429 

Town Meetings in Farmington 431 

Village of Bollonville 431 

Fillmore *31 

Churches 482 

Societies 430 

Town of Kowaskum *36 

North Bend Meeting 436 

First Town Meeting of Kewaskuni 437 

Village of Kewaskuni 437 

The Town in 1881 438 

Town of Barton 438 

The First Town Meeting 439 

old Times and Things 439 

Schools and Societies Ho 

The churches **] 

Soii. lies ■[] 

Miscellaneous 441 

Young America **2 

Town of Trenton 4 * : ; 

The First Town Meeting 44 

Town of Jackson 445 

First Town Meeting 448 

War Reconl "I 

Town of Wayne 44 

The First Town Meeting. 448 

Ths Town in 1881 

Town of Addison 

The First Town Meeting 

Town of Erin 

The Hills of Erin »8 

The Legend oi St Mary's Hill »; 

Tow,, ol Bid Bold "J 

Thelii-t Cown Meeting 4M 

The Town In 1881 

Village ol Richfield '■ 

Town of 'oilliiilitown 464 

.11 \l'l Lit IV.-0Z.MKKl Col Ml 

General Introduction *«j 

Population ': 

Stock-Raising 41 * 

IliOiniAI'lllt'AI. BKSTCHJBS. 

Paoi 
Sewukum Z; n 

-■:' 

id ::r 

'own ™ 

' ' 



I'aiie. 

The Ah rigines 476 

Early Settlement 176 

The Old Settlers' Cluh 476 

Address before the Old Settlers' Club 178 

Early Surveyors 183 

The Gentlemen Pioneers 

Lobbyists 486 

Organization lv "* 

The Coi my Buildings lsl ' 

Political 489 

Presidential Elections 489 

Si Ii 1- * 89 

Value School Property 490 

Legislators 490 

County Government and Court Officers.. 492 
Supervisors end County Commissi 

tnkee County, from 185310 1881 493 

The War it. r.l 493 

Roster * 9f > 

Boeter ot Commissioned officers for 
Ozaukee ' ouuty * 98 

TheGreat Indian Scire 498 

Railroads 5l " 

I lomhes 502 

Societies 502 

Cemeteries "- 

Ozaukee Con. itv Agriciiltui.il Socio.. 

Officers from 1802 to 1881 

Agricultnial Resources 

The Press 



-,u4 



CHAPTER V —Town Histories. 

Port Washington 

Town Meeting 

Cholera 509 

Earh 

Crime 610 

The First Murder -.'" 

A Mysterious Murder "11 

First Itrew.ry 5 |.l 

Manufactories 



513 



Harbor.. 



514 



Ozaukee County Bank 5J5 

Public Schools 61 b 



Churche 



517 



J'* 



Fire li.partment.. 



520 



1 II* 

;;™.".™™"".!!.'.~~ 52i 

_ 522 

622 

'.".,...... 522 

Lawyers *?2 

Town of Hequon »«• 

Early Settlers °" 

Churches 

Schools •'-* 



Literary.. 
Newspapers 
Lighthouse... 
Doctors 

Postmasters.. 



Early Times 



624 



r-.ii i « i mi v.- tOC 

First Town Meeting ?f? 



Town of Grafton.. 



526 



Catholic Church ?-» 

Grafton Village ■;:;" 

Coi i Ced irburg •':;' 

Education »»' 

ImproTements * ;*' 

\ lllageof Cedarburg °;;* 

Townol Bauk»lll« 

Viliai;.. ol Saokt Ills 
Town of Belgium .... 
Town ol 1 1- donia... . 

Poll List forlsIT ... 

Early Settlers 



538 

539 
539 
540 



Village ol Wanbeka ■;*" 

Fredonia Station " il 

CHAVTEB vi -inn Sitti.fiis' Drawer. 

Early SI I T.acliei 547 

Tribute to Edward II. Janssen M» 



ii/n mi Covntt. 
Port Washli 
Oedarbnrg 

Frr.loiiia 

Saukvllle 

Ml |ii..n 

Grafton 

Belgium 



Pagk. 
...787 

.... 749 
1 

.... 760 
.... 764 
.... 761 

n 



HISTOBY OF WISCONSIN. 

BY C. W. BUTTEKFIELD. 



I.— WISCONSIN ANTIQUITIES. 

The first explorers of the valleys of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi and its tributaries, 
seem not to have noticed, to any considerable extent, the existence within these vast areas of 
monuments of an extinct race. Gradually, however, as the tide of emigration broke through the 
barriers of the Alleghanies and spread in a widely extended flow over what are now the States of 
the Northwest, these prehistoric vestiges attracted more and more the attention of the curious 
and the learned, until, at the present time, almost every person is presumed to have some general 
knowledge, not only of their existence, but of some of their striking peculiarities. Unfortunately, 
these signs of a long since departed people are fast disappearing by the never ceasing operations 
of the elements, and the constant encroachments of civilization. The earliest notices of the 
animal and vegetable kingdom of this region are to be found in its rocks ; but Wisconsin's earli- 
est records of men can only be traced in here and there a crumbling earth-work, in the fragment 
of a skeleton, or in a few stone and copper implements — dim and shadowy relics of their 
handicraft. 

The ancient dwellers in these valleys, whose history is lost in the lapse of ages, are desig- 
nated, usually, as the Mound-Builders ; not that building mounds was probably their distinctive 
employment, but that such artificial elevations of the earth are, to a great extent, the only evi- 
dences remaining of their actual occupation of the country. As to the origin of these people, 
all knowledge must, possibly, continue to rest upon conjecture alone. Nor were the habitations 
of this race confined to the territory o-f which Wisconsin now forms a part. At one time, they 
must have been located in many ulterior regions. The earth-works, tumuli, or " mounds," as they 
are generally designated, are usually symmetrically raised and often inclosed in mathematical 
figures, such as the square, the octagon, and the circle, with long lines of circumvallation. 
Besides these earth-works, there are pits dug in the solid rock ; rubbish heaps formed in the 
prosecution of mining operations; and a variety of implements and utensils, wrought in copper 
or stone, or moulded in clay. Whence came the inhabitants who left these evidences to succeed- 
ing generations ? In other words, who were the Mound-Builders ? Did they migrate from the 
Old World, or is their origin to be sought for elsewhere? And as to their manners and customs 
and civilization — what of these things? Was the race finally swept from the New World to give 
place to Red men, or was it the one from which the latter descended ? These momentous ques- 
tions are left for the ethnologist, the archaeologist, and the antiquarian of the future to answer — 
if they can. 



20 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Inclosures and mounds of the prehistoric people, it is generally believed, constituted but 
parts of one system ; the former being, in the main, intended for purposes of defense or religion; 
the latter, for sacrifice, for temple sites, for burial places, or for observatories. In selecting sites 
for many of these earth-works, the Mound-Builders appear to have been influenced by motives 
which prompt civilized men to choose localities for their great marts; hence, Cincinnati, St. 
Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee and other cities of the West are founded on ruins of pre-existing 
structures. River terraces and river bottoms seem to have been the favorite places for these 
earth-works. In such localities, the natural advantages of the country could be made available 
with much less trouble than in portions of the country lying at a distance from water-courses. 
In Wisconsin, therefore, as in other parts, the same general idea of selecting points contiguous 
to the principal natural thoroughfares is found to have prevailed with the Mound-Builders ; for 
their works are seen in the basin of the Fox river of the Illinois, in that of Rock river and its 
branches, in the valley of Fox river of Green bay, in that of the Wisconsin, as well as near 
the waters of the Mississippi. 

While a few circumvallations and immense mounds, such as are common to certain other 
portions of the United States, are discoverable in Wisconsin, yet by far the largest number of 
earthworks h; one peculiarity not observable, except in a few instances, outside the State. 
This characterise is a very striking one The fact is revealed that they are imitative in form — 
resembling bes *s, reptiles, birds, fish, man. All these, for convenience, are usually classed 
under the general name of "animal mounds," although some are in the similitude of trees, some 
of war clubs, others of tobacco pipes. Generally, these figures are in groups, though sometimes 
they are seen alone. For what purpose these earth-works were heaped up — they rise above the 
surface two, four, and sometimes six feet — or what particular uses they were intended to subserve, 
is unknown. It is, however, safe to affirm that they had some significance. A number resemble 
the bear; a few, the buffalo; others, the raccoon. Lizards, turtles, and even tadpoles, are out- 
lined in the forms of some. The war eagle, and the war club has each its representative. All 
this, of course, could not have been a mere happening — the work of chance. The sizes of these 
mounds are as various as their forms. One near Cassville, in Grant county, very complete in 
its representation of an animal, supposed to be of the elephant species, was found, upon measure- 
ment, to have a total length of one hundred and thirty-five feet. Another in Sauk count)-, quite 
perfect in its resemblance to the form of a man, was of equal length — a veritable colossus; 
prone, it is true, and soon to disappear, if it has not already been destroyed, by ravages of a 
superior civilization. 

In portions of Wisconsin, as well as in a few places outside the State, are found earth-works 
of another kind, but quite as remarkable as the "animal mounds," which, from their supposed 
use, have been styled "garden beds." They are ridges, or beds, about six inches in height and 
four feet in width, ranged, with much apparent method, in parallel rows, sometimes rectangular 
in shape, sometimes of various but regular and symmetrical curves, and occupying fields of from 
ten to»a hundred acres. 

The Mound-Builders have left many relics, besides their earthworks, to attest their presence 
in Wisconsin in ages past. Scattered widely are found stone and copper axes, spear-heads, and 
arrow-heads, also various other implements — evidently their handiwork. As these articles are 
frequently discovered many feet beneath the surface, it argues a high antiquity for the artificers. 
Whether they had the skill to mould their copper implements is doubtful. Such as plainly show 
the work of hammering, indicate an art beyond that possessed by the Red men who peopled 
America upon its first discovery by Europeans. In a few instances, fragments of human skulls 
have been found so well preserved as to enable a comparison to be drawn between the crania of 



THE INDIAN TRIBES OF WISCONSIN. 21 

this ancient race and those of modern ones ; the results, however, of these comparisons throw 
iittle, if any, light upon "the dark backward and abysm" of mound-building times. 

The evidences of an extinct people of superior intelligence is very strikingly exhibited in 
the ancient copper mines of the Lake Superior region. Here are to be found excavations in the 
solkl rock; heaps of rubble and dirt ; copper utensils fashioned into knives, chisels, and spear 
and arrow-heads; stone hammers; wooden bowls and shovels; props and levers for raising and 
supporting the mass copper; and ladders for ascending and descending the pits. These mines 
were probably worked by people not only inhabiting what is now the State of Wisconsin, but 
territory farther to the southward. The copper was here obtained, it is believed, which has been 
found in many places, even as far away as the northern shore cf the Gulf of Mexico, wrought 
into various implements and utensils. But there are no traces in Wisconsin of a " copper age " 
succeeding a " stone age," discernible in any prehistoric relics. They all refer alike to one 
age — the indefinite past ; to one people — the Mound-Builders. 

II.— THE INDIAN TRIBES OF WISCONSIN. 

When, as early, it is believed, as 1634, civilized man first set foot upon -the territory now 
included within the boundaries of Wisconsin, he discovered, to his surprise, tbit upon this wide 
area met and mingled clans of two distinct and wide-spread families — thiiAlgonquins and 
Sioux. The tribes of the former, moving westward, checked the advance of the latter in their 
excursions eastward. As yet there had been no representatives of the Huron-Iroquois seen west 
of Lake Michigan — the members of this great family, at that date dwelling in safety in the 
extensive regions northward and southward of the Erie and Ontario lakes. Already had the 
French secured a foot-hold in the extensive valley of the St. Lawrence; and, naturally enough, 
the chain of the Great Lakes led their explorers to the mouth of Green bay, and up that water- 
course and its principal tributary, Fox river, to the Wisconsin, an affluent of the Mississippi. 
On the right, in ascending this bay, was seen, for the first time, a nation of Indians, lighter in 
complexion than neighboring tribes, and remarkably well formed, now well known as the 
Menomonees. 

This nation is of Algonquin stock, but their dialect differed so much from the surrounding 
tribes of the same family, it having strange guttural sounds and accents, as well as peculiar inflec- 
tions of verbs and other parts of speech, that, for a long time, they were supposed to have a 
distinct language. Their traditions point to an emigration from the East at some remote 
period. When first visited by the French missionaries, these Indians subsisted largely upon wild 
rice, from which they took their name. The harvest time of this grain was in the month of 
September. It grew spontaneously in little streams with slimy bottoms, and in marshy places. 
The harvesters went in their canoes across these watery fields, shaking the ears right and left as 
they advanced, the grain falling easily, if ripe, into the bark receptacle beneath. To clear it 
from chaff and strip it of a pellicle inclosing it, they put it to dry on a wooden lattice above a 
small fire, which was kept up for several days. When the rice was well dried, it was placed 
in a skin of the form of a bag, which was then forced into a hole, made on purpose, in the 
ground. They then tread it out so long and so well, that the grain being freed from the chaff, 
was easily winnowed. After this, it was pounded to meal, or left unpounded, and boiled in 
water seasoned with grease. It thus became a very palatable diet. It must not be inferred that 
this was the only food of the Menomonees; they were adepts in fishing, and hunted with skill 
the game which abounded in the forests. 

For many years after their discovery, the Menomonees had their homes and hunting 



22 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

grounds upon, or adjacent to, the Menomonee river. Finally, after the lapse of a century and a 
quarter, down to 1760, when the French yielded to the English all claims to the country, the 
territory of the Menomonees had shifted somewhat to the westward and southward, and their 
principal village was found at the head of Green bay, while a smaller one was still in existence 
at the mouth of their favorite stream. So slight, however, had been this change, that the country 
of no other of the surrounding tribes had been encroached upon by the movement. 

In 1654, the Menomonees probably took part in a treaty with a representative of the French, 
who had thus early ventured. so far into the wilds of the lake regions. More than a score of 
years elapsed before the tribe was again visited by white men, — that is to say, there are no 
authentic accounts of earlier visitations. In 1660, Father Rene' Menard had penetrated the Lake 
Superior country as far, at least, as Kewenaw, in what is now the northern part of Michigan, 
whence some of his French companions probably passed down the Menomonee river to the 
waters of Green bay the following year ; but no record of the Indians, through whose territory 
they passed, was made by these voyagers. Ten years more — 1670 — -brought to the Menomonees 
(who doubtless had already been visited by French fur-traders) Father Claudius Allouez, to win 
them to Christianity. He had previously founded a mission upon the bay of Chegoimegon, now 
Chaquamegon, or Ashland bay, an arm of Lake Superior, within the present State of Wisconsin, 
in charge of which, at that date, was Father James Marquette. Proceeding from the " Sault"on 
the third of November, Allouez, early in December, 1669, reached the mouth of Green bay, where, 
on the third, in an Indian village of Sacs, Pottawattamies, Foxes and Winnebagoes, containing about 
six hundred souls, he celebrated the holy mass for the first time upon this new field of his labors, 
— eight Frenchmen, traders with the Indians, whom the missionary found there upon his arrival, 
taking part in the devotions. His first Christian work with the Menomonees was performed in 
May of the next year. Allouez found this tribe a feeble one, almost exterminated by war. He 
spent but little time with them, embarking, on the twentieth of that month, after a visit to some 
Pottawattamies and Winnebagoes, " with a Frenchman and a savage to go to Sainte Mary of the 
Sault." His place was filled by Father Louis Andre, who, not long after, erected a cabin upon 
the Menomonee river, which, with one at a village where his predecessor had already raised the 
standard of the cross, was soon burned by the savages; but the missionary, living almost con- 
stantly in his canoe, continued for some time to labor with the Menomonees and surrounding 
tribes The efforts of Andre were rewarded with some conversions among the former; for Mar- 
quette, who visited them in 1673, found many good Christians among them. 

The record of ninety years of French domination in Wisconsin — beginning in June, 1671, 
and ending in October, 1761 — brings to light but little of interest so far as the Menomonees are 
concerned. Gradually they extended their intercourse with the white fur traders. Gradually 
and with few interruptions (one in 1728, and one in 1747 of a serious character) they were 
drawn under the banner of France, joining with that government in its wars with the Iroquois; 
in its contests, in 17 12, 1729, 1730, and 1751, with the Foxes; and. subsequently, in its conflicts 
with the English. 

The French post, at what is now Green Hay, Brown county. Wisconsin, was, along with the 
residue of the western forts, surrendered to the British in 1760, although actual possession of the 
former was not taken until the Fall of the next year. The land on which the fort stood was 
claimed by the Menomonees. Here, at that date, was their upper and principal village, the 
lower one being at the mouth of the Menomonee river. These Indians soon became reconciled 
to the English occupation of their territory, notwithstanding the machinations of French traders 
who endeavored to prejudice them against the new comers. The Menomonees, at this time, 
were very much reduced, having, but a short time previous, lost three hundred of their warriors 



THE INDIAN TRIBES OF WISCONSIN. 23 

by the small pox, and most of their «chiefs in the late war in which they had been engaged by the 
then French commander there, against the English. They were glad to substitute English for 
French traders ; as they could purchase supplies of them at one half the price they had previously 
paid. It was not long before the sincerity of the Menomonees was put to the test. Pontiac's 
War of 1763 broke out, and the post of Mackinaw was captured. The garrison, however, at Green 
bay was not only not attacked by the savages, but, escorted by the Menomonees and other tribes, 
crossed Lake Michigan in safety to the village of L'Arbre Croche ; thence making their way to 
Montreal. The Menomonees continued their friendship to the English, joining with them 
against the Colonies during the Revolution, and fighting on the same side during the war of 
'812-15. 

When, in July, 1816, an American force arrived at Green bay to take possession of the 
country, the Menomonees were found in their village near by, very peaceably inclined. The 
commander of the troops asked permission of their chief to build a fort. " My Brother!" was 
the response, " how can we oppose your locating a council-fire among us ? You are too strong 
for us. Even if we wanted to oppose you we have scarcely got powder and ball to make the 
attempt. One favor we ask is, that our French brothers shall not be disturbed. You can choose 
any place you please for your fort, and we shall not object." No trouble had been anticipated 
from the Menomonees, and the expectations of the government of the United States in that 
regard were fully realized. What added much to the friendship now springing up between the 
Menomonees and the Americans was the fact that the next year — 1817 — the annual contribution 
which for many years had been made by the British, consisting of a shirt, leggins, breech-clout, 
and blanket for each member or the tribe, and for each family a copper kettle, knives, axes, <mns 
and ammunition, was withheld by them. 

It was found by the Americans, upon their occupation of the Menomonee territory, that 
some of the women of that tribe were married to traders and boatmen who had settled at t\e 
head of the bay, there being no white women in that region. Many of these were Canadians of 
French extraction ; hence the anxiety that they should be well treated, which was expressed by 
the Menomonees upon the arrival of the American force. At this period there was a consider- 
able trade carried on with these Indians at Prairie du Chien, as many of them frequently win- 
tered on the Mississippi. The first regular treaty with this tribe was " made and concluded" on 
the thirtieth day of March, 1817, "by and between William Clark, Ninian Edwards, and 
Auguste Chouteau, commissioners on the part and behalf of the United States of America, of the 
one part," and the chiefs arid warriors, deputed by the Menomonees, of the other part. By the 
terms of this compact all injuries were to be forgiven and forgotten ; perpetual peace established- 
lands, heretofore ceded to other governments, confirmed to the United States ; all prisoners to be 
delivered up ; and the tribe placed under the protection of the United States, "and of no other 
nation, power, or sovereign, whatsoever." The Menomonees were now fully and fairly, and for 
the first time, entitled to be known as " American Indians," in contradistinction to the term 
which had been so long used as descriptive of their former allegiance — " British Indians." 

The territory of the Menomonees, when the tribe was taken fully under the wing of the Gen- 
eral Government, had become greatly extended. It was bounded on the north by the dividing 
ridge between the waters flowing into Lake Superior and those flowing south into Green bay and 
the Mississippi ; on the east, by Lake Michigan ; on the south, by the Milwaukee river, and on 
the west by the Mississippi and Black rivers. This was their territory ; though they were prac- 
tically restricted to the occupation of the western shore of Lake Michigan, lying between the 
mouth of Green bay on the north and the Milwaukee river on the south, and to a somewhat 
indefinite area west. Their general claim as late as 1825, was north to the Chippewa country: 



24 HISTORY OF "WISCONSIN. 

east to Green bay and Lake Michigan; south to the Milwaukee river, and west to Black river. 
And what is most surprising is that the feeble tribe of 1761 had now, in less than three quarters 
of a century, become a powerful nation, numbering between three and four thousand. 

The Menomonee territory, as late as 1831, still preserved its large proportions. Its eastern 
division was bounded by the Milwaukee river, the shore of Lake Michigan, Green bay, Fox 
river, and Winnebago lake ; its western division, by the Wisconsin and Chippewa rivers on the 
west ; Fox river on the south ; Green bay on the east, and the high lands whence flow the streams 
into Lake Superior, on the north. This year, however, it was shorn of a valuable and large part 
by the tribe ceding to the United States all the eastern division, estimated at two and one half 
million acres. The following year, the Menomonees aided the General Government in the Black 
Hawk war. 

That the Menomonees might, as much as possible, be weaned from their wandering habits, 
their permanent home was designated to be a large tract lying north of Fox river and east of 
Wolf river. Their territory farther west, was reserved for their hunting grounds until such time 
as the General Government should desire to purchase it. In 1836, another portion, amounting to 
four million acres, lying between Green bay on the east and Wolf river on the west, was dis- 
posed of to the United States, besides a strip three miles in width from near the portage north, 
<>n each side of the Wisconsin river and forty-eight miles long — still leaving them in peace- 
able possession of a country about one hundred and twenty miles long, and about eighty 
broad. 

Finally, in 184S, the Menomonees sold all their lands in Wisconsin to the General Govern- 
ment, preparatory to their movement to a reservation beyond the Mississippi cf six hundred 
thousand acres ; but the latter tract was afterward re-ceded to the United States ; for, notwith- 
standing there were treaty stipulations for the removal of the tribe to that tract, there were 
obstacles in the way of their speedy migration, resulting, finally, in their being permitted to remain 
in Wisconsin. Lands, to the amount of twelve townships, were granted them for their permanent 
homes, on the upper Wolf river, in what is now Shawano and Oconto counties — a portion, but 
a very small one, of what was once their extensive possessions. To this reservation they removed 
in October, 1852. Thus are the Menomonees, the only one of the original tribes of Wisconsin 
who, as a whole, have a local habitation within its limits. This tribe refused to join the Sioux in 
their outbreak in 1861, and several of their warriors served as volunteers in the United States 
army during the late civil war. 

It is now over two centuries since the civilized world began to gain knowledge of the exist- 
ence, in the far West, of a tribe of Indians known as the Winnebagoes — that is, men of the sea; 
pointing, possibly, to their early migration from the shores of the Mexican gulf, or the Pacific. 
The territory now included within the limits of Wisconsin, and so much of the State of Michigan 
as lies north of Green bay, Lake Michigan, the Straits of Mackinaw and Lake Huron were, in 
early times, inhabited by several tribes of the Algonquin race, forming a barrier to the Dakotas, 
or Sioux, who had advanced eastward to the Mississippi. But the Winnebagoes, although one of 
the tribes belonging to the family of the latter, had passed the great river, at some unknown 
period, and settled upon the head waters of Green bay. Here, this "sea-tribe," as early, it is 
believed, as 1634, was visited by an agent of France and a treaty concluded with them. The tribe 
afterward called themselves Hochungara, or Ochunkoraw, but were styled by the Sioux, Hotanke, 
or Sturgeon. Nothing more is heard of the Ouenibigout/, or Winnubegouk (as the Winnebagoes 
were early called by the Jesuit missionaries, and the Algonquin tribes, meaning men from the 
fetid or salt water, translated by the French, Puants) for the next thirty-five years, although 
there is no doubt that the tribe had been visited meanwhile by adventurous Frenchmen, when on 
the second of De< etnber, 1669, some of that nation were noted at a Sac (Sauk or Saukis) village 
on Green bay, by Father Allouez. 



THE INDIAN TRIBES OF WISCOXS13T. 25 

As early at least as 1670, the French were actively engaged among the Winnebagoes trading. 
" We found affairs," says one of the Jesuit missionaries, who arrived among them in September of 
that year, " we found affairs there in a pretty bad posture, and the minds of the savages much 
soured against the French, who were there trading ; ill-treating them in deeds and words, pillag- 
ing and carrying away their merchandise in spite of them, and conducting themselves toward 
them with insupportable insolences and indignities. The cause of this disorder," adds the mis- 
sionary, " is that they had received some bad treatment from the French, to whom they had this 
year come to trade, and particularly from the soldiers, from whom they pretended to have received 
many wrongs and injuries." It is thus made certain that the arms of France were carried into 
the territory of the Winnebagoes over two hundred years ago. 

The Fox river of Green bay was found at that date a difficult stream to navigate. Two 
Jesuits who ascended the river in 1670, had "three or four leagues of rapids to contend with," 
when they had advanced " one day's journey " from the head of the bay, " more difficult than those 
which are common in other rivers, in this, that the flints, over which" they had to walk with 
naked feet to drag their canoes, were so " sharp and so cutting, that one has all the trouble in the 
world to hold one's self steady against the great rushing of the waters." At the falls they found 
an idol that the savages honored ; " never failing, in passing, to make him some sacrifice of 
tobacco, or arrows, or paintings, or other things, to thank him that, by his assistance, they had, in 
ascending, avoided the dangers of the waterfalls which are in this stream ; or else, if they had to 
ascend, to pray him to aid them in this perilous navigation." The devout missionaries caused 
the idol " to be lifted up by the strength of arm, and cast into the depths of the river, to appear 
no more " to the idolatrous savages. 

The mission of St. Francis Xavier, founded in December, 1669, by Allouez, was a roving one 
among the tribes inhabiting the shores of Green bay and the interior country watered by the Fox 
river and its tributaries, for about two years, when its first mission-house was erected at what is 
now Depere, Brown county. This chapel was soon after destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt 
in 1676. 

The Winnebagoes, by this time, had not only received considerable spiritual instruction from 
the Jesuit fathers, but had obtained quite an insight into the mysteries of trading and trafficking 
with white men ; for, following the footsteps of the missionaries, and sometimes preceding them, 
were the ubiquitous French fur traders. It is impossible to determine precisely what territory 
was occupied by the Winnebagoes at this early date, farther than that they lived near the head 
of Green bay. 

A direct trade with the French upon the St. Lawrence was not carried on by the Winne- 
bagoes to any great extent until the beginning of the eighteenth century. As early as 1679, 
an advance party of La Salle had collected a large store of furs at the mouth of Green bay, 
doubtless in a traffic with this tribe and others contiguous to them ; generally, however, the 
surrounding nations sold their peltries to the Ottawas, who disposed of them, in turn, to the 
French. The commencement of the eighteenth century found the Winnebagoes firmly in 
alliance with France, and in peace with the dreaded Iroquios. In 17 18, the nation numbered 
six hundred. They were afterward found to have moved up Fox river, locating upon Winne- 
bago lake, which stream and lake were their ancient seat, and from which they had been driven 
either by fear or the prowess of more powerful tribes of the West or Southwest. Their inter- 
course with the French was gradually extended and generally peaceful, though not always so, 
joining with them, as did the Menomonees, in their wars with the Iroquois, and subsequently in 
their conflicts with the English, which finally ended in 1760. 

When the British, in October, 1761, took possession of the French post, at the head of 



26 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Green bay, the Winnebagoes were found to number one hundred and fifty warriors only ; their 
nearest village being at the lower end of Winnebago lake. They had in all not less than three 
towns. Their country, at this period, included not only that lake, but all the streams flowing 
into it, especially Fox river; afterward extended to the Wisconsin and Rock rivers. They 
readily changed their course of trade — asking now of the commandant at the fort for English 
traders to be sent among them. In the Indian outbreak under Pontiac in 1763, they joined 
with the Menomonees and other tribes to befriend the British garrison at the head of the bay, 
assisting in conducting them to a place of safety. They continued their friendship to the English 
during the Revolution, by joining with them against the colonies, and were active in the Indian 
war of 1790-4, taking part in the attack on Fort Recovery, upon the Maumee, in the present 
State of Ohio, in 1793. They fought also on the side of the British in the war of 1812-15, 
aiding, in 1S14, to reduce Prairie du Chien. They were then estimated at 4,500. When, in 
1816, the government of the United States sent troops to take possession of the Green bay 
country, by establishing a garrison there, some trouble was anticipated from these Indians, who, 
at that date, had the reputation of being a bold and warlike tribe. A deputation from the nation 
came down Fox river and remonstrated with the American commandant at what was thought 
to be an intrusion. They were desirous of knowing why a fort was to be established so near 
them. The reply was that, although the troops were armed for war if necessary, their purpose 
was peace. Their response was an old one : " If your object is peace, you have too many men ; 
if war, you have too few." However, the display of a number of cannon which had not yet been 
mounted, satisfied the Winnebagoes that the Americans were masters of the situation, and the 
deputation gave the garrison no farther trouble. On the 3d of June, 1816, at St. Louis, the tribe 
made a treaty of peace and friendship with the General Government; but they continued to levy 
tribute on all white people who passed up Fox river. English annuities also kept up a bad 
feeling. At this time, a portion of the tribe was living upon the Wisconsin river, away from the 
rest of the nation, which was still seated upon the waters flowing into Green bay. In 1820, 
they had five villages on Winnebago lake and fourteen on Rock river. In 1825, the claim of 
the Winnebagoes was an extensive one, so far as territory was concerned. Its southeast 
boundary stretched away from the source of Rock river to within forty miles of its mouth, in 
Illinois, where they had a village. On the west it extended to the heads of the small streams 
flowing into the Mississippi. To the northward, it reached Black river and the upper Wis- 
consin, in other words, to the Chippewa territory, but did not extend across Fox river, although 
they contended for the whole of Winnebago lake. In 1829, a large part of their territory in 
southwest Wisconsin, lying between Sugar river and the Mississippi, and extending to the Wis- 
consin river, was sold to the General Government; and, three years later all the residue lying 
south and east of the Wisconsin and the Fox river of Green bay ; the Winnebago prophet having 
before that date supported the Sacs in their hostility. Finally, in the brief language of the treaty 
between this tribe (which had become unsettled and wasteful) and the United States, of the first 
of November, 1837, "The Winnebago Nation of Indians " ceded to the General Government 
" all their lands east of the Mississippi." Not an acre was reserved. And the Indians agreed 
that, within eight months from that date, they would move west of " the great river." This 
arrangement, however, was not carried out fully. In 1842, there were only 756 at Turkey river, 
Iowa, their new home, with as many in Wisconsin, and smaller bands e' ewhere. All had become 
lawless, and roving. Some removed in 1S4S; while a party to the number of over eight hun- 
dred left the State as late as 1873. The present home of the tribe is in Nebraska, where they 
have a reservation north of and adjacent to the Omahas, containing over one hundred thousand 
acres. However, since their first removal beyond the Mississippi, they have several times, 



THE INDIAN TRIBES OF WISCONSIN. 27 

changed their place of abode. Their number, all told, is less than twenty-five hundred. 

When the territory, now constituting the northern portion of Wisconsin, becai..o very 
generally known to the civilized inhabitants of the eastern part of the United States, it was 
found to be occupied by Indians called the Chippewas. Their hunting-grounds extended south 
from Lake Superior to the heads of the Menomonee, the Wisconsin and Chippewa rivers ; also 
farther eastward and westward. At an early day they were engaged in a war with the Sioux — 
a war indeed, which was long continued. The Chippewas, however, persistently maintained 
their position — still occupying the same region when the General Government extended its 
jurisdiction over the whole country south of the Great Lakes and west to the Mississippi. 

By treaties with the Chippewas at different periods, down to the year 1827, the General Gov- 
ernment had recognized them as the owners of about one quarter of what is now the entire 
State. The same policy was pursued toward this tribe as with neighboring ones, in the purchase 
of their lands by the United States. Gradually they parted with their extensive possessions, until, 
in 1842, the last acre within what is now Wisconsin was disposed of. It was the intention of the 
General Government to remove the several bands of the Chippewas who had thus ceded their 
lands to a tract reserved for them beyond the Mississippi; but this determination was afterward 
changed so as to allow them to remain upon certain reservations within the limits of their old- 
time hunting grounds. These reservations they continue to occupy. They are located in Bay- 
field, Ashland, Chippewa and Lincoln counties. The clans are known, respectively, as the Red 
Cliff band, the Bad River band, the Lac Courte Oreille band, and the Lac de Flambeau band. 

Of all the tribes inhabiting what is now Wisconsin when its territory was first visited by 
white men, the Sacs (Sauks or Saukies) and Foxes (Outagamies) are, in history, the most noted. 
They are of the Algonquin family, and are first mentioned in 1665, by Father Allouez, but as 
separate tribes. Afterward, however, because of the identity of their language, and their asso- 
ciations, they were and still are considered as one nation. In December, 1669, Allouez found 
upon the shores of Green bay a village of Sacs, occupied also by members of other tribes; and 
early in 1670 he visited a village of the same Indians located upon the Fox river of Green bay, 
at a distance of four leagues from its mouth. Here a device of these Indians for catching fish 
arrested the attention of the missionary. "From one side of the river to the other," he writes, 
"they made a barricade, planting great stakes, two fathoms from the water, in such a manner 
that there is, as it were, a bridge above for the fishes, who by the aid of a little bow-net, easily 
take sturgeons and all other kinds of fish which this pier stops, although the water does not 
cease to flow between the stakes." When the Jesuit father first obtained, five years previous, a 
knowledge of this tribe, they were represented as savage above all others, great in numbers, and 
without any permanent dwelling place. The Foxes were of two stocks : one calling themselves 
Outagamies or Foxes, whence our English name; the other, Musquakink, or men of red clay, 
the name now used by the tribe. They lived in early times with their kindred the Sacs east of 
Detroit, and as some say near the St. Lawrence. They were driven west, and settled at Saginaw, 
a name derived from the Sacs. Thence they were forced by the Iroquois to Green bay ; but 
were compelled to leave that place and settle on Fox river. 

Allouez, on the twenty-fourth of April, 1670, arrived at a village of the Foxes, situated on 
Wolf river, a northern tributary of the Fox. "The nation," he declares, "is renowned for 
being numerous ; they have more than four hundred men bearing arms ; the number of women 
and children is greater, on account of polygamy which exists among them — each man having 
commonly four wives, some of them six, and others as high as ten." The missionary found that 
the Foxes had retreated to those parts to escape the persecutions of the Iroquois. Allouez 
established among these Indians his mission of St. Mark, rejoicing in the fact that in less than 



28 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

two years he had baptized "sixty children and some adults." The Foxes, at the summons of De 
la Barre, in 1684, sent warriors against the Five Nations. They also took part in Denonville's 
more serious campaign ; but soon after became hostile to the French. As early as 169.3, tri ey 
had plundered several on their way to trade with the Sioux, alleging that they were carrying arms 
and ammunition to their ancient enemies — frequently causing them to make portages to the 
southward in crossing from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. Afterward they became recon- 
ciled to the French; but the reconciliation was of short duration. In 1712, Fort Detroit, then 
defended by only a handful of men, was attacked by them in conjunction with the Mascou- 
tens and Kickapoos. However, in the end, by calling in friendly Indians, the garrison not only 
protected themselves but were enabled to act on the offensive, destroying the greater part of the 
besieging force. 

The nation continued their ill will to the French. The consequence was that their territory 
in 1 7 16 had been invaded and they were reduced to sue for peace. But their friendship was not 
of long continuance. In 17 18, the Foxes numbered five hundred men and "abounded in women 
and children." They are spoken of at that date as being very industrious, raising large quantities 
of Indian corn. In 1728, another expedition was sent against them by the French. Meanwhile 
the Menomonees had also become hostile; so, too, the Sacs, who were now the allies of the 
Foxes. The result of the enterprise was, an attack upon and the defeat of a number of 
Menomonees; the burning of the wigwams of the YVinnebagos (after passing the deserted village 
of the Sacs upon the Fox river), that tribe, also, at this date being hostile ; and the destruction 
of the fields of the Foxes. They were again attacked in their own country by the French, in 
1730, and defeated. In 1734, both the Sacs and Foxes came in conflict with the same foe; but 
this time the French were not as successful as on previous expeditions. In 1736, the Sacs and 
Foxes were "connected with the government of Canada; " but it is certain they were far from 
being friendly to the French. 

The conflict between France and Great Britain commencing in 1754, found the Sacs and 
Foxes allied with the former power, against the English, although not long previous to this time 
they were the bitter enemies of the French. At the close of that contest so disastrous to the 
interests of France in North America, these tribes readily gave in their adhesion to the con- 
querors, asking that English traders might be sent them. The two nations, then about equally 
divided, numbered, in 1761, about seven hundred warriors. Neither of the tribes took part in 
Pontiac's war, but they befriended the English. The Sacs had migrated farther to the west- 
ward ; but the Foxes — at least a portion of them — still remained upon the waters of the river of 
Green bay, which perpetuates their name. A few years later, however, and the former were 
occupants of the upper Wisconsin ; also, to a considerable distance below the portage, where 
their chief town was located. Further down the same stream was the upper village of the 
Foxes, while their lower one was situated near its mouth at the site of the present city of Prairie 
du Chien. At this date, 1766, the northern portion of what is now Wisconsin, including all that 
part watered by the streams flowing north into Lake Superior, was the home of the Chippewas. 
The country around nearly the whole of Green bay was the hunting ground of the Menomonees. 
The territory of Winnebago lake and Fox river was the seat of the Winnebagoes. The region 
of the Wisconsin river was the dwelling place of the Sacs and Foxes. 

During the war of the Revolution, the Sacs and Foxes continued the firm friends of the 
English. At the commencement of the nineteenth century, only a small part of their territory 
was included in what is now Wisconsin, and that was in the extreme southwest. In 1804, they 
ceded this to the United States ; so that they no longer were owners of any lands within this 
State. From that date, therefore, these allied tribes can not be considered as belonging to the 



PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 29 

Indian nations of Wisconsin. A striking episode in their subsequent history — the Black Hawk 
War — comes in, notwithstanding, as a part, incidentally, of the annals of the State. 

Deserving a place in a notice of the Indian tribes of Wisconsin is the nation known as the 
Pottawattamies. As early as 1639, they were the neighbors of the Winnebagoes upon Green 
bay. They were still upon its southern shore, in two villages, in 1670; and ten years subsequent 
to that date they occupied, at least in one village the same region. At the expiration of the 
first quarter of the eighteenth century, a part only of the nation were in that vicinity — upon the 
islands at the mouth of the bay. These islands were then known as the Pottawattamie islands, 
and considered as the ancient abode of these Indians. Already had a large portion of this tribe 
emigrated southward, one band resting on the St. Joseph of Lake Michigan, the other near Detroit. 
One peculiarity of this tribe — at least of such as resided in what is now Wisconsin — was their 
intimate association with neighboring bands. When, in 1669, a village of the Pottawattarnies, 
located upon the southeast shore of Green bay, was visited by Allouez, he found with them Sacs 
and Foxes and Winnebagoes. So, also, when, many years subsequent to that date, a band of 
these Indians were located at Milwaukee, with them were Ottawas and Chippewas. These 
■" united tribes " claimed all the lands of their respective tribes and of other nations, giving the 
United States, when possession was taken of the western country by the General Government, 
no little trouble. Finally, by a treaty, held at Chicago in 1833, their claims, such as they were, 
to lands along the western shore of Lake Michigan, within the present State of Wisconsin, 
extending westward to Rock river, were purchased by the United States, with permission to 
retain possession three years longer of their ceded lands, after which time this " united nation 
of Chippewas, Ottawas and Pottawattarnies " began to disappear, and soon were no longer seen in 
southeastern Wisconsin or in other portions of the State. 

Besides the five tribes — Menomonees, Winnebagoes, Chippewas, Sacs and Foxes, and 
Pottawattarnies — many others, whole or in part, have, since the territory now constituting the 
State was first visited by white men, been occupants of its territory. Of these,, some are only 
known as having once lived in what is now Wisconsin ; others — such as the Hurons, Illinois, 
Kickapoos, Mascoutens, Miamis, Noquets, Ottawas and Sioux, are recognized as Indians once 
dwelling in this region ; yet so transitory has been their occupation, or so little is known of their 
history, that they scarcely can be claimed as belonging to the State. 

Commencing in 1822, and continuing at intervals through some of the following years, was 
the migration to Wisconsin from the State of New York of the remains or portions of four tribes : 
the Oneidas, Stockbridges, Munsees and Brothertowns. The Oneidas finally located west of 
Green Bay, where they still reside. Their reservation contains over 60,000 acres, and lies 
wholly within the present counties of Brown and Outagamie. The Stockbridges and Munsees, 
■who first located above Green Bay, on the east side of Fox river, afterward moved to the east 
side of Winnebago lake. They now occupy a reservation joining the southwest township of the 
Menomenee reservation, in Shawano county, and are fast becoming citizens. The Brothertowns 
first located on the east side of Fox river, but subsequently moved to the east side of Winnebago 
lake, where, in 1839, they broke up their tribal relations and became citizens of Wisconsin 
territory. 

III.— PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 

When, in 1634, the first white man set foot upon any portion of the territory now consti- 
tuting the State of Wisconsin, the whole country was, of course, a wilderness. Its inhabitants, 
the aboriginal Red men, were thinly but widely scattered over all the country John Nicolet, 
a Frenchman, who had been in Canada since 161 8, and had spent several years among the 



30 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Indians, was the first of civilized men to unlock the mystery of its situation and people. French 
authorities upon the St. Lawrence sent him as an ambassador to the Winnebagoes, of whom he 
had heard strange stories. On his outward voyage he visited the Hurons — allies of the French 
— a tribe seated upon the eastern side of the lake which bears their name, and Nicolet was 
empowered to negotiate a peace with them. " When he approached the Winnebago town, he sent 
some of his Indian attendants to announce his coming, put on a robe of damask, and advanced 
to meet the expectant crowd with a pistol in each hand. The squaws and children fled, scream- 
ing that it was a man i to, or spirit, armed with thunder and lightning ; but the chiefs and warriors 
regaled him with so bountiful a hospitality, that a hundred and twenty beavers were devoured at 
a single feast." Such was the advent of the daring Frenchman into what is now the State of 
Wisconsin. 

" Upon the borders of Green bay," wrote the Jesuit, Paul le Jeune, in 1640, " are the Meno- 
monees; still farther on, the Winnebagoes, a sedentary people, and very numerous. Some 
Frenchmen," he continues, " call them the ' Nation of the Stinkards,' because the Algonquin 
word Winipeg signifies ' stinking water.' Now they thus call the water of the sea ; therefore, 
these people call themselves ' Winnebagoes,' because they came from the shores of a sea of which 
we have no knowledge; consequently we must not call them the ' Nation of Stinkards,' but the 
' Nation of the Sea.' " From these Men of the Sea, Nicolet passed westward, ascended Fox 
river of Green Bay, until nigh the portage to the Wisconsin, down which stream he could have 
floated easily to the Mississippi, the "great water" of his guides, which he mistook for the 
sea. This adventurous Frenchman, when so near re-discovering the river which has given 
immortality to De Soto, turned his face to the eastward ; retraced his steps to Green bay, and 
finally returned in safety to Quebec. This was the first exploration of what is now Wisconsin — 
only fourteen years after the landing of the Pilgrims upon the wild shores of New England. 

Wisconsin, for twenty-four years after its discovery, was left to its savage inhabitants. At 
length, in 1658, two daring fur traders penetrated to Lake Superior, and wintered there. They 
probably set foot upon what is now Wisconsin soil, as they made several trips among the sur- 
rounding tribes. They saw, among other things, at six days' journey beyond the lake, toward 
the southwest, Indians that the Iroquois had driven from their homes upon the eastern shores of 
Lake Huron. These Frenchmen heard of the ferocious Sioux, and of a great river — not the sea,. 
as Nicolet had supposed — on which they dwelt. This was the Mississippi; and to these traders 
is the world indebted for a knowledge of its existence; as De Soto's discovery was never used, 
and soon became well-nigh, if not entirely, forgotten. From these upper countries, in the Sum- 
mer of 1660, the two returned to Quebec, with three hundred Indians in sixty canoes, laden with 
peltry. This was, indeed, the dawn — though exceedingly faint — of what is now the commerce of 
the great Northwest. Nineteen years after flashed a more brilliant light; for, in 1679, the 
"Griffin," laden with furs, left one of the islands at the mouth of Green bay, on its return — 
spreading her sails for Niagara, but never more to be heard of. 

Following in the footsteps of the fur traders came the Jesuit missionaries to Lake Superior ; 
one of them. Father Menard, as early as 1660, reaching its southern shore as far to the westward, 
probably, as Kewenaw, in the present State of Michigan. There is no positive evidence, however, 
that he or his French companions, visited any portion of what is now Wisconsin ; although the next 
year, 1661, some of his associates probably passed down the Menomonee river to Green bay. 
Following Menard came Father Claude Allouez, arriving on the first day of October, 1665, at 
" Chagowamigong," or " Chegoimegon," now Chequamegon, or Ashland Bay, " at the bottom of 
which," wrote the missionary, " is situated the i;reat villages of the savages, who there plant their 
fields of Indian corn, and lead a stationary life." Near by he erected a small chapel of bark — the 



PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 31 

first structure erected by civilized man in Wisconsin. At La Pointe, in the present Ashland 
county, he established the mission of the Holy Ghost. 

The next Catholic mission in what is now Wisconsin was that of St. Francis Xavier, founded 
also by Allouez. Upon the second of December, 1669, he first attended to his priestly devotions 
upon the waters of Green bay. This mission, for the first two years of its existence, was a 
migratory one. The surrounding tribes were all visited, including the Pottawattamies, Menom- 
onees, Winnebagoes, and Sacs and Foxes. However, in 167 1, one hundred and five years before 
the Declaration of Independence, there was erected, at what is now Depere, Brown county, a 
chapel for the mission of St. Francis Xavier. Thus early did the Jesuit Fathers, in their plain 
garbs and unarmed, carry the cross to many of the benighted heathen occupying the country 
circumscribed by Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior, and the "great river" — the Mississippi. 

French domination in Wisconsin dates from the year 167 1, the very year in which it seems 
the indomitable LaSalle, upon his first expedition, passed the mouth of Green bay, but did not 
enter it. France then took formal possession of the whole of the country of the upper lakes. 
By this time, the commerce with the western tribes had so attached them to her interests that 
she determined to extend her power to the utmost limits — -vague and indeterminate as they 
were — of Canada. An agent — Daumont de St. Lusson — was dispatched to the distant tribes, 
proposing a congress of Indian nations at the Falls of Ste. Mary, between Lake Huron and Lake 
Superior. The invitation was extended far and near. The principal chiefs of Wisconsin tribes, 
gathered by Nicolas Perrot in Green bay, were present at the meeting. Then and there, with 
due ceremony, it was announced that the great Northwest was placed under the protection of 
the French government. And why not? She had discovered it — had to a certain extent 
explored it — had to a limited extent established commerce with it — and her missionaries had 
proclaimed the faith to the wondering savages. But none of her agents — none of the fur- 
traders — none of the missionaries — had yet reached the Mississippi, the "great river," concerning 
which so many marvels had been heard, although it is claimed that, in 1669, it had been seen 
by the intrepid La Salle. But the time for its discovery, or properly re-discovery, was at hand, if, 
indeed, it can be called, with propriety, a re-discovery, since its existence to the westward was 
already known to every white man particularly interested in matters appertaining to the North- 
west. Now, however, for the first time, its upper half was to be, to a certain extent, explored. 
For the first time, a white man was to behold its vast tribute, above the Illinois river, rolling 
onward toward the Mexican gulf. Who was that man ? His name was Louis Joliet ; with him 
was Father James Marquette. 

Born at Quebec, in 1645, educated by the Jesuits, and first resolving to be a priest, then 
turning fur-trader, Joliet had, finally, been sent with an associate to explore the copper mines of 
Lake Superior. He was a man of close and intelligent observation, and possessed considerable 
mathematical acquirements. At this time, 1673, he was a merchant, courageous, hardy, enter- 
prising. He was appointed by French authorities at Quebec to " discover " the Mississippi. He 
passed up the lakes to Mackinaw, and found at Point St. Ignace, on the north side of the strait, 
Father James Marquette, who readily agreed to accompany him. Their outfit was very simple : 
two birch-bark canoes and a supply of smoked meat and Indian corn. They had a company of 
five men with them, beginning their voyage on the seventeenth of May, 1673. Passing the straits, 
they coasted the northern shores of Lake Michigan, moved up Green bay and Fox river to the 
portage. They crossed to the Wisconsin, down which they paddled their frail canoes, until, on 
the seventeenth of June, they entered — " discovered " — the Mississippi. So the northern, the 
eastern and the western boundary of what is now Wisconsin had been reached at this date ; 
therefore, it may be said that its territory had been explored sufficiently for the forming of a 



32 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN'. 

pretty correct idea of its general features as well as of its savage inhabitants. After dropping 
down the Mississippi many miles, Joliet and Marquette returned to Green bay, where the latter 
remained to recruit his exhausted strength, while Joliet descended to Quebec, to report his 
"discoveries" to his superiors. 

Then followed the expedition of LaSalle to the west, from the St. Lawrence, when, in 1679, 
he and Father Louis Hennepin coasted along the western shore of Lake Michigan, frequently 
landing ; then, the return of Henri de Tonty, one of LaSalle's party down the same coast to Green 
bay, in 16S0, from the Illinois; the return, also, the same year, of Hennepin, from up the Mis- 
sissippi, whither he had made his way from the Illinois, across what is now Wisconsin, by the 
Wisconsin and Fox rivers to Green bay, in company with DuLhut, or DuLuth, who, on his way 
down the " great river " from Lake Superior, had met the friar ; and then, the voyage, in 1683, from 
Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river, by the same route, of LeSueur, and his subsequent 
establishment at La Pointe, in what is now Ashland county, Wisconsin, followed several years 
after by a trip up the Mississippi. The act of Daumont de St. Lusson, at the Sault Sainte Mary, 
in 167 1, in taking possession of the country beyond Lake Michigan, not being regarded as suffi- 
ciently definite, Nicolas Perrot, in 1689, at Green bay, again took possession of that territory, as 
well as of the valleys of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, and extending the dominion of New 
France over the country on the Upper Mississippi, and "to other places more remote." The 
voyage of St. Cosme, in 1699, when he and his companions frequently landed on the west coast 
of Lake Michigan, upon what is now territory of Wisconsin, completed the explorations in the 
west for the seventeenth century. 

Following in the footsteps of early explorations, of self sacrificing attempts of the Jesuits to 
carry the cross to the wild tribes of the West, of the first visits of the lawless coureurs de bois, 
was the military occupation — if such it can be called — of what is now Wisconsin by the 1'' reach. 
The ninety years of domination by France in this region were years of only nominal possession. 
The record of this occupation is made up of facts concerning the Indian policy of the French 
rulers; their contests with the Sacs and Foxes; their treaties, at various times, with different 
tribes; their interest in, and protection of, the fur trade, and kindred subjects. The Indian 
tribes were, at most, only the allies of France. Posts — mere stockades without cannon, more for 
protection to fur-traders than for any other purpose — were erected upon the Mississippi at two 
points at least, upon what is now territory of Wisconsin. < >n the west side of Fox river of 
Green bay, "half a league from its mouth," was a French post, as early as 1721. where resided, 
besides the commandant and an uncouth squad of soldiers, a Jesuit missionary; and near by 
were collected Indians of different tribes. Of course, the omnipresent fur-trader helped to 
augment the sum-total of its occupants. This post was, not long after, destroyed, but another 
was established there. When, however, France yielded her inchoate rights in the West to Great 
Britain — when, in 1761, the latter took possession of the count r> — there was not a French post 
within what is now Wisconsin. The "fort" near the head of Green bay, had been vacated for 
years; it was found "rotten, the stockade ready to fall, and the houses without cover;" 
emblematic of the decay — the fast-crumbling and perishing state — of French supremacy, at that 
date, in America. Wisconsin, when England's control began, was little better than a howling 
wilderness. There was not within the broad limits of what is now the Slate, a single bona fiiic 
settler, at the time the French Government yielded up its possession to the English; that is to 
say, there were none according to the present acceptation of the term "settler." 

The military occupation of Wisconsin by the British, after the Seven Years' War, was a brief 
one. La Bay — as the post at what is now the city of Fort Howard. Brown county, was called — 
was, on the twelfth of October, 1 761 , taken possession of by English troops, under Captain 
Belfour, of the Eightieth regiment. Two days after, that officer departed, leaving Lieutenant 



PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 33 

James Gorrell, in command, with one sergeant, one corporal and fifteen privates. There also 
remained at the post a French interpreter and two English traders. The name of the fortifica- 
tion was changed to Fort Edward Augustus. This post was abandoned~i>y~llie commandant on 
the twenty-first of June, 1763, on account of the breaking out of Pontiac's War and the capture 
of the fort at Mackinaw by the savages. The cause of this war was this : The Indian tribes 
saw the danger which the downfall of the French interests in Canada was sure to bring to them. 
They banded together under Pontiac to avert their ruin. The struggle was short but fierce — 
full of " scenes of tragic interest, with marvels of suffering and vicissitude, of heroism and endur- 
ance ; " but the white man conquered. The moving incidents in this bloody drama were ^enacted 
to the eastward of what is now Wisconsin, coming no nearer than Mackinaw, which) as just 
mentioned, the savages captured; but it resulted in the evacuation of its territory by British 
troops, who never after took possession of it, though they continued until 1796 a nominal 
military rule over it, after Mackinaw was again occupied by them. 

An early French Canadian trading station at the head of Green bay assumed finally the 
form of a permanent settlement — the first one in Wisconsin. To claim, however that any 
French Canadian is entitled to the honor of being the first permanent white settler is assuming 
for him more than the facts seem to warrant. The title of " The Father and Founder of Wis- 
consin " belongs to no man. 

After Pontiac's War, one of the noted events in this region was the journey of Jonathan 
Carver, who, in 1766, passed up Fox river to the portage, and descended the Wisconsin to the 
Mississippi. He noticed the tumbling-down post at what is now Green Bay, Brown county. 
He saw a few families living in the fort, and some French settlers, who cultivated the land 
opposite, and appeared to live very comfortably. That was the whole extent of improvements 
in what is now Wisconsin. The organization of the Northwest Fur Company ; the passage of 
an act by the British Parliament by which the whole Northwest was included in the Province of 
Quebec; the joining of the Indians in this region with the British, against the Americans, in the 
War of the Revolution; the exploration of the lead region of the Upper Mississippi by Julian 
Dubuque; the passage of the ordinance of 1787; the first settlement of the territory northwest 
of the River Ohio; and the Indian war which followed, are all incidents, during British occu- 
pation, of more or less interest for the student of Wisconsin history. He will find that, by the 
treaty of 1783 and of 1795, w ' tn Great Britain, all the inhabitants residing in this region were to 
be protected by the United States in the full and peaceable possession of their property, with the 
right to remain in, or to withdraw from it, with their effects, within one year. All who did not 
leave were to be deemed American citizens, allowed to enjoy all the privileges of citizenship, and 
to be under the protection of the General Government. He will also find that less than two 
years was the whole time of actual military occupation of what is now Wisconsin by British 
soldiers, and that English domination, which should have ended at the close of the Revolu- 
tion, was arbitrarily continued until the Summer of 1796, when the western posts, none of which 
were upon territory circumscribed by Lakes Michigan and Superior and the Mississippi river, 
were delivered into the keeping of the United States. Thus the supremacy of Great Britain over 
the Northwest was, after an actual continuance of thirty-five years, at an end. 

Although the General Government did not get possession of the region northwest of the Ohio, 
throughout its full extent, for thirteen years subsequent to its acquirement by the treaty of peace 
of 17S3 with Great Britain, nevertheless, steps were taken, very soon, to obtain concessions from 
such of the colonies as had declared an ownership in any portion of it. None of the claimants, 
seemingly, had better rights than Virginia, who, by virtue of conquests, largely her own, of the 
Illinois settlements and posts, extended her jurisdiction over that country, erecting into a county 



34 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

so much of the region northwest of the Ohio, as had been settled by Virginians or might after- 
ward be settled by them. But as, previous to her yielding all rights to territory beyond that 
river, she had not carried her arms into the region north of the Illinois or made settlements upe" 
what is now the soil of Wisconsin, nor included any portion of it within the bounds of an organ- 
ized county, it follows that her dominion was not actually extended over any part of the area 
included within the present boundaries of this State ; nor did she then claim jurisdiction north 
of the Illinois river, but on the other hand expressly disclaimed it. 

Virginia and all the other claimants finally ceded to the United States their rights, such as 
they were, beyond the Ohio, except two reservations of limited extent ; and the General Govern- 
ment became the undisputed owner of the "Great West," without any internal claims to posses- 
sion save those of the Indians. Meanwhile, the United States took measures to extend its juris- 
diction over the whole country by the passage of the famous ordinance of 1787, which established 
a government over "the territory of the United States, northwest of the River Ohio." But thir 
organic law was, of course, nugatory over that portion of the region occupied by the British, 
until their yielding possession in 1796, when, for the first time, Anglo-American rule commenced, 
though nominally, in what is now Wisconsin. By the ordinance just mentioned, "the United 
States, in congress assembled," declared that the territory northwest of the Ohio should, for the 
purposes of temporary government, be one district , subject, however, to be divided into districts, 
as future circumstances might, in the opinion of Congress, make it expedient. It was ordained 
that a governor, secretary and three judges should be appointed for the Territory; a general 
assembly was also provided for; and it was declared that religion, morality, and knowledge, 
being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of 
education should forever be encouraged. It was also ordained that there should be neither 
slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said Territory, "otherwise than in the punishment of 
crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted." Thus was established the first Magna 
Charta for the five great States since that tine formed out of "the territory northwest of the 
River Ohio," and the first rules and regulations for their government. 

Under this act of Congress, Arthur St. Clair was appointed governor of the Northwestern 
Territory, as it was called, and Samuel H. Parsons, James M. Varnum, and John Armstrong, 
judges, — the latter not accepting the office, John Cleves Symmes was appointed in his place. 
Winthrop Sargeant was appointed secretary. At different periods, counties were erected to 
include various portions of the Territory. By the governor's proclamation of the 15th of 
August, 1796, one was formed to include the whole of the present area of Northern Ohio, west of 
Cleveland; also, all of what is now the State of Indiana, north of a line drawn from Fort Wayne 

■! -northerly to the southern part of Lake Michigan;" the whole of the present State of 
Michigan, except its extreme northwest corner on Lake Superior; a small corner in the north- 
east, part of what is now Illinois, including Cuicago; and so much of the present State of Wis- 
consin as is watered by the streams ll wing into Lake Michigan, which of course included an 
extensive portion, taking in many of its eastern and interior counties as now constituted. This 
vast county was named Wayne. So the few settlers then at the head of Green bay had their 
local habitations, constructively at least, in "Wayne county, Northwestern Territory." It was 
just at that date that Great Britain vacated the western posts, and the United States took quiet 
possession of them. But the western portion of what is now Wisconsin, including all its territory 
watered by streams flowing northward into Lake Superior/and westward and southwestward into 
the Mississippi, was as yet without any county organization ; as the county of St. Clair, including 
the Illinois country to the southward, reached no farther north than the mouth of Little Macki- 
naw creek, where it empties into the River Illinois, in what is now the State of Illinois. The 



PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 35 

"law of Paris," which was in force under French domination in Canada, and which by the 
British Parliament in 1774, had been continued in force under English supremacy, was still " the 
law of the land " west of Lake Michigan, practically at least. 

From and after the fourth day of July, 1800, all that part of the territory of the United 
States northwest of the Ohio river, which lay to the westward of a line beginning upon that 
stream opposite to the mouth of Kentucky river and running thence to what is now Fort 
Recovery in Mercer county, Ohio ; thence north until it intersected the territorial line between 
the United States and Canada, was, for the purposes of temporary government, constituted a 
separate territory called Indiana. It included not only the whole of the present State of Illinois 
and nearly all of what is now Indiana, but more than half of the State of Michigan as now 
denned, also a considerable part of the present Minnesota, and the whole of what is now Wis- 
consin. 

The seat of government was established at "Saint Vincennes on the Wabash,'' now the city 
of Vincennes, Indiana. To this extensive area was added "from and after " the admission of 
Ohio into the Union, all the territory west of that State, and east of the eastern boundary line of 
the Territory of Indiana as originally established ; so that now all " the territory of the United 
States, northwest of the River Ohio," was, excepting the State of Ohio, included in Indiana Ter- 
ritory. On the thirtieth day of June, 1805, so much of Indiana Territory as lay to the north of 
a liue drawn east from the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan to Lake Erie, and east 
of a line drawn from the same bend through the middle of the first mentioned lake to its north- 
ern extremity, and thence due north to the northern boundary of the United States, was, for the 
purpose of temporary government, constituted a separate Territory called Michigan. Of course 
no part of the present State of Wisconsin was included therein ; but the whole remained in the 
Territory of Indiana until the second day of March, 1809, when all that part of the last men- 
tioned Territory which lay west of the Wabash river, and a direct line drawn from that stream 
and " Post Vincennes," due north to the territorial line between the United States and Canada, 
was, by an act approved on the third of February previous, constituted a separate Territory, called 
Illinois. Meanwhile jurisdiction had been extended by the authorities of Indiana Territory 
over the country lying west of Lake Michigan, to the extent, at least, of appointing a justice of 
the peace for each of the settlements of Green Bay and Prairie du Chien. All of what is now 
Wisconsin was transferred to the Territory of Illinois, upon the organization of the latter, except 
a small portion lying east of the meridian line drawn through Vincennes, which remained a part 
of Indiana Territory. This fraction included nearly the whole area between Green bay and 
Lake Michigan. 

When, in 1816, Indiana became a State, "the territory of the United States northwest of the 
River Ohio," contained, besides Ohio and Indiana, the Territories of Illinois and Michigan, only ; 
so the narrow strip, formerly a part of Indiana Territory, lying east of a line drawn due north 
from Vincennes, and west of the western boundary line of Michigan Territory, belonged to nei- 
ther, and was left without any organization. However, upon the admission of Illinois into the 
Union, in 1S18, all "the territory of the United States, northwest of the River Ohio," lying west 
of Michigan Territory and north of the States of Indiana and Illinois, was attached to and made 
a part of Michigan Territory, by which act the whole of the present State of Wisconsin came 
under the jurisdiction of the latter. During the existence of the Territory of Illinois, a kind of 
jurisdiction was had over the two settlements in what is now Wisconsin — rather more ideal than 
real, however. 

In 1834, Congress greatly increased the limits of the Territory of Michigan, by adding to it, 
for judicial purposes, a large extent of country west of the Mississippi — reaching south as far as 



36 HISTORY OF AVISCOXSIX. 

the present boundary line between the present States of Iowa and Missouri; north, to the terri- 
torial line between the United States and Canada ; and west, to the Missouri and White Earth 
rivers. It so continued down to the fourth of July, 1836. 

A retrospective glance at the history of this region for forty years previous to the last men- 
tioned year, including the time which elapsed after the surrender of the western posts, in 1796, 
by the British, discloses many facts of interest and importance. 

The Anglo-Americans, not long after the region of country west of Lake Michigan became 
a part of Indiana Territory, began now and then to cast an eye, either through the opening of 
the Great Lakes or the Mississippi, upon its rolling rivers, its outspread prairies, and its dense 
forests, and to covet the goodly land ; but the settlers at Green Bay and Prairie du Chien were 
mostly French Canadians at this date, although a few were Americans. The General Govern- 
ment, however, began to take measures preparatory to its occupation, by purchasing, in 1S04, a 
tract in what is now the southwest portion of the State, of the Indians, and by holding the various 
tribes to a strict account for any murders committed by them on American citizi -ing 

through their territories or trading with them. Comparative peace reigned in the inn ■ tie- 

men ts at the head of Green bay and at the mouth of the Wisconsin, which was changed by the 
breaking out of the war of 1S12, with Great Britain. 

The English early succeeded in securing the Wisconsin Indian tribes as their allies in this 
war; and the taking of Mackinaw by the British in July, iSu, virtually put the latter in 
sion of what is now the eastern portion of the State. Early in 1S14, the government authorities 
of the United States caused to be fitted out at St. Louis a large boat, having on board all the 
men that could be mustered and spared from the lower country, and sent up the Mississippi to 
protect the upper region and the few settlers therein. The troops landed at Prairie du Chien, 
and "immediately proceeded to fortify. Xot long after, Colonel McKay, of the British army, 
crossing the country by course of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, with over five hundred British 
and Indians, received the surrender of the whole force. The officers and men were paroled and 
sent down the river. This was the only battle fought upon Wisconsin soil during the last war 
with England. The post at Prairie du Chien was left in command of a captain with two compa- 
nies from Mackinaw. He remained there until after the peace of 1 S 15, when the place was 
evacuated by the British. 

When it became generally known to the Indian tribes in whit is now Wisconsin, that the 
contest between the United States and Great Britain was at an end, they general!; ;sed 

themselves as ready and willing to make treaties with the General Government — eager, in fact, 
to establish friendlj relations with the power they had so recently been hostile to. This was, 
therefore, a favorable moment for taking actual possession of the country between the Missis- 
sippi and Lake Michigan ; and United States troops were soon ordered to occupy the two prom- 
inent points between Green Bay and Prairie du Chien. At the former place was erected Fort 
Howard ; at the latter Fort Crawford. At Green Bay, half a hundred (or less) French Cana- 
dians cultivated the soil; at Prairie du Chien, there were not more than thirty houses, mostly 
occupied by traders, while on the prairie outside the village, a number of farms were cultivated. 
Such wa . Wisconsin when, at the close of the last war with Great Britain, it began in earnest to 
be occupied by Americans. The latter were few in number, but in 1S1S, the)' began to feel, now 
that the country was attached to Michigan Territory and the laws of the United States were 
extended over them, that they were not altogether beyond the protection of a government of their 
own, notwithstanding they were surrounded by savage tribes. Their happiness was increased 
upon the erection, by proclamation of Lewis Cass, governor of the Territory of Michigan, of 
three Territorial counties : Michilim..> Brown and Crawford. Their establishment dales 



PKE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 37 

the twenty-sixth of, October, 1818. The county of Michilimackinac not only included all of the 
present State of Wisconsin lying north of a line drawn due west from near the head of the Little 
Noquet bay, but territory east and west of it, so as to reach from Lake Huron to the Missis- 
sippi river. Its county seat was established "at the Borough of Michilimackinac." The whole 
area in Michigan Territory south of the county of Michilimackinac and west of Lake Michigan 
formed the two counties of Brown and Crawford: the former to include the area east of a line 
drawn due north and south through the middle of the portage between the Fox river of Green 
bay and the Wisconsin ; the latter to include the whole region west of that line. Prairie du 
Chien was designated as the county seat of Crawford; Green Bay, of Brown county. On the 
22d of December, 1826, a county named Chippewa was formed from the northern portions of 
Michilimackinac, including the southern shores of Lake Superior throughout its entire length, 
and extending from the straits leading from that lake into Lake Huron, west to the western 
boundary line of Michigan Territory, with the count}' seat " at such point in the vicinity of the 
Sault de Ste. Marie, as a majority of the county commissioners to be appointed shall designate." 
Embraced within this county, — its southern boundary being the parallel 46" 31' north latitude, — 
was all the territory of the present State of Wisconsin now bordering on Lake Superior. 

Immediately upon the erection of Brown and Crawford counties, they were organized, and 
their offices filled by appointment of the governor. County courts were established, consisting 
of one chief and two associate justices, either of whom formed a quorum. They were required 
to hold one term of court annually in their respective counties. These county courts had origi- 
nal ami exclusive jurisdiction in all civil cases, both in law and equity, where the matter in dis- 
pute exceeded, the jurisdiction of a justice of the pea< .-, and did not exceed the value of one; 
thousand dollars. They had, however, no jurisdiction in ejectment. They had exclusive cog- 
nizance of all offenses the punishment whereof was not capital, and the same power to issue- 
remedial and other process, writs of error and mandamus excepted, that the supreme court had 
at Detroit. Appeals from justices of the peace were made to the county courts. 

The establishing of Indian agencies by the General Government ; the holding of treaties 
with some of the Indian tribes; the adjustment of land claims at Green Bay and Prairie du 
Chien ; the appointment of postmasters at these two points, were all indications of a proper 
interest being taken by the United States in the affairs of the country. But a drawback to this 
region, was the fact that, in all civil cases of over a thousand dollars, and in criminal cases that 
were capital, as well as in actions of ejectment, and in the allowance of writs of error, and man- 
damus, recourse must be had to the supreme court at Detroit; the latter place being the seat of 
government of Michigan Territory. However, in January, 1S23, an act of congress provided 
for a district court, and for the appointment of a judge, for the counties of Brown, Crawford,, 
and Michilimackinac. This court had concurrent jurisdiction, civil and criminal, with the 
supreme court of the Territory, in most cases, subject, however, to have its decisions taken to the 
latter tribunal by a writ of error. The law provided for holding one term of court in each year, 
in each of the counties named in the act ; so, at last, there was to be an administration of justice 
at home, and the people were to be relieved from all military arbitrations, which frequently had 
been imposed upon them. James Duane Doty was appointed judge of this court at its organiza- 
tion. A May term of the court was held in Prairie du Chien ; ^a June term in Green Bay; a 
July term in " the Borough of Michilimackinac," in each year. In 1S24, Henry S. Baird, of 
Brown county, was appointed district attorney. Doty held the office of judge until May, 1S32. 
when he was succeeded by David Irvin. This court continued until 1S36, when it was abrogated: 
by the organization of the Territory of Wisconsin. 

For a long time it had been known that there were lead mines in what is now the south- 



38 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

western portion of the State; but it was not until the year 1S25, and the two following years, that 
very general attention was attracted to them, which eventuated in the settlement of different 
places in that region, by Americans, who came to dig for lead ore. This rapid increase of 
settlers awakened the jealousy of the Winnebago Indians, at what they deemed an unauthorized 
intrusion upon their lands, which, with other causes operating unfavorably upon their minds, 
aroused them in June, 1827, to open acts of hostility. Murders became frequent. Finally, the 
militia of Prairie du Chien were called out. On the twenty-ninth of August, Brigadier-General 
Henry Atkinson, of the United States army, with a strong force of regulars, ascended the Wis- 
c onsin river to put an end to any further spread of Winnebago disturbances. He was joined on 
the first of September, by one hundred and thirty Galena volunteers, mounted, and under com- 
mand of General Henry Dodge. The Winnebagoes were awed into submission. Thus ended 
the " Winnebago War." It was followed by the erection at the portage of Fort Winnebago, by 
the United States. 

After the restoration of tranquillity, the United States proceeded by treaty with the Indians, 
to secure the right to occupy the lead regions. This was in 182S. The next year, the General 
Government purchased of the Winnebagoes, Southwestern Wisconsin, which put an end to all 
trouble on account of mining operations. On the ninth of October, 1829, a county was formed, 
by the legislative council of the Territorv of Michigan, comprising all that part of Crawford 
county lying south of the Wisconsin river. This new county was called Iowa. The county 
seat was temporarily established at Mineral Point. Following this was a treaty in 1831, with the 
Menomonees, for all their lands east of Green bay, Winnebago lake, and the Fox and Milwaukee 
rivers. 

There was now a crisis at hand. The most prominent event to be recorded in the pre-Ter- 
ritorial annals of Wisconsin is known as the Black Hawk War. This conflict of arms between 
the Sacs and Foxes and the United States arose from a controversy in regard to lands. By a 
treaty made at Fort Harmar, just across the River Muskingum from Marietta, Ohio, in January, 
1789, the Pottawattamie and Sac tribes of Indians, among others, were received into the friend- 
ship of the General Government, and a league of peace and unity established between the con- 
tracting parties On the third of November, 1804, a treaty at St. Louis stipulated that the 
united Sac and Fox tribes should be received into the friendship of the United States, and also 
be placed under their protection. These tribes also agreed to consider themselves under the pro- 
tection of the General Government and of no other power whatsoever. At this treaty lands were 
ceded which were circumscribed by a boundary beginning at a point on the Missouri river 
opposite the mouth of the Gasconade, and running thence in a direct course so as to strike the 
River Jefferson at the distance of thirty miles from its mouth, and down that stream to the Missis- 
It then ran up the latter river to the mouth of the Wisconsin, and up that stream to a 
point thirty-six miles in a direct line from its mouth ; thence by a straight course to a point 
where the Fox river of the Illinois leaves the small lake then called Sakaegan, and from that 
point down the Fox to the Illinois, and down the latter to the Mississippi. The consideration for 
this cession was the payment of goods to the value of two thousand two hundred and thirty-four 
dollars and fifty cents, and a yearly annuity of one thousand dollars — six hundred to be paid to 
the Sac s and foui hundred to. the Foxes — to be liquidated in goods valued at first cost. After- 
ward, Fort Madison was erected just above the Des Moines rapids in the Mississippi, on the ter- 
ritory ceded at the last mentioned treaty. Then followed the war with Great Britain, and the 
Sacs and Foxes agreed to take no part therein. However, a portion afterward joined the 
English against the Americans along with other Western tribes. At the restoration of peace the 
Sacs and Foxes held treaties with the United States. There was a renewal of the treaty of 1804. 



PEE-TEERITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 39 

Such in brief is a general outline of affairs, so far as those two tribes were concerned, down to the 
close of the last war with England. From this time, to the year 1830, several additional treaties 
were made with the Sacs and Foxes by the General Government : one in 1S22, by which they relin- 
quished their right to have the United States establish a trading house or factory at a convenient 
point at which the Indians could trade and save themselves from the imposition of traders, for 
which they were paid the sum of one thousand dollars in merchandise. Again, in 1824, they 
sold to the General Government all their lands in Missouri, north of Missouri river, for which 
they received one thousand dollars the same year, and an annuity of one thousand dollars for ten 
years. In 1830, they ceded to the United States a strip of land twenty miles wide from the Mis- 
sissippi to the Des Moines, on the north side of their territory. The time had now come for the 
two tribes to leave the eastern shore of the Mississippi and retire across the " great water." 
Keokuk, the Watchful Fox, erected his wigwam on the west side of the river, and was followed 
by a large part of the two tribes. But a band headed by Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, or the 
Black Sparrow Hawk, commonly called Black Hawk, refused to leave their village near Rock 
Island. They contended that they had not sold their town to the United States ; and, upon 
their return early in 1831, from a hunt across the Mississippi, finding their village and fields in 
possession of the whites, they determined to repossess their homes at all hazards. This was 
looked upon, or called, an encroachment by the settlers ; so the governor of Illinois took the 
responsibility of declaring the State invaded, and asked the United States to drive the refractory 
Indians beyond the Mississippi. The result was, the Indian village was destroyed by Illinois 
volunteers. This and the threatened advance across the river by the United States commander, 
brought Black Hawk and his followers to terms. They sued for peace — agreeing to remain 
forever on the west side of the Mississippi. But this truce was of short duration. 

Early in the Spring of 1832, Black Hawk having assembled his forces on the Mississippi, in 
the vicinity of the locality where Fort Madison had stood, crossed that stream and ascended 
Rock river. This was the signal for war. The governor of Illinois made a call for volunteers; 
and, in a brief space of time, eighteen hundred had assembled at Beardstown, Cass county. 
They marched for the mouth of Rock river, where a council of war was held by their officers 
and Brigadier-General Henry Atkinson, of the regular forces. The Indians were sent word by 
General Atkinson that they must return and recross the Mississippi, or they would be driven 
back by force. " If you wish to fight us, come on," was the laconic but defiant reply of the Sac 
chief. When the attempt was made to compel these Indians to go back across the " great river," 
a collision occurred between the Illinois militia and Black Hawk's braves, resulting in the dis- 
comfiture of the former with the loss of eleven men. Soon afterward the volunteers were dis- 
charged, and the first campaign of Black Hawk's War was at an end. This was in May, 1832. 

In June following, a new force had been raised and put under the command of General 
Atkinson, who commenced his march up Rock river. Before this, there had been a general 
"forting" in the lead region, including the whole country in Southwest Wisconsin, notwithstand- 
ing which, a number of settlers had been killed by the savages, mostly in Illinois. Squads of 
volunteers, in two or three instances, had encountered the Indians ; and in one with entire suc- 
cess — upon the Pecatonica, in what is now Lafayette county, Wisconsin — every savage (and 
there were seventeen of them) being killed. The loss of the volunteers was three killed and 
wounded. Atkinson's march up Rock river was attended with some skirmishing; when, being 
informed that Black Hawk and his force were at Lake Koshkonong, in the southwest corner of 
what is now Jefferson county, Wisconsin, he immediately moved thither with a portion of his 
army, where the whole force was ordered to concentrate. But the Sac chief with his people had 
flown. Colonels Henry Dodge and James D. Henry, with the forces under them, discovered the 



40 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

trail of the savages, leading in the direction of the Wisconsin river. It was evident that the 
Tetreating force was large, and that it had but recently passed. The pursuing troops hastened 
their march. On the twenty-first of July, 1S3J, they arrived at the hills which skirt the left bank 
of that stream, in what is now Roxbury town (township), Dane county. Here was Black 
Hawk's whole force, including women and children, the aged and infirm, hastening by every 
effort to escape across the river. But that this might now be effected, it became necessary for 
that chief to make a firm stand, to cover the retreat. The Indians were in the bottom lands 
when the pursuing whites made their appearance upon the heights in their rear. Colonel Dodge 
occupied the front and sustained the first attack of the Indians. He was soon joined by Henry 
with his force, when they obtained a complete victory. The action commenced about five 
o'clock in the afternoon and ended at sunset. The enemy, numbering not less than five hundred, 
sustained a loss of about sixty killed and a large number wounded. The loss of the Americans 
was one killed and eight wounded. This conflict has since been known as the battle of Wis- 
consin Heights. 

During the night following the battle, Black Hawk made his escape with his remaining force 
and people down the Wisconsin river. The women and children made their way down stream 
in canoes, while the warriors marched on foot along the shore. The Indians were pursued in 
their flight, and were finally brought to a stand on the Mississippi river, near the mouth of the 
Bad Axe, on the west boundary of what is now Vernon county, Wisconsin. About two o'clock 
on the morning of the second of August, the line of march began to the scene of the last con- 
flict in the Black Hawk War. Dodge's command formed the advance, supported by regular 
troops, under Colonel Zachary Taylor, afterward president of the United States. Meanwhile an 
armed steamboat had moved up the Mississippi and lay in front of the savages; so they were 
attacked on all sides by the exasperated Americans. The battle lasted about two hours, and 
was a complete victory for the whites. Black Hawk fled, but was soon after captured. This 
ended the war. 

The survey of public lands by the General Government; the locating and opening of land 
offices at Mineral Point and Green Bay; the erection of Milwaukee county from a part of 
Brown, to include all the territory bounded on the east and south by the east and south lines of 
the present State, on the north by what is now the north boundary of Washington and Ozaukee 
counties and farther westward on the north line of township numbered twelve, and on the west 
by the dividing line between ranges eight and nine; and the changing of the eastern boundary 
of Iowa county to correspond with the western one of Milwaukee county; — are some of the 
important events following the close of the Black Hawk war. There was an immediate and 
rapid increase of immigration, not only in the mining region but in various other parts of what 
is now Wisconsin, more especially in that portion bordering on Lake Michigan. The interior 
w.i^ yet sparsely settled. By the act of June 28, 1834, congress having attached to the Territory 
ol Michigan, for judicial purposes, all the country "west of the Mississippi river, and north of 
the State of Missouri," comprising the whole of what is now the State of Iowa, all of the present 
State of Minnesota west of the Mississippi river, and more than half of what is now the Terri- 
tory of Dakota, the legislative council of Mulligan Territory extended her laws over the whole 
area, dividing it on the 6th ol September, 1^34. by a line drawn due west from the lower end of 
Ro( k island to the Missouri river into two counties: the country south of that line constituting 
the count) o< Des Moines; ninth of the line, to be known as the county of Dubuque. This 
■whole region west of tin Mississippi was known as the Iowa district Immediately after the 
treaty of 183a with the Sacs and Foxes, the United States having come into ownership of a large 
tract in this distru I families crossed the Mississippi, and settled on the purchase, but as 



WISCONSIN TERRITORY. 41 

the time provided for the Indians to give possession was the first of June, 1833, these settlers 
were dispossessed by order of the General Government. So soon, however, as the Indians yielded 
possession, settlements began, but, from the date just mentioned until September, 1834, after the 
district was attached, for judicial purposes, to Michigan Territory, it was without any municipal 
law whatever. The organization of the counties of Dubuque and Des Moines on the sixth of 
that month, secured, of course a regular administration of justice. Before this time to facili- 
tate intercourse between the two remote military posts of Fort Howard at Green Bay, and Fort 
Crawford at Prairie du Chien, a military road was commenced to connect the two points; so, 
one improvement followed another. On the 1st of January, 1836, a session (the first one) of 
the seventh legislative council of Michigan Territory — that is, of so much of it as lay to the 
westward of Lake Michigan — was held at Green Bay, and a memorial adopted, asking Congress 
for the formation of a new Territory west of that lake ; to include all of Michigan Territory not 
embraced in the proposed State of Michigan. Congress, as will now be shown, very soon com- 
plied with the request of the memorialists. 

IV.— WISCONSIN TERRITORY. 

The establishing of a separate and distinct Territory west of Lake Michigan, was the result 
of the prospective admission of.Michigan into the Union (an event which took place not until 
the twenty-sixth of January, 1837), as the population, in all the region outside of the boundaries 
determined upon by the people for that State, would otherwise be left without a government, or, 
at least, it would be necessary to change the capital of the old Michigan Territory farther to the 
westward ; so it was thought best to erect a new territory, to be called Wisconsin (an Indian 
word signifying wild rushing water, or channel, so called from the principal eastern tributary of 
the Mississippi within its borders), which was done by an act of congress, approved April 20, 
1836, to take effect from and after the third day of July following. The Territory was made to 
include all that is now embraced within the States of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and a part of 
the Territory of Dakota, more particularly described within boundaries commencing at the north- 
east corner of the State of Illinois, running thence through the middle of Lake Michigan to a 
point opposite the main channel of Green bay ; thence through that channel and the bay to the 
mouth of the Menomonee river ; thence up that stream to its head, which is nearest the lake of the 
Desert ; thence to the middle of that lake ; thence down the Montreal river to its mouth ; thence 
with a direct line across Lake Superior to where the territorial line of the United States last touches 
the lake northwest; thence on the north, with the territorial line, to the White Earth river; on the 
west by a line drawn down the middle of the main channel of that stream to the Missouri river, 
and down the middle of the main channel of the last mentioned stream to the northwest corner of 
the State of Missouri ; and thence with the boundaries of the States of Missouri and Illinois, as 
already fixed by act of congress, to the place or point of beginning. Its counties were Brown, 
Milwaukee, Iowa, Crawford, Dubuque, and Des Moines, with a portion of Chippewa and Michili- 
mackinac left unorganized. Although, at this time, the State of Michigan was only engaged, so 
to speak, to the Union, to include the two peninsulas (many of its citizens preferring in lieu 
thereof the lower one only, with a small slice off the northern boundary of the State of Ohio as 
now constituted), yet the marriage ceremony was performed, as has been stated, a few months 
afterward. 

The act of congress establishing the Territorial government of Wisconsin was very full and 
complete. It first determined its boundaries ; then it declared that all authority of the govern- 
ment of Michigan over- the new Territory should cease on the fourth day of Tuly, 1836, with a 



42 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

proper reservation of rights in favor of the Indians. It provided for subsequently dividing tne 
Territory into one or more, should congress deem it wise so to do. It also declared that the 
executive power and authority in and over the Territory should be vested in a governor, at the same 
time defining his powers. It provided for the appointment of a secretary, stating what his duties 
should be. The legislative power was vested in the governor and legislative assembly, the latter 
to consist of a council and house of representatives, answering respectively to the senate and 
assembly, as states are usually organized. There was a provision for taking the census of the 
several counties, and one giving the governor power to name the time, place, and manner of 
holding the first election, and to declare the number of members of the council and house of 
representatives to which each county should be entitled. He was also to determine where the 
first legislative assembly should meet, and a wise provision was that the latter should not be in 
session in any one year more than seventy-five days. 

One section of the act declared who should be entitled to vote and hold office ; another 
defined the extent of the powers of the legislature, and a third provided that all laws should be 
submitted to congress for their approval or rejection. There was a section designating what 
offices should be elective and what ones should be filled by the governor. There were others 
regulating the judiciary for the Territory and declaring what offices should be appointed by the 
United States, providing for their taking the proper oaths of office and regulating their salaries. 
One, perhaps the most important of all, declared that the Territory should be entitled to and enjoy 
all the rights, privileges, and advantages granted by the celebrated ordinance of 1787. There 
was also a provision for the election of a delegate to the house of representatives of the United 
States; and a declaration that all suits and indictments pending in the old courts should be con- 
tinued in the new ones. Five thousand dollars were appropriated for a library for the accommo- 
dation of the legislative assembly of the Territory and of its supreme court. 

For the new Territory, Henry Dodge was, on the 30th of April, 1836, by Andrew Jackson, 
then President of the United States, commissioned governor. John S. Horner was commissioned 
secretary; Charles Dunn, chief justice; David Irvin and William C. Frazer, associate judges; 
W. W. Chapman, attorney, and Francis Gehon, marshal. The machinery of a territorial gov- 
ernment was thus formed, which was set in motion by these officers taking the prescribed oath of 
office. The next important step to be taken was to organize the Territorial legislature. The 
provisions of the organic act relative to the enumeration of the population of the Territory were 
that previously to the first election, the governor should cause the ceusus of the inhabitants of 
the several counties to be taken by the several sheriffs, and that the latter should make returns of 
the same to the Executive. These figures gave to Des Moines county, 6,257 ; Iowa county, 
5,234; Dubuque county, 4,274; Milwaukee county, 2,893; Brown county, 2,706; Crawford 
county, 850. The entire population, therefore, of Wisconsin Territory in the summer of 1S36, 
as given by the first census was, in precise numbers, twenty-two thousand two hundred and four- 
teen, of which the two counties west of the Mississippi furnished nearly one half. The apportion- 
ment, after the census had been taken, made by the governor, gave to the different counties thir- 
teen councilmen and twenty-six representatives. Brown county got two councilmen and three 
representatives ; Crawford, two representatives, but no councilmen ; Milwaukee, two councilmen 
and three representatives ; Iowa, Dubuque and Des Moines, each three councilmen ; but of repre- 
sentatives, Iowa got six; Dubuque, five, and Des Moines, seven. The election was held on the 
tenth of October, 1836, exciting considerable interest, growing out, chiefly, of local considera- 
tions. The permanent location of the capital, the division of counties, and the location of county 
seats, were the principal questions influencing the voters. There were elected from the county 
of Brown, Henry S. Baird and John P. Arndt, members of the council; Ebenezer Childs, Albert 



WISCONSIN TERRITORY. 43 

G. Ellis and Alexander J. Irwin, members of the house of representatives; from Milwaukee, 
the councilmen were Gilbert Knapp and Alanson Sweet ; representatives, William B. Sheldon, 
Madison W. Cornwall and Charles Durkee : from Iowa, councilmen, EbenezerBrigham, John B. 
Terry and James R. Vineyard; representatives, William Boyles, G. F. Smith, D. M. Parkinson, 
Thomas McKnight, T. Shanley and J. P. Cox : from Dubuque, councilmen, John Foley, Thomas 
McCraney and Thomas McKnight ; representatives, Loring Wheeler, Hardin Nowlin, Hosea T. 
Camp, P. H. Engle and Patrick Quigley : from Des Moines, councilmen, Jeremiah Smith, Jr.. 
Joseph B. Teas and Arthur B. Inghram ; representatives, Isaac Leffler, Thomas Blair, Warren L. 
Jenkins, John Box, George W. Teas, Eli Reynolds and David R. Chance: from Crawford, repre- 
sentatives, James H. Lockwood and James B. Dallam. 

Belmont, in the present county of LaFayette, then in Iowa county, was, by the governor, 
appointed the place for the meeting of the legislature ; he also fixed the time — the twenty-fifth 
of October. A quorum was in attendance in both branches at the time decided upon for their 
assembling, and the two houses were speedily organized by the election of Peter Hill Fngle, of 
Dubuque, speaker of the house, and Henry S. Baird, of Brown, president of the council. Each 
of the separate divisions of the government — the executive, the judicial, and the legislative- 
was now in working order, except that it remained for the legislature to divide the Territory into 
judicial districts, and make an assignment of the judges ; and for the governor to appoint a Ter- 
ritorial treasurer, auditor and attorney general. The act of congress establishing the Terri- 
tory required that it should be divided into three judicial districts. The counties of Crawford 
and Iowa were constitued by the legislature the first district, to which was assigned Chief Justice 
Dunn. The second district was composed of the counties of Des Moines and Dubuque ; to it 
was assigned Associate Judge Irvin. The third district was formed of the counties of Brown 
and Milwaukee, to which was assigned Associate Judge Frazer. 

Governor Dodge, in his first message to the Territorial legislature, directed attention to the 
necessity for defining the jurisdiction and powers of the several courts, and recommended that 
congress should be memorialized to extend the right of pre-emption to actual settlers upon the 
public lands and to miners on mineral lands; also, to remove the obstructions in the rapids 
of the Upper Mississippi, to construct harbors and light-houses on Lake Michigan, to improve 
the navigation of Fox river and to survey the same from its mouth to Fort Winnebago, to 
increase the amount of lands granted to the Territory for school purposes, and to organize and 
arm the militia for the protection of the frontier settlements. The first act passed by the legis- 
lature was one privileging members from arrest in certain cases and conferring on themselves 
power to punish parties for contempt. The second one established the three judicial districts 
and assigned the judges thereto. One was passed to borrow money to defray the expenses 
of the session ; others protecting a.l lands donated to the Territory by the United States in aid 
of schools, and creating a common school fund. A memorial to congress was adopted request- 
ing authorization to sell the school-section in each township, and appropriate the money arising 
therefrom for increasing the fund for schools. 

During this session, five counties were " set off" west of the Mississippi river : Lee, Van 
Buren, Henry, Louisa, Muscatine, and Cook; and fifteen east of that stream : Walworth, Racine, 
Jefferson, Dane, Portage, Dodge, Washington, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Calumet, Manitowoc, 
Marquette, Rock, Grant and Green. 

The principal question agitating the legislature at its first session was the location of the 
capital. Already the people west of the Mississippi were speculating upon the establishment of 
a Territory on that side the river, prospects for which would be enhanced evidently, by placing 
the seat of government somewhat in a central position east of that stream, for Wisconsin 



44 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Territory. Now, as Madison was a point answering such requirements she triumphed over all 
competitors ; and the latter numbered a dozen or more — including, among others, Fond du Lac, 
Milwaukee, Racine, Belmont, Mineral Roint, Green Bay, and Cassville. The struggle over this 
question was one of the most exciting ever witnessed in the Territorial legislature. Madison 
was fixed upon as the seat of government, but it was provided that sessions of the legislature 
should be held at Burlington, in Des Moines county, until the fourth of March, 1S39, unless the 
public buildings in the new capital should be sooner completed. After an enactment that the 
legislature should thereafter meet on the first Monday of November of each year, both houses, 
on the ninth day of December, 1S36, adjourned sine die. 

In the act of congress establishing the Territory of Wisconsin it was provided that a delegate 
to the house of representatives of the United States, to serve for the term of two years, should 
be elected by the voters qualified to elect members of the legislative assembly , and that the 
fir-t election should be held at such time and place or places, and be conducted in such manner 
as the governor of the Territory should appoint and direct. In pursuance of this enactment, 
Governor Dodge directed that the election for delegate should be at the time and places 
appointed for the election of members of the legislative assembly — the 10th of October, 1S36. 
The successful candidate for that office was George W. Jones, of Sinsinawa Mound, Iowa 
county — in that portion which was afterward "set off " as Grant county. Jones, under the act 
of 1S19, had been elected a delegate for Michigan Territory, in October, 1835, and took his 
seat at the ensuing session, in December of that year. By the act of June 15, 1S36, the consti- 
tution and State government which the people of Michigan had formed for themselves was 
accepted, ratified and confirmed, and she was declared to be one of the United States of 
America, so that the term of two years for which Jones had been elected was cut short, as, in 
the nature of the case, his term could not survive the existence of the Territory he represented. 
But, as he was a candidate for election to represent the new Territory of Wisconsin in congress 
as a delegate, and was successful, he took his seat at the commencement of the second session of 
the twenty-fourth congress — December 12, 1836, notwithstanding he had been elected only a 
little over two months. 

The first term of the supreme court of the Territory was held at Belmont on the 8th day of 
December. There were present, Charles Dunn, chief justice, and David Irvin, associate judge. 
John Catlin was appointed clerk, and Henry S. Baird having previously been commissioned 
attorney general for the Territory by Governor Dodge, appeared before the court and took the 
oath of office. Causes in which the United States was party or interested were looked after by 
• the United States attorney, who received his appointment from the president; while all cases 
in which the Territory was interested was attended to by the attorney general, whose commission 
was signed by the governor. The appointing of a crier and reporter and the admission of 
several attorneys to practice, completed the business for the term. The annual term appointed 
for the third Monday of July of the following year, at Madison, was not held; as no business for 
the action of the court had matured. 

At the time of the complete organization of the Territory of Wisconsin, when the whole 
machinery had been put fairly in motion, when its first legislature at its first session had, after 
passing forty-two laws and three joint resolutions, in forty-six days, adjourned; — at this time, 
the entire portion west of the Mississippi had, in round numbers, a population of only eleven 
thousand; while the sparsely settled mineral region, the military establishments — Fort Craw- 
ford, Fort Winnebago, and Fort Howard — and the settlements at or near them, with the village 
of Milwaukee, constituted about all there was of the Territory east of that river, aggregating 
about twelve thousand inhabitants. There was no land in market, except a narrow strip along 



WISCONSIN TERRITORY. 45 

the shore of Lake Michigan, and in the vicinity of Green bay. The residue of the country 
south and east of the Wisconsin and Fox rivers was open only to preemption by actual settlers. 
The Indian tribes still claimed a large portion of the lands. On the north and as far west as 
the Red river of the north were located the Chippewas. The southern limits of their posses- 
sions were defined by a line drawn from a point on that stream in about latitude 46 30' in a 
southeasterly direction to the head of Lake St. Croix; thence in the same general direction to 
what is now Stevens Point, in the present Portage county, Wisconsin ; thence nearly east to 
Wolf river; and thence in a direction nearly northeast to the Menomonee river. The whole 
country bounded by the Red river and Mississippi on the east; the parallel of about 43 of 
latitude on the south; the Missouri and White Earth river on the west; and the Territorial line 
on the north, was occupied by the Sioux. In the southwest part of the Territory, lying mostly 
south of latitude 43 — in the country reaching to the Missouri State boundary line south, and 
to the Missouri river west — were the homes of the Pottawattamies, the Iowas, and the Sacs and 
Foxes. Between the Wisconsin river and the Mississippi, and extending north to the south 
line of the Chippewas was the territory of the Winnebagoes. East of the Winnebagoes in the 
country north of the Fox river of Green bay were located the Menomonees, their lands 
extending to Wolf river. Such was the general outline of Indian occupancy in Wisconsin 
Territory at its organization. A portion of the country east of Wolf river and north of Green 
bay and the Fox river ; the whole of the area lying south of Green bay, Fox river and the 
Wisconsin ; and a strip of territory immediately west of the Mississippi, about fifty miles in 
width, and extending from the Missouri State line as far north as the northern boundary of the 
present State of Iowa, constituted the whole extent of country over which the Indians had 
no claim. 

The second session of the first legislative assembly of the Territory began at Burlington, 
now the county seat of Des Moines county, Iowa, on the 6th of November, 1837. The governor, 
in his message, recommended a codification of the laws, the organization of the militia, and other 
measures of interest to the people. An act was passed providing for taking another census, and 
one abolishing imprisonment for debt. By a joint resolution, congress was urged to make an 
appropriation of twenty thousand dollars in money, and two townships of land for a "University 
of the Territory of Wisconsin." The money was not appropriated, but the land was granted — 
forty-six thousand and eighty acres. This was the fundamental endowment of the present State 
university, at Madison. A bill was also passed to regulate the sale of school lands, and to 
prepare for organizing, regulating and perfecting schools. Another act, which passed the 
legislature at this session, proved an apple of discord to the people of the Territory. The 
measure was intended to provide ways and means whereby to connect, by canals and slack- 
water, the waters of Lake Michigan with those of the Mississippi, by way of Rock river, the 
Catfish, the four lakes and the Wisconsin, by the incorporation of the Milwaukee and Rock 
river canal company. This company was given authority to apply to congress for an appro- 
priation in money or lands to aid in the construction of the work, which was to have its eastern 
outlet in the Milwaukee river, and to unite at its western terminus with Rock river, near the 
present village of Jefferson, in Jefferson county. The result was that a grant of land of odd- 
numbered sections in a strip of territory five miles on each side of the line of the proposed canal 
was secured, and in July, 1839, over forty thousand acres were sold at the minimum price of 
two dollars and fifty cents per acre. However, owing mainly to the fact that purchasers were 
compelled to pay double the government price for their lands — owing also to the circumstance 
of an antagonism growing up between the officers of the canal company and the Territorial 
officers intrusted with the disposition of the lands, and to conflicts between"the beneficiaries of 



46 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

the grant and some of the leading politicians of the time — the whole scheme proved a curse 
and a blight rather than a blessing, and eventuating, of course, in the total failure of the project. 
There had been much Territorial and State legislation concerning the matter; but very little 
work, meanwhile, was done on the canal. It is only within the year 1S75 that an apparent 
quietus has been given to the subject, and legislative enactments forever put at rest. 

Fourteen counties were set off during this session of the legislature at Burlington —all 
west of the Mississippi. They were Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Fayette, 
Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Linn, Slaughter, Scott and Clayton. One hundred and five 
acts and twenty joint resolutions were passed. On the 20th of January, 1838, both houses 
adjourned until the second Monday of June following. 

The census of the Territory having been taken in May, the special session of the first legis- 
lature commenced on the eleventh of June, 1S3S, at Burlington, pursuant to adjournment, mainly 
for the purpose of making a new apportionment of members of the house. This was effected by 
giving twelve members to the counties east of the Mississippi, and fourteen to those west of that 
stream, to be contingent, however, upon the division of the Territory, which measure was not 
onlv then before congress, but had been actually passed by that body, though unknown to the 
Territorial legislature. The law made it incumbent on the governor, in the event of the Terri- 
tory being divided before the next general election, to make an apportionment for the part 
remaining, — enacting that the one made by the act of the legislature should, in that case, have 
no effect. Having provided that the next session should be held at Madison, the legislative body 
adjourned sine die on the twenty-fifth of June, 1S3S, the public buildings at the new capital 
having been put under contract in April, previous. Up to this time, the officers of the Territory 
at large, appointed by the president of the United States at its organization, had remained 
unchanged, except that the secretary, John S. Horner, had been removed and his piace given to 
William B. Slaughter, by appointment, dated February 16, 1837. Now there were two other 
changes made. On the nineteenth of June, Edward James was commissioned marshal, and on 
the fifth of July, Moses M. Strong was commissioned attorney of the United States for the Ter- 
ritory. By an act of congress, approved June 12, 1838, to divide the Territory of Wisconsin, 
and to establish a Territorial government west of the Mississippi, it was provided that from and 
after the third day of July following, all that part of Wisconsin Territory lying west of that river 
and west of a line drawn due north from its headwaters or sources to the Territorial line, for the 
purposes of a Territorial government should be set apart and known by the name of Iowa. It 
was further enacted that the Territory of Wisconsin should thereafter extend westward only to 
the Mississippi. It will be seen therefore that all that portion of the present State of Minnesota, 
extending eastward from the Mississippi to the St. Croix and northward to the United States 
boundary line, was then a part of Wisconsin Territory, even after the organization of the Terri- 
tory of Iowa. The census taken in May, just previous to the passage of this act, gave a total 
population to the several counties of the Territory, east of the Mississippi, of 18,149. 

On the third Monday of July, 1838, the annual terms of the supreme court — the first one 
after the re-organization of the Territory of Wisconsin — was held at Madison. There were 
present Chief Justice Dunn and Associate Judge Frazer. After admitting twe attorney- to 
practice, hearing several motions, and granting several rules, the court adjourned. All the terms 
of the Supreme Court thereafter were held at Madison. 

At an election held in the Territory on the tenth day of September, 183S, James Duane Doty 
received the highest number of votes for the office of delegate to congress, and was declared by 
Governor Dodge duly elected, by a certificate of election, issued on the twenty-seventh day of 
October following. Upon the commencement of the third session of the twenty. fifth congress 



WISCONSIN TERRITORY. 47 

on Monday, December 10, 183S, Isaac E. Crary, member from Michigan, announced to the chair 
of the house of representatives that Doty was in attendance as delegate from Wisconsin Terri- 
tory, and moved that he be qualified. Jones, the former delegate, then rose and protested 
against Doty's right to the seat, claiming that his (Jones') term had not expired. The basis for 
his claim was that under the act of 1817, a delegate must be elected only for one congress, and 
not for parts of two congressional terms; that his term as a delegate from Wisconsin did not 
commence until the fourth of March, 1837, and consequently would not expire until the fourth 
of March, 1839. The subject was finally referred to the committee of elections. This com- 
mittee, on the fourteenth of January, 1839, reported in favor of Doty's right to his seat as dele- 
gate, submitting a resolution to that effect which passed the house by a vote of one hundred and 
sixty-five to twenty-five. Whereupon Doty was qualified as delegate from Wisconsin Territory, 
and took his seat at the date last mentioned. 

On the 8th of November, Andrew G. Miller was appointed by Martin Van Buren, then 
president of the United States, associate judge of the supreme court, to succeed Judge Frazer, 
who died at Milwaukee, on the 18th of October. During this year, Moses M. Strong succeeded 
W. W. Chapman as United States attorney for the Territory. 

On the 26th day of November, 1838, the legislature of the re-organized Territory of Wis- 
consin — being the first session of the second legislative assembly — met at Madison. Governor 
Dodge, in his message, recommended an investigation of the banks then in operation, memorial- 
izing congress for a grant of lands for the improvement of the Fox river of Green bay and the 
Wisconsin; the revision of the laws; the division of the Territory into judicial districts; the 
justice of granting to all miners who have obtained the ownership of mineral grounds under the 
regulations of the superintendent of the United States lead mines, either by discovery or pur- 
chase, the right of pre-emption; and the improvement of the harbors on Take Michigan. 

The attention of this Legislature was directed to the mode in which the commissioners of 
public buildings had discharged their duties There was an investigation of the three banks 
then in operation in the Territory — one at Green Bay, one at Mineral Point, and the other at 
Milwaukee. A plan, also, for the revision of the laws of the Territory was considered. A new 
assignment was made for the holding of district courts. Chief Justice Dunn was assigned to the 
first district, composed of the counties of Iowa, Grant and Crawford ; Judge Irvin to the second, 
composed of the counties of Dane, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth and Green; while Judge Miller 
was assigned to the third district, composed of Milwaukee, Brown and Racine counties — includ- 
ing therein the unorganized counties of Washington and Dodge, which, for judicial purposes, 
were, when constituted by name and boundary, attached to Milwaukee county, and had so 
remained since that date. The legislature adjourned on the 22d of December, to meet again on 
the 21st of the following month. "Although," said the president of the council, upon the occasion 
of the adjournment, " but few acts of a general character have been passed, as the discussions and 
action of this body have been chiefly confined to bills of a local nature, and to the passage of 
memorials to the parent government in behalf of the great interests of the Territory; yet it is 
believed that the concurrent resolutions of the two houses authorizing a revision of the laws, is a 
measure of infinite importance to the true interests of the people, and to the credit and charac- 
ter of the Territory." 

Tbe census of the Territory having been taken during the year 1838, showed a population 
of 18,130, an increase in two years of 6,447. 

The second session of the second legislative assembly commenced on the twenty-first day of 
January, 1839, agreeable to adjournment. The most important work was the revision of the laws 
which had been perfected during the recess, by the committee to whom the work was intrusted, 



48 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN'. 

consisting of three members from each house : from the council, M. L. Martin, Marshall M. 
Strong, and James Collins; from the house oi representatives, Edward V. Whiton, Augustus 
Story, and Barlow Shackleford. The act legalizing the revision, took effect on the fourth day of 
July following. The laws as revised, composed the principal part of those forming the Revised 
Statutes of 1839, a valuable volume for all classes in the territory — and especially so for the 
courts and lawyers — during the next ten years. The sine die adjournment of this legislature took 
place on the nth of March, 1S39. 

On the 8th of March of this year, Henry Dodge, whose term for three years as governor 
was about to expire, was again commissioned by the president of the United States, as governor 
of the Territorv of Wisconsin. At the July term of the supreme court, all the judges were pre- 
sent, and several cases were heard and decided. A seal for the court was also adopted. The 
attorney general of the Territory at this time was H. N. Wells, who had been commissioned by 
Governor Dodge, on the 30th of March previous, in place of H. S. Baird, resigned. Wells not 
being in attendance at this term of the court, Franklin J. Munger was appointed by the judge 
attorney general for that session. The clerk, John Catlin having resigned, Simeon Mills was 
selected by the court to fill his place. From this time, the supreme court met annually, as pro- 
vided by law, until Wisconsin became a State. 

The next legislature assembled at Madison, on the second of December, 1S39. This was 
the third session of the second legislative assembly of the Territory. The term tor which mem- 
bers of the house were elected, would soon expire ; it was therefore desirable that a new appor- 
tionment should be made. As the census would be taken the ensuing June, by the United Slates, 
it woidd be unnecessary for the Territory to make an additional enumeration. A short session 
was resolved upon, and then an adjournment until after the completion of the census. One of 
the subjects occupying largely the attention of the members, was the condition of the capitol, 
and the conduct of the commissioners intrusted with the money appropriated by congress to 
defray the cost of its construction. The legislature adjourned on the thirteenth of January, 
1840, to meet again on the third of the ensuing August. The completion of the census showed 
a population for the Territory of thirty thousand seven hundred and forty-four, against eighteen 
thousand one hundred and thirty, two years previous. Upon the re-assembling of the legisla- 
ture — which is known as the extra session of the second IegiTative assembly— at the time agreed 
upon, some changes were made in the apportionment of members to the house of representa- 
tives; the session lasted but a few days, a final adjournment t iking place on the fourteenth of 
August, 1840. At the July term of the supreme court, Simeon Mills resigned the office of 
clerk, and La Fayetti I pointed in his place. Kellogg continued to hold the posi- 

tion until the state judiciary was organized. At the ensuing election, James Duane Doty was 
re-elected Territorial delegate, taking his seat for the first time under his second term, on the 
eighth day of December, 1840, at the commencement of the second session of the twenty-sixth 
congress. 

The first session of the third legislative assembly commence^, on the seventh of December, 
1S40, with all new members in the house except three. All had recently been elected under the 
new apportionment. M ssion wis devoted to the ordinary routine of legislation. 

There was, however, a departure, in the passage of two acts granting divorces, from the usual 
current of legislative proceedings in the Territory. There was, also, a very interesting contested 
electioi en two members from Brown county. Such was the backwardness in regard 

to the building of the capitol, at this date, that a large majority of the members stood ready to 
remove the seat of government to some other place. However, as no particular point could be 
agreed upon, it remained at Madison. The legislature adjourned on the nineteenth of Fein 



WISCONSIN TERRITORY. 49 

1S41, having continued a term of seventy-five days, the maximum time limited by the organic act. 
Francis J. Dunn, appointed by Martin Van Buren, was commissioned in place of William 
B. Slaughter, as secretary of the Territory, on the 25th of January, 1S41, but was himself super- 
ceded by the appointment of A. P. Field, on the 23d day of April following. On the 15th of 
March, Daniel Hugunin was commissioned as marshal in place of Edward James, and on the 
27th of April, Thomas W. Sutherland succeeded Moses M. Strong as United States attorney 
for the Territory. On the 26th of June, Governor Dodge commissioned as attorney general of 
the Territory, M. M. Jackson. On the 13th of September following, Dodge was removed from 
office by John Tyler, then president of the United States, and James Duane Doty appointed in 
his place. The appointment of Doty, then the delegate of the Territory in congress, by the 
president of the United States as governor, and the consequent resignation of the latter of his 
seat in the house of representatives, caused a vacancy which was filled by the election of Henry 
Dodge to that office, on the 27th of September, 1841 ; so that Doty and Dodge changed places. 
Dodge took his seat for the first time, at the commencement of the second session of the twenty- 
fifth congress — Monday, December 7, 1S41. 

About this time, the Milwaukee and Rock river canal imbroglio broke out afresh. The 
loan agent appointed by the governor to negotiate a loan of one hundred thousand dollars for 
the work, reported that he had negotiated fifty-six thousand dollars of bonds, which had been 
issued ; but he did not report what kind of money was to be received for them. Now, the canal 
commissioners claimed that it was their right and duty not to recognize any loan which was to 
be paid in such currency as they disapproved of. This dispute defeated the loan, and stopped 
all work on the canal. During the year iS4r, Thomas W. Sutherland succeeded Moses M. 
Strong as United States attorney. The second session of the third legislative assembly began 
at Madison, on the sixth of December, 1841. Governor Doty, in his message to that body, 
boldly avowed the doctrine that no law of the Territory was effective, until expressly approved 
by congress. " The act," said he, " establishing the government of Wisconsin, in the third sec- 
tion, requires the secretary of the Territory to transmit annually, on or before the first Monday 
in December, ' two copies of the laws to the speaker of the house of representatives, for the 
use of congress.' The sixth section provides that 'all laws of the governor and legislative 
assembly shall be submitted to, and, if disapproved by the congress of the United States, the 
same shall be null and of no effect.' " "These provisions," he added, "it seems to me, require 
the laws to be actually submitted to congress before they take effect. They change the law by 
which this country was governed while it was a part of Michigan. That law provided that 
the laws should be reported to congress, and that they should ' be in force in the district until 
the organization of the general assembly therein, unless disapproved of by congress.' " The 
governor concluded in these words : " The opinion of my predecessor, which was expressed to 
the first legislature assembled after the organization of this government, in his message delivered 
at Belmont on the twenty-sixth day of October, 1836, fully sustains this view of the subject which 
I have presented. He said: 'We have convened under an act of congress of the United States 
establishing the Territorial government of Wisconsin, for the purpose of enacting such laws as 
may be required for the government of the people of this Territory, after their approval by con- 
gress.'" This construction of the organic act resulted in a lengthy warfare between the gov- 
ernor and the legislative assembly. 

At this session, the Milwaukee and Rock river canal again raised a tumult. "Congress 
had made a valuable grant of land to the Territory in trust. The Territory was the trustee; 
the canal company the cestui que trust. The trust had been accepted, and a large portion of 
the lands h .d been sold, one tenth of the purchase money received, and ample securities held 



50 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

for the balance.'' The Territory now, by its legislature, repealed all the laws authorizing a 
loan, and all which contemplated the expenditure of any money on its part in constructing the 
canal. The legislature resolved that all connection ought to be dissolved, and the work on 
the canal by the Territory abandoned, and that the latter ought not further to execute the 
trust. They resolved also that the congress be requested to divert the grant to such other 
internal improvements as should be designated by the Territory, subject to the approval of 
congress; and that, if the latter should decline to make this diversion, it was requested to take 
back the grant, and dispose of the unsold lands. On the eleventh of February. 184:;, a tragedy 
was enacted in the legislative council, causing great excitement over the whole Territory. On 
that day, Charles C. P. Arndt, a member from Brown county, was, while that body was in 
session, shot dead by James R. Vineyard, a member from Grant county. The difficulty grew 
out of a debate on motion to lay on the table the nomination of Enos S. Baker to the office of 
sheriff of Grant county. Immediately before adjournment of the council, the parties who had 
come together, after loud and angry words had been spoken, were separated by the by-standers. 
When an adjournment had been announced, they met again; whereupon Arndt struck ;it Vine- 
yard. The latter then drew a pistol and shot Arndt. He died in a few moments. Vineyard 
immediately surrendered himself to the sheriff of the county, waived an examination, and was 
committed to jail. After a short confinement, he was brought before the chief justice of the 
Territory, on a writ of habeas corpus, and admitted to bail. He was afterward indicted for man- 
slaughter, was tried and acquitted. Three days after shooting Arndt, Vineyard sent in his 
resignation as member of the council. That body refused to receive it. or to have it read even ; 
but at once expelled him. The second and last session of the third legislative assembly came 
to a close on the eighteenth of February, 1842. 

The first session of the fourth legislative assembly commenced on the fifth day of Decem- 
ber, 1842. The members had been elected under a new apportionment based upon a census 
taken in the previous June, which showed a total population for the Territory of forty-six thou- 
sand six hundred and seventy-eight — an increase of nearly ten thousand in two years. A politi- 
cal count showed a decided democratic majority in each house. Governor Doty's political 
proclivities were with the whig party. The contest between him and the legislature now 
assumed a serious character. He refused to "hold converse" with it, for the reason that, in his 
opinion, no appropriation had been made by congress to defray the expenses of the session, and, 
as a consequence, none could be held. The legislature made a representation to congress, then 
in session, of the objections of the governor, and adjourned on the tenth of December, to meet 
again on the thirteenth of January, 1843. It was not until the fourth of February following that 
a quorum in both houses had assembled, when the legislature, through a joint committee, waited 
on the governor, and informed him that they had again met according to adjournment, and were 
then ready to proceed to business. Previous to this time, congress had made an appropriation 
to cover the expenses of the legislature now in session, which it was supposed would remove all 
conflict about its legality. But the governor had, on the thirtieth day of January previous, issued 
a proclamation, convening a special session of the legislature on the sixth of March, and still 
refused to recognize the present one as legal. Both houses then adjourned to the day fixed by 
the executive. A final adjournment took place on the seventeenth of April following. 

The term of two years for which Henry Dodge was elected as delegate, having expired at 
the close of the third session of the twenty-seventh congress, he was, on the twenty-fifth of Sep- 
tember, 1843, re-elected, taking his seat for the first time on his second term at the commence- 
ment of the first session of the twenty-eighth congress, Monday, December 4. 1843, t >n 
the thirtieth of October of this year, George Floyd was commissioned by President Tyler as 



WISCONSIN TERRITORY. H 

secretary of the Territory, in place of A. P. Field. 

The second session of the fourth legislative assembly of the Territory, commencing on the 
fourth of December, 1843, and terminating on the thirty-first of January, 1S44 — a period of fifty- 
nine days — accomplished but little worthy of especial mention, except the submission of the 
question of the formation of a State government to a vote of the people, to be taken at the gene- 
ral election to be held in September following. The proposition did not succeed at the ballot- 
box. The third session of the fourth legislative assembly did not commence until the sixth of 
January, 1845, as the time had been changed to the first Monday in that month for annual meet- 
ings. Governor Doty having persisted in spelling Wisconsin with a "k" and an "a" — Wis- 
/•onstfn — and some of the people having adopted his method, it was thought by this legislature 
a matter of sufficient importance to be checked. So, by a joint resolution, the orthography — 
Wisronsm — employed in the organic act, was adopted as the true one for the Territory, and has 
ever since been used. Before the commencement of this session Doty's term of office had 
expired. He was superseded as governor of the Territory by N. P. Tallmadge, the latter having 
been appointed on the twenty-first of June, 1844. On the thirty-first of August, Charles M. 
Prevost was appointed marshal of the Territory, in place of Daniel Hugunin. There was the 
utmost harmony between Governor Tallmadge and the legislature of the Territory at its session 
in 1845. 

His message, which was delivered to the two houses in person, on the seventeenth of January, 
was well received. Among other items of interest to which he called the attention of the legis- 
lative assembly, was one concerning the construction of a railroad to connect Lake Michigan with 
the Mississippi. "The interests of the Territory," said he, " seem inperiously to demand the con- 
struction of a railroad, or other communication, from some suitable point on Lake Michigan to 
the Mississippi river. Much difference of opinion seems to exist as to what it shall be, and how 
it is to be accomplished. There is a general impression," continued the governor, "that the con- 
struction of the Milwaukee and Rock river canal, which was intended to connect those waters, is 
abandoned. It remains to be seen what shall be substituted for it." The session terminated on 
the twenty-fourth of February, 1845. 

James K. Polk having been inaugurated president of the United States on the fourth of 
March, 1845, Henry Dodge was again put into the gubernatorial chair of the Territory, receiving 
his appointment on the eighth of April, 1845. Other changes were made by the president during 
the same year, John B. Rockwell being, on the fourteenth of March, appointed marshal, and W. 
P. Lynde, on the fourteenth of July, United States attorney for the Territory, Governor Tall- 
madge, on the twenty-second of January of this year, having commissioned the latter also as 
attorney general. On the twenty-second of September, Morgan L. Martin was elected delegate 
to the twenty-ninth congress, as the successor of Henry Dodge. 

The fourth and last session of the fourth legislative assembly was organized on the fifth of 
January, 1846. This session, although a short one, proved very important. Preliminary steps 
were taken for the formation of a State government. The first Tuesday in April next succeeding 
was the day fixed upon for the people to vote for or against the proposition. When taken it 
resulted in a large majority voting in favor of the measure. An act was passed providing for taking 
the census of the Territory, and for the apportionment by the governor of delegates to form a 
State constitution, based upon the new enumeration. The delegates were to be elected on the first 
Monday in September, and the convention was to assemble on the first Monday in October, 1846. 
The constitution when formed was to be submitted to the vote of the people for adoption or 
rejection, as, at the close of the session, the terms of members of the council who had been elected 
for four years, and of the house, who had been elected for two years, all ended. The legislature 



52 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN". 

re-organized the election districts, and conferred on the governor the power and duty of making 
an apportionment, based on the census to be taken, for the next legislative assembly, when, on 
the third of February, 1846, both houses adjourned sine die. On the twenty-second of January, 
Governor Dodge appointed A. Hyatt Smith attorney general of the Territory. On the twenty- 
fourth of February, John Catlin was appointed Territorial secretary by the president. 

The census taken in the following June showed a population for the Territory of one hun- 
dred and fifty-five thousand two hundred and seventy-seven. Delegates having been elected to 
form a constitution for the proposed new State, met at Madison on the fifth day of October. 
After completing their labors, they adjourned. This event took place on the sixteenth of 
December, 1846. The constitution thus formed was submitted to a popular vote on the first 
Tuesday of April, 1847, and rejected. The first session of the fifth legislative assembly com- 
menced on the fourth of January of that year. But little was done. Both houses finally 
adjourned on the eleventh of February, 1847. John H. Tweedy was elected as the successor 
of Morgan L. Martin, delegate to the thirtieth congress, on the sixth of September following. On 
the twenty-seventh of that month, Governor Dodge issued a proclamation for a special session 
of the legislature, to commence on the eighteenth of the ensuing month, to take action concern- 
ing the admission of Wisconsin into the Union. The two houses assembled on the day named 
in the proclamation, and a law was passed for the holding of another convention to frame a 
constitution ; when, after nine days' labor, they adjourned. Delegates to the new convention 
were elected on the last Monday of November, and that body met at Madison on the fifteenth 
of December, 1847. A census of the Territory was taken this year, which showed a population 
of two hundred and ten thousand five hundred and forty-six. The result of the labors of the 
second constitutional convention was the formation of a constitution, which, being submitted 
to the people on the second Monday of March, 1848, was duly ratified. 

The second and last session of the fifth legislative assembly — the last legislative assembly 
of Wisconsin Territory — commenced on the seventh of February, 1848, and adjourned sine die 
on the thirteenth of March following. On the twentieth of the same month, J. H. Tweedy, 
delegate from Wisconsin, introduced a bill in congress for its admission into the Union. The 
bill was finally passed; and on the twenty-ninth of May, 1848, Wisconsin became a State. 
There had been seventeen sessions of the legislative assembly of the Territory, of an average 
duration of forty days each : the longest one lasted seventy-six days ; the shortest, ten days. So 
long as the Territory had an existence, the apportionment of thirteen members for the council, and 
twenty-six for the house of representatives, was continued, as provided in the organic act. 
There had been, besides those previously mentioned, nine additional counties " set off " by the 
legislative assembly of the Territory, so that they now numbered in all twenty-eight : Milwaukee, 
Waukesha, Jefferson, Racine, Walworth, Rock, Green, Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Calu- 
met, Brown, Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Marquette, Sauk, Portage, Columbia, Dodge, Dane, Iowa, 
La Fayette, Grant, Richland, Crawford, Chippewa, St. Croix, and La Pointe. 

V.— WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 

First Administration. — Nelson Dewey, Governor — 1848, 1849. 

The boundaries prescribed in the act of congress, entitled "An Act to enable the people of 
Wisconsin Territory to form a Constitution and State Government, and for the admission of such 
State into the Union," approved August 6, 1846, were accepted by the convention which formed 
the constitution of Wisconsin, and are described in that instrument as " beginning at the north- 
east corner of the State of Illinois — that is to say, at a point in the center of Lake Michigan 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 53 

where the line of forty-two degrees and thirty minutes of north latitude crosses the same ; thence 
running with the boundary line of the State of Michigan, through Lake Michigan [and] Green 
bay to the mouth of the Menomonee river ; thence up the channel of the said river to the Brule 
river ; thence up said last mentioned river to Lake Brule ; thence along the southern shore of 
Lake Brule, in a direct line to the center of the channel between Middle and South ^slands, in 
the Lake of the Desert ; thence in a direct line to the head waters of the Montreal river, as 
marked upon the survey made by Captain Cram ; thence down the main channel of the Mon- 
treal river to the middle of Lake Superior ; thence through the center of Lake Superior to the 
mouth of the St. Louis river ; thence up the main channel of said river to the first rapids in the 
same, above the Indian village, according to Nicollett's map; thence due south to the main 
branch of the River St. Croix ; thence down the main channel of said river to the Mississippi ; 
thence down the center of the main channel of that river to the northwest corner of the State 
of Illinois ; thence due east with the northern boundary of the State of Illinois to the place of 
beginning " The territory included within these lines constitutes the State of Wisconsin, 
familiarly known as the " Badger State." All that portion of Wisconsin Territory, as formerly 
constituted, lying west of so much of the above mentioned boundary as extends from the middle 
of Lake Superior to the mouth of the St. Croix river, not being included in Wisconsin, the limits 
of the State are, of course, not identical with those of the Territory as they previously existed. 

The State of Wisconsin, thus bounded, is situated between the parallel of forty-two degrees 
thirty minutes and that of forty-seven degrees, north latitude, and between the eighty-seventh 
and ninety-third degrees west longitude, nearly. For a portion of its northern border it has 
Lake Superior, the largest body of fresh water in the world ; for a part of its eastern boundary it 
has Lake Michigan, almost equal in size to Lake Superior ; while the Mississippi, the largest 
river in the world but one, forms a large portion of its western boundary. The State of Michi- 
gan lies on the east ; Illinois on the south ; Iowa and Minnesota on the west. Wisconsin has an 
average length of about two hundred and sixty miles; an average breadth of two hundred and 
fifteen miles. 

The constitution of Wisconsin, adopted by the people on the second Monday of March, 
1848, provided for the election of a governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, 
attorney general, members of the State legislature, and members of congress, on the second 
Monday of the ensuing May. On that day — -the 8th of the month — the election was held, 
which resulted in the choice of Nelson Dewey, for governor ; John E. Holmes, for lieutenant 
governor ; Thomas McHugh, for secretary of state ; Jairus C. Fairchild, for state treasurer ; 
and James S. Brown, for attorney general. The State was divided into nineteen senatorial, and 
sixty-six assembly districts, in each of which one member was elected ; it was also divided into- 
two congressional districts, in each of which one member of congress was elected — -William 
Pitt Lynde in the first district, composed of the counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, 
Racine, Walworth, Rock, and Green ; Mason C. Darling, in the second district, composed of the 
counties of Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Calumet, Brown, Winnebago, Fond du Lac, 
Marquette, Sauk, Portage, Columbia, Dodge, Dane v Iowa, La Fayette, Grant, Richland, Craw- 
ford, Chippewa, St. Croix, and La Pointe — the counties of Richland, Chippewa and La Pointe 
being unorganized. 

The first session of the legislature of Wisconsin commenced at Madison, the seat of govern- 
ment for the State, on Monday, the 51I1 day of June, 1848. Ninean E. Whiteside was elected 
speaker of the assembly, and Henry Billings president of the senate, pro tempore. The democrats 
were largely in the majority in both houses. The legislature, in joint convention, on the 7th of 
June, canvassed, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, the votes given on the 
8th of May previous, for the State officers and the two representatives in congress. On the same 



54 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

day, the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary ot state, treasurer, and attorney general, were 
sworn into office in presence of both houses. All these officers, as well as the representatives in 
congress, were democrats. Dewey's majority over John H. Tweedy, whig, was five thousand and 
eighty-nine. William P. Lynde's majority in the first district, for congress, over Edward V. 
Whiton, whig, was two thousand four hundred and forty-seven. Mason C. Darling's majority in 
the second district, over Alexander L. Collins, whig, was two thousand eight hundred and forty- 
six. As the thirtieth congress, to which Lynde and Darling were elected would expire on the 4th 
of March, 1849, their terms of office would, of course, end on that day. The former took his 
seat on the 5th of June, the latter on the 9th of June, 1S48. 

The constitution vested the judicial power of the State in a supreme court, circuit courts, 
courts of probate, and in justices of the peace, giving the legislature power to vest such juris- 
diction as should be deemed necessary in municipal courts ; also, conferring upon it the power 
to establish inferior courts in the several counties, with limited civil and criminal jurisdiction. 
The State was divided into five judicial circuits; and judges were to be elected at a time to be 
provided for by the legislature at its first session. It was provided that there should be no 
election for a judge or judges, at any general election for State or county officers, nor within 
thirty days either before or after such election. 

On the 8th of June, 1S48, Governor Dewey delivered his first message to a joint convention 
of the two houses. It was clear, concise, and definite upon such subjects as, in his opinion 
demanded immediate attention. His views were generally regarded as sound and statesmanlike 
by the people of the State. " You have convened," said he, " under the provisions of the con- 
stitution of the State of Wisconsin, to perform as representatives of the people, the important 
duties contemplated by that instrument.'' " The first session of the legislature of a free people," 
continued the governor, " after assuming the political identity of a sovereign State, is an event of 
no ordinary character in its history, and will be fraught with consequences of the highest 
importance to its future welfare and prosperity. Wisconsin possesses the natural elements, 
fostered by the judicious system of legislation," the governor added, " to become one of the 
most populous and prosperous States of the American Union. With a soil unequaled in fertility. 
and productive of all the necessary comforts of life, rich in mineral wealth, with commercial 
advantages unsurpassed by any inland State, possessing extensive manufacturing facilities, with a 
salubrious climate, and peopled with a population enterprising, industrious, and intelligent, the 
course of the State of Wisconsin must be onward, until she ranks among the first of the States 
of the Great West. It is," concluded the speaker, "under the most favorable auspices that the 
State of Wisconsin has taken her position among the families of States. With a population 
numbering nearly one quarter of a million, and rapidly increasing, free from the incubus of a 
State debt, and rich in the return yielded as the reward of labor in all the branches of industrial 
pursuits, our State occupies an enviable position abroad, that is highly gratifying to the pride of 
our people." Governor Dewey then recommended a number of measures necessary, in his 
judgment, to be made upon changing from a Territorial to a State government. 

The first important business of the legislature, was the election of two United States 
senators. The successful candidates were Henry Dodge and Isaac 1'. Walker, both democrats. 
Their election took place on the 8th of June, 1848, Dodge taking his seat in the senate on the 
23d of June, and Walker on the 26th of June, 1848. The latter drew the short term; so that 
his office would expire on the 4th day of March, 1849, at the end of the thirtieth congress: 
Dodge drew the long term, his office to expire on the 4th day of March, 1851, at the end of the 
thirty-first congress. The residue of the session was taken up in passing such acts as were 
deemed necessary to put the machinery of the new State government, in all its branches, in fair 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 55 

running order. One was passed providing for the annual meeting of the legislature, on the 
second Wednesday of January of each year ; another prescribing the duties of State officers ; 
one dividing the State into three congressional districts. The first district was composed of the 
counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Walworth, and Racine ; the second, of the counties of Rock, 
Green, La Fayette, Grant, Dane, Iowa, Sauk, Richland, Crawford, Adams, Portage, Chippewa, La 
Pointe, and St. Croix; the third, of the counties of Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Brown, 
Winnebago, Calumet, Fond du Lac, Marquette, Dodge, Jefferson, and Columbia. Another act 
provided for the election of judges of the circuit courts, on the first Monday of August, 1848. 
By the same act, it was provided that the first term of the supreme court should be held in 
Madison on the second Monday of January, 1S49, and thereafter . at the same place on the same 
day, yearly ; afterward changed so as to hold a January and June term in each year. An act 
was also passed providing for the election, and defining the duties of State superintendent of 
public instruction. That officer was to be elected at the general election to be holden in each 
year, his term of office to commence on the first Monday of January succeeding his election. 
Another act established a State university ; another exempted a homestead from a forced sale ; 
another provided for a revision of the statutes. The legislature, after a session of eighty-five 
days, adjourned sine die on the twenty-first of August, 1848. 

The State, as previously stated, was divided into five judicial circuits : Edward V. Whiton 
being chosen judge at the election on the first Monday in August, 1848, of the first circuit, com- 
posed of the counties of Racine, Walworth, Rock, and Green, as then constituted ; Levi Hubbell 
of the second, composed of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dane ; Charles H. Larrabee, 
of the third, composed of Washington, Dodge, Columbia, Marquette, Sauk, and Portage, as then 
formed ; Alexander W. Stow, of the fourth, composed of Brown, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Fond 
du Lac, Winnebago, and Calumet ; and Mortimer M. Jackson, of the fifth circuit, composed of 
the counties of Iowa, LaFayette, Grant, Crawford and St. Croix, as then organized; the county 
of Richland being attached to Iowa county; the county of Chippewa to the county of Craw- 
ford ; and the county of LaPointe to the county of St. Croix, for judicial purposes. 

In the ensuing Fall there was a presidential election. There were then three organized 
political parties in the State : whig, democratic, and free-soil — each of which had a ticket in 
the field. The democrats were in the majority, and their four electors cast their votes for Lewis 
Cass and William O. Butler. At this election, Eleazer Root was the successful candidate for State 
superintendent of public instruction. In his election party politics were not considered. There 
were also three members for the thirty-first congress chosen : Charles Durkee, to represent the 
first district; Orsamus Cole, the second; and James D. Dotv, the third district. Durkee 
was a free-soiler; Cole, a whig; Doty, a democrat — with somewhat decided Doty proclivities. 
The act of the legislature, exempting a homestead from forced sale of any debt or liability 
contracted after January t, 1849, approved the twenty-ninth of July previous, and another act 
for a like exemption of certain personal property, approved August 10, 1848, were laws the most 
liberal in their nature passed by any State of the Union previous to those dates. It was prophe- 
sied that they would work wonderful changes in the business transactions of the new State — for 
the worse ; but time passed, and their utility were soon evident : it was soon very generally 
acknowledged that proper exemption laws were highly beneficial — a real "good to the greatest 
number of the citizens of a State. 

So much of Wisconsin Territory as lay west of the St. Croix and the State boundary north 
of it, was, upon the admission of Wisconsin into the Union, left, for the time being, without a 
government— unless it was still "Wisconsin Territory." Henry Dodge, upon being elected to the 
United States senate from Wisconsin, vacated, of course, the office of governor of this fraction. 
John H. Tweedy, delegate in congress at the time Wisconsin became a State, made a formal 



56 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

resignation of his office, thus leaving the fractional Territory unrepresented. Thereupon John 
Catlin, secretary of the Territory of Wisconsin as a whole, and now claiming, by virtue of that 
office, to be acting governor of the fractional part, issued a proclamation as such officer for an 
election on the thirtieth of October, 1848, of a delegate in congress. Nearly four hundred votes 
were polled in the district, showing ''Wisconsin Territory" still to have a population of not less 
than two thousand. H. H. Sibley was elected to that office. On the fifteenth of January, 1849, 
he was admitted to a seat as "delegate from Wisconsin Territory." This hastened the formation 
of the Territory of Minnesota — a bill for that purpose having become a law on the third of 
March, when " Wisconsin Territory" ceased finally to exist, being included in the new Territory. 

The year 1S4S — the first year of the existence of Wisconsin as a State — was one of general 
prosperity to its rapidly increasing population. The National Government effected a treaty with 
the Menomoneee Indians, by which their title was extinguished to the country north of the Fox 
river of Green bay, embracing all their lands in the State. This was an important acquisition, 
as it opened a large tract of country to civilization and settlement, which had been for a consid- 
erable time greatly desired by the people. The State government at the close of the year had 
been in existence long enough to demonstrate its successful operation. The electric telegraph 
had already reached the capital ; and Wisconsin entered its second year upon a flood tide of 
prosperity. 

Under the constitution, the circuit judges were also judges of the supreme court. An act 
of the legislature, approved June 29, 1848, providing for the election of judges, and for the 
classification and organization of the judiciary of the State, authorized the election, by the judges, 
■of one of their number as chief justice. Judge Alexander W. Stow was chosen to that office, 
and, as chief justice, held, in conjunction with Associate Judges Whiton, Jackson, Larrabee, and 
Hubbell, the first session of the supreme court at Madison, commencing on the eighth day of 
January, 1849. 

The second session of the State legislature commenced, according to law, on the tenth of 
January, 1849, Harrison C. Hobart being elected speaker of the assembly. Governor Dewey, in 
his message, sent to both houses on the nth, referred to the rapidly increasing population of the 
State, and the indomitable energy displayed in the development of its productive capacity. He 
recommended the sale of the university lands on a long credit, the erection of a State prison, 
and the modification of certain laws. On the seventeenth of January, the two houses met in 
joint convention to elect an United States senator in place of Isaac P Walker, who had drawn 
the short term The democrats had a small majority on joint ballot. Walker was re-elected; 
this time, fur a full term of six years, from the 4th of March, 1849. The legislature at this 
session passed many acts of public utility; some relating to the boundaries of counties; others, 
to the laying out of roads; eighteen, to the organization of towns. The courts were cared for; 
school districts were organized ; special tax were authorized , and an act passed relative to the 
sale and superintendence of the school and university lands, prescribing the powers and duties 
of the commissioners who were to have charge of the same. These commissioners, consisting 
of the secretary of state, treasurer of state, and attorney general, were not only put in charge 
of the school and university lands held by the State, but also of funds arising from the sale of 
them. This law has been many times amended and portions of it repelled. The lands at 
present subject to sale are classified as school lands, university lands, agricultural college lands, 
Marathon county lands, normal school lands, and drainage lands, and are subject to sale at 
private entry on terms fixed by law. Regulations concerning the apportionment and investment 
of trust funds are made by the commissioners in pursuance of law. All lands now the property 
of the State subject to sale, or that have been State lands and sold, were derived from the Gen- 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 57 

eral Government. Lands owned by the State amount, at the present time, to about one and one 
half million acres. 

A joint resolution passed the legislature on the 31st of March, 1S49, instructing Isaac P. 
Walker to resign his seat as United States senator, for " presenting and voting for an amend- 
ment to the general appropriation bill, providing for a government in California and New Mexico, 
west of the Rio Grande, which did not contain a provision forever prohibiting the introduction 
of slavery or involuntary servitude " in those Territories. The senator refused to regard these 
instructions. The legislature adjourned on the second of April, 1849. after a session of eighty- 
three days. 

In July, 184S, the legislature of Wisconsin elected M. Frank, Charles C. Jordan, and A. W. 
Randall, commissioners to collate and revise all the public acts of the State, of a general and 
permanent nature in force at the close of the session. Randall declining to act, Charles M. 
Baker was appointed by the governor in his place. The commissioners commenced their labors 
in August, 1*848, and were engaged in the revision the greater part of the time until the close of 
the session of the legislature of 1849. It was found impossible for the revisers to conclude their 
labors within the time contemplated by the act authorizing their appointment; so a joint select 
committee of the two houses at their second session was appointed to assist in the work. The 
laws revised by this committee and by the commissioners, were submitted to, and approved by, 
the legislature. These laws, with a few passed by that body, which were introduced by individual 
members, formed the Revised Statutes of Wisconsin of 1849 — a volume of over nine hundred 
pages. 

At the general election held in November of this year, Dewey was re-elected governor. 
S. W. Beall was elected lieutenant governor; William A. Barstow, secretary of state; Jairus C. 
Fairchild was re-elected treasurer ; S. Park Coon was elected attorney general ; and Eleazer 
Root, re-elected superintendent of public instruction. All these officers were chosen as dem- 
ocrats, except Root, who ran as an independent candidate, the term of his office having been 
changed so as to continue two years from the first day of January next succeeding his election. 
By the revised statutes of 1849, all State officers elected for a full term went into office on the 
first of January next succeeding their election. 

The year 1849 developed in an increased ratio the productive capacity of the State in every 
department of labor. The agriculturist, the artisan, the miner, reaped the well-earned reward of 
his honest labor. The commercial and manufacturing interests were extended in a manner 
highly creditable to the enterprise of the people. The educational interest of the State began to 
assume a more systematic organization. The tide of immigration suffered no decrease during 
the year. Within the limits of Wisconsin, the oppressed of other climes continued to find 
welcome and happy homes. 

Second Administration. — Nelson Dewev, Governor (Second Term) — 1850, 1851. 

On the first day of January, 1850, Nelson Dewey took the oath of office, and quietly entered 
upon his duties as governor, for the second term. The third legislature convened on the ninth. 
Moses M. Strong was elected speaker of the assembly. Both houses had democratic majorities. 
Most of the business transacted was of a local character. By an act approved the fifth of Feb- 
ruary, the " January term " of the supreme court was changed to December. The legislature 
adjourned after a session of only thirty-four days. An act was passed organizing a sixth judicial 
circuit, from and after the first Monday in July, 1850, consisting of the counties of Crawford, 
Chippewa, Bad Axe, St. Croix and La Pointe, an election for judge to be holden on the same 
day. Wiram Knowlton was elected judge of that circuit. 



58 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

The first charitable institution in Wisconsin, incorporated by the State, was the " Wisconsin 
Institute for the Education of the Blind." A school for that unfortunate class had been opened 
in Janesville, in the latter part of 1859, receiving its support from the citizens of that place and 
vicinity. By an act of the legislature, approved February 9, 1850, this school was taken under 
the care of the Institute, to continue and maintain it, at Janesville, and to qualify, as far as might 
be, the blind of the State for the enjoyment of the blessings of a free government; for obtaining 
the means of subsistence; and for the discharge of those duties, social and political, devolving 
upon American citizens. It has since been supported from the treasury of the State. On the 
seventh of October, 1850, it was opened for the reception of pupils, under the direction of a 
board of trustees, appointed by the governor. The Institute, at the present time, has three 
departments: in one is given instruction such as is usually taught in common schools; in 
another, musical training is imparted; in a third, broom-making is taught to the boys, — sewing, 
knitting and various kinds of fancy work to the girls, and seating cane-bottomed chairs to both 
boys and girls. On the thirteenth of April, 1874, the building of the Institute was destroyed by 
fire. A new building has since been erected. 

The taking of the census by the United States, this year, showed a population for Wisconsin 
of over three hundred and five thousand — the astonishing increase in two years of nearly ninety- 
five thousand! In 1840, the population of Wisconsin Territory was only thirty thousand. This 
addition, in ten years, of two hundred and seventy-five thousand transcended all previous 
experience in the settlement of any portion of the New World, of the same extent of territory. 
It was the result of a steady and persistent flow of men and their families, seeking permanent 
homes in the young and rising State. Many were German, Scandinavian and Irish; but 
the larger proportion were, of course, from the Eastern and Middle States of the Union. The 
principal attractions of Wisconsin were the excellency and cheapness of its lands, its valuable 
mines of lead, its extensive forests of pine, and the unlimited wa'.er-power of its numerous 
streams. 

By the Revised Statutes of 1849, Wisconsin was divided into three congressional districts — 
the second congressional apportionment — each of which was entitled to elect one representative 
in the congress of the United States. The counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Walworth and 
Racine constituted the first district; the counties of Rock, Green, La Fayette, Grant. Iowa, 
Dane, Sauk, Adams, Portage, Richland, Crawford, Chippewa, St. Croix and La Pointe, the second 
district; the counties of Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Brown, Winnebago, Calumet, Fond 
du Lac, Marquette, Columbia, Dodge and Jefferson, the third district. At the general election 
in the Autumn of this year, Charles Durkee, of the first district; Benjamin C. Eastman, ot the 
second ; and John B. Macy, of the third district, were elected to represent the State in the 
thirty-second congress of the United States. Durkee, it will be remembered, represented the 
same district in the previous congress : he ran the second time as an independent candidate. 
Eastman and Macy were elected upon democratic tickets. The General Government this year 
donated to the State all the swamp and overflowed lands within its boundaries. 

The year 1850 to the agriculturist of Wisconsin was not one of unbounded prosperity,, 
owing to the partial failure of the wheat crop. In the other branches of agriculture there were 
fair returns. The State was visited during the year by cholera ; not, however, to a very alarming 
extent. 

The fourth session of the legislature of the State commenced on the 8th of January, 
1851. Frederick W. Horn was elected speaker of the assembly. The majority in the legisla- 
ture was democratic. Governor Dewey, in his message, referred to the death of the president of 
the United States, Zachary Taylor; said that the treasury and finances of the State were in a 



WISCONSIN" AS A STATE. 59 

sound condition ; and then adverted to many topics of interest and importance to the people of 
Wisconsin. It was an able document. One of the important measures of the session was the 
election of an United States senator, in the place of Henry Dodge, whose term of office would 
expire on the 4th of March, next ensuing. In joint convention of the legislature held on the 
20th of January, Dodge was re-elected for a full term of six years. On the 2 2d, the governor 
approved a joint resolution of the legislature, rescinding not only so much of the joint resolu- 
tion of the legislative assembly of Wisconsin, passed March 31, 1849, as censured Isaac J. 
Walker, but also the instructions in those resolutions relative to his resigning his seat in the 
senate of the United States. 

Among the important bills passed at this session of the legislature was one providing for 
the location and erection of a State prison. Another one — the apportionment bill — was vetoed 
by the governor, and having been passed on the last day of the session, failed to become a law. 
The legislature adjourned on the eighteenth of March, 1851, after a session of seventy days. 

On the 1st day of January, 185 1, Timothy O. Howe took his seat as one of the associate 
judges of the supreme court, he having been elected judge of the fourth circuit in place of Alex- 
ander W. Stow. The office of chief justice of the supreme court, which had been filled by Judge 
Stow, therefore became vacant, and so remained until the commencement of the next term — June 
18, 1851 — when Levi Hubbell, judge of the second circuit, was, by the judges present, pursuant 
to the statute, elected to that office. 

By an act of the legislature approved March 14, 1851, the location and erection of a State 
prison for Wisconsin was provided for — the point afterward determined upon as a suitable 
place for its establishment being Waupun, Dodge county. By a subsequent act, the prison was 
declared to be the general penitentiary and prison of the State for the reformation as well as for 
the punishment of offenders, in which were to be confined, employed at hard labor, and governed 
as provided for by the legislature, all offenders who might be committed and sentenced accord- 
ing to law, to the punishment of solitary imprisonment, or imprisonment therein at hard labor. 
The organization and management of this the first reformatory and penal State institution in 
Wisconsin, commenced and has been continued in accordance with the demands of an advanced 
civilization and an enlightened humanity. 

On the 29th of September, 1S51, Judge Hubbell was re-elected for the full term of six years 
as judge of the second judicial circuit, to commence January 1, 1852. 

At the general election in November, 1851, Leonard J. Farwell was chosen governor; 
Timothy Burns, lieutenant governor; Charles D. Robinson, secretary of State; E. H. Janssen, 
State treasurer; E. Estabrook, attorney general; and Azel P. Ladd, superintendent of public 
instruction. All these officers were elected as democrats except Farwell, who ran as a whig ; 
his majority over D. A. J. Upham, democrat, was a little rising of five hundred. 

Third Administration. — L. J. Farwell, Governor — 1852-1853. 

Governor Farwell's administration commenced on the fifth day of January, 1852. Previous 
to this — on the third day of the month — Edward V. Whiton was chosen by the judges of the 
supreme court, chief justice, to succeed Judge Hubbell. On the fourteenth of that month, the 
legislature assembled at Madison. This was the beginning of the fifth annual session. James 
McM. Shafter was elected speaker of the assembly. In the senate, the democrats had a 
majority ; in the assembly, the whigs. The governor, in his message, recommended the memorial- 
izing of congress to cause the agricultural lands within the State to be surveyed and brought 
into market; to cause, also, the mineral lands to be surveyed and geologically examined, and 
offered for sale ; and to make liberal appropriations for the improvement of rivers and harbors. 
The question of "bank or no bank " having been submitted to the people in November previous, 



60 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

and decided in favor of banks, under the constitution, the power was thereby given to the legis- 
lature then in session to grant bank charters, or to pass a general banking law. Farwell recom- 
mended that necessary measures be taken to carry into effect this constitutional provision. A 
larger number of laws was passed at this session than at any previous one. By a provision of 
the constitution, the legislature was given power to provide by law, if they should think it expe- 
dient and necessary, for the organization of a separate supreme court, to consist of one chief 
justice and two associate justices, to be elected by the qualified electors of the State, at such 
time and in such manner as the legislature might provide. Under this authority, an act was 
passed at this session providing for the election of a chief justice and two associates, on the last 
Monday of the September following, to form a supreme court of the State, to supplant the old 
one, provision for the change being inserted in the constitution. There was also an act passed 
to apportion and district anew the members of the senate and assembly, by which the number 
was increased from eighty-five to one hundred and seven: twenty-five for the senate; eighty- 
two for the assembly. An act authorizing the business of banking passed the legislature and 
was approved by the governor, on the 19th of April. By this law, the office of bank-comptroller 
was created — the officer to be first appointed by the governor, and to hold his office until the first 
Monday in Tanuary, 1854. At the general election in the Fall of 1853, and every two years 
thereafter, the office was to be filled by vote of the people. Governor Farwell afterward, on the 
20th of November, appointed James S. Baker to that office. The legislature adjourned on the 
nineteenth of April, 1852. 

The second charitable institution incorporated by the State was the " Wisconsin Institute 
for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb." It was originally a private school for deaf mutes, 
near, and subsequently in, the village of Delavan, Walworth county. By an act of the legislature 
approved April 19, 1852, it was made the object and duty of the corporation to establish, con- 
tinue and maintain this school for the education of the deaf and dumb, "at or near the village 
of Delavan, to qualify, as near as might be, that unfortunate class of persons for the enjoyment 
of the blessings of a free government, obtaining the means of subsistence, and the discharge of 
those duties, social and political, devolving upon American citizens." It has since been sup- 
ported by annual appropriations made by the legislature. A complete organization of the 
school was effected in June, 1852, under the direction of a board of trustees appointed by the 
governor of the State. The institute has for its design the elucation of such children of the 
State as, on account of deafness, can not be instructed in common schools. Instruction is given 
by signs, by the manual alphabet, by written language, and to one class by articulation. Two 
trades are taught: cabinet-making and shoe-making. 

During this year, considerable interest was manifested in the projecting of railroads. At 
the September election, )'.. V. W'hiton was elected chief justice of the new supreme court and 
Samuel Crawford and Abram 1). Smith associate justices. Under the law, the chief justice was 
to serve a term of four years from the first day of June next ensuing; while the two associates 
were to cast lots — one to serve for six years, the other for two years, from June 1, 1853. Craw- 
ford drew the short term — Smith the long term. At the subsequent general election for mem- 
bers to the thirty-third congress, Daniel Wells, Jr., was chosen from the first district , B. C. 
Eastman from the second: and J. B. Macy from the third district. All were democrats. A 
democratic electoral ticket was chosen at the same time. The electors cast their votes for Pierce 
and Butler. 

During 1852, the citizens of Wisconsin enjoyed unusual prosperity in the ample products 
and remuneration of their industry and enterprise. Abundant harvests and high markets; at 
increase in moneyed circulation, and the downward tendency of the rates of interest: a prevail- 
ing confidence among business men and in business enterprises; a continual accession to the 



WISCONSIN" AS A STATE. 61 

population of the State by immigration; the energetic prosecution of internal improvements 
•under the skillful management of companies; the extension of permanent agricultural improve- 
ments; and the rapid growth of the various cities and villages; were among the encouraging 
prospects of the year. 

The sixth session of the Wisconsin legislature commenced on the twelfth, of January, 1853. 
On the twenty-sixth of the same month, William K. Wilson, of Milwaukee, preferred charges 
in the assembly against Levi Hubbell, judge of the second judicial circuit of the State, of 
divers acts of corruption and malfeasance in the discharge of the duties of his office. A resolu- 
tion followed appointing a committee to report articles of impeachment, directing the members 
thereof to go to the senate and impeach Hubbell. Upon the trial of the judge before the 
senate, he was acquitted. An act was passed to provide for the election of a State prison commis- 
sioner by the legislature at that session — to hold his office until the first day of the ensuing 
January. The office was then to be filled by popular vote at the general election in November, 
r853 — and afterwards biennially — the term of office to be two years from the first day of Jan- 
uary next succeeding the election by the people. On the 28th of March, the legislature, in 
joint convention, elected John Taylor to that office. The legislature adjourned on the fourth 
day of April until the sixth of the following June, when it again met, and adjourned sine die on 
the thirteenth of July, both sessions aggregating one hundred and thirty-one days. 

By an act of the legislature approved February 9, 1S53, the "Wisconsin State Agricultural 
Society," which had been organized in March, 185 1, was incorporated, its object being to promote 
and improve the condition of agriculture, horticulture, and the mechanical, manufacturing and 
household arts. It was soon after taken under the fostering care of the State by an appropria- 
tion made by the legislature, to be expended by the society in such manner as it might deem 
best calculated to promote the objects of its incorporation; State aid was continued down to the 
commencement of the rebellion. No help was extended during the war nor until 1873; since 
which time there has been realized annually from the State a sum commensurate with its most 
pressing needs. The society has printed seventeen volumes of transactions and has held annually 
a State fair, except during the civil war. Besides these fairs, its most important work is the 
holding annually, at the capital of the State, a convention for the promotion of agriculture gen- 
erally. The meetings are largely participated in by men representing 'the educational and 
industrial interests of Wisconsin. 

By an act of the legislature approved March 4, 1S53, the "State Historical Society of 
Wisconsin " was incorporated — having been previously organized — the object being to collect, 
embody, arrange and preserve in authentic form, a library of books, pamphlets, maps, charts, 
manuscripts, papers, paintings, statuary and other materials illustrative of the history of the 
State; to rescue from oblivion the memory of its early pioneers., and to obtain and preserve 
narratives of their exploits, perils, and hardy adventures ; to exhibit faithfully the antiquities, 
and the past and present condition, and resources of Wisconsin. The society was also author- 
ized to take proper steps to promote the study of history by lectures, and to diffuse and publish 
information relating to the description and history of the State. The legislature soon after took 
the society under its fostering care by voting a respectable sum for its benefit. Liberal State 
aid has been continued to the present time. The society, besides collecting a library of historical 
books and pamphlets the largest in the West, has published eight volumes of collections and a 
■catalogue of four volumes. Its rooms are in the capitol at Madison, and none of its property 
can be alienated without the consent of the State. It has a valuable collection of painted por- 
traits and bound newspaper'files; and in its cabinet are to be found many prehistoric relics. 

On the first day of June, 1853, the justices of the new supreme court went into office: Associate 



62 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Justice Crawford, for two years; Chief Justice Whiton, for four years, Associate Justice Smith 
for six years as previously mentioned. The first (June) term was held at Madison. La Fayette 
Kellogg was appointed and qualified as clerk. On the 21st of September, Timothy Burns, lieu- 
tenant governor of Wisconsin, died at La Crosse. As a testimonial of respect for the deceased 
the several State departments, in accordance with a proclamation of the governor, were closed 
for one day — October 3, 1S53. In the Fall of this year, democrats, whigs and free-soilers, each 
called a convention to nominate candidates for the various State offices to be supported by them 
at the ensuing election in November. The successful ticket was, for governor, William A. Bars- 
tow ; for lieutenant governor, James T. Lewis , for secretary of State, Alexander T. Gray, for 
State treasurer, Edward H. Janssen ; for attorney general, George B. Smith ; for superintendent 
of public instruction, Hiram A. Wright; for State prison commissioner, A. W. Starks; and 
for bank comptroller, William M. Dennis. They were all democrats. 

The year 1853 was, to the agriculturists of the State, one of prosperity. Every branch of 
industry prospered. The increase of commerce and manufactures more than realized the expec- 
tations of the most sanguine. 

Fourth Administration. — William A. Barstow, Governor — 1S54-1S55. 

On Monday, the second of January, 1S54, William A. Barstow took the oath of office as 
governor of Wisconsin. 

The legislature commenced its seventh regular session on the eleventh of January. Fred- 
erick W. Horn was elected speaker of the assembly. Both houses were democratic. The 
legislature adjourned on the 3d of April following, after a session of eighty-three days. 

In the early part of March, a fugitive slave case greatly excited the people of Wisconsin. 
A slave named Joshua Glover, belonging to B. S. Garland of Missouri, had escaped from his 
master and made his way to the vicinity of Racine. Garland, learning the whereabouts of his- 
personal chattel, came to the State, obtained, on the 9th of March, 1S54, from the judges of the 
district court of the United States for the district of Wisconsin, a warrant for the apprehension 
of Glover, which was put into the hands of the deputy marshal of the United States. Glover 
was secured and lodged in jail in Milwaukee. A number of persons afterward assembled and 
rescued the fugitive. Among those who took an active part in this proceeding was Sherman M. 
Booth, who was arrested therefor and committed by a United States commissioner, but was 
released from custody by Abram D. Smith, one of the as«ociate justices of the supreme court 
of Wisconsin, upon a writ of habeas corpus. The record of the proceedings was thereupon 
taken to that court in full bench by a writ of certiorari to correct any error that might have been 
committed before the associate justice. At the June term, 1S54, the justices held that Booth 
was entitled to be discharged, because the commitment set forth no cause for detention. 

Booth was afterward indicted in the United States district court and a warrant issued for 
his arrest. He was again imprisoned; and again he applied to the supreme court — then, in 
term time — for a writ of habeas corpus. This was in July, 1854. In his petition to the supreme 
court, Booth set forth that he was in confinement upon a warrant issued by the district court of 
the United States and that the object of the imprisonment was to compel him to answer an 
indictment then pending against him therein. The supreme court of the State held that these 
facts showed that the district court of the United States had obtained jurisdiction of the case 
and that it was apparent that the indictment was for an offense of which the federal courts had 
exclusive jurisdiction. They could not therefore interfere; and his application for a discharge 
was denied. 

Upon the indictment. Booth was tried and convicted, fined and imprisoned, for a violation 
of the fugitive slave law. Again the prisoner applied to the supreme court of Wisconsin. — his 



WISCONSIN" AS A STATE. 63 

last application bearing date January 26, 1855. He claimed discharge on the ground of the 
unconstitutionality of the law under which he had been indicted. The supreme court held that 
the indictment upon which he had been tried and convicted contained three counts, the first of 
which was to be considered as properly charging an offense within the act of congress of Septem- 
ber 18, 1850, known as the "fugitive slave law," while the second and third counts did not set 
forth or charge an offense punishable by any statute of the United States ; and as, upon these last- 
mentioned counts he was found guilty and not upon the first, he must be discharged. 

The action of the supreme court of Wisconsin in a second time discharging Booth, was 
afterward reversed by the supreme court of the United States ; and, its decision being respected 
by the State court, Booth was re-arrested in i860, and the sentence of the district court of the 
United States executed in part upon him, when he was pardoned by the president. 

By an act of the legislature, approved March 30, 1854, a " State Lunatic Asylum " was directed 
to be built at or in the vicinity of Madison, the capital of the State, upon land to be donated or 
purchased for that purpose. By a subsequent act, the name of the asylum was changed to the 
" Wisconsin State Hospital for the Insane.' This was the third charitable institution established 
by the State. The hospital was opened for patients in July, i860, under the direction of a 
board of trustees appointed by the governor. All insane persons, residents of Wisconsin, who, 
under the law providing for admission of patients into the hospital for treatment, become resi- 
dents therein, are maintained at the expense of the State, provided the county in which such 
patient resided before being brought to the hospital pays the sum of one dollar and fifty cents a 
week for his or her support. Any patient can be supported by relatives, friends or guardians, if 
the latter desire to relieve the county and State from the burden, and can have special care and 
be provided with a special attendant, if the expense of the same be borne by parties interested. 
The hospital is beautifully located on the north shore of Lake Mendota, in Dane county, about 
four miles from Madison. 

At the general election in the Fall of 1854, for members from Wisconsin to the thirty-fourth 
congress, Daniel Wells, Jr. was chosen from the first district ; C. C. Washburn, from the second, 
and Charles Billinghurst from the third district. Billinghurst and Washburn were elected as 
republicans — that party having been organized in the Summer previous. Wells was a democrat. 
The year 1854 was one of prosperity forjWisconsin, to all its industrial occupations. Abund- 
ant crops and increased prices were generally realized by the agriculturist. It was a year also of 
general health. It was ascertained that the amount of exports during the year, including lumber 
and mineral, exceeded thirteen millions of dollars. 

The eighth regular session of the State legislature commenced on the 10th of January, 
1855. C. C. Sholes was elected speaker of the assembly. The senate was democratic ; the 
assembly, republican. On joint ballot, the republicans had but one majority. On the istof 
February, Charles Durkee, a republican, was elected United States senator for a full term of six 
years from the 4th of March next ensuing, to fill the place of Isaac P. Walker whose term would 
expire on that day. Among the bills passed of a general nature, was one relative to the rights of 
married women, providing that any married woman, whose husband, either from drunkenness or 
profligacy, should neglect or refuse to provide for her support, should have the right, in her own 
name, to transact business, receive and collect her own earnings, and apply the same for her own 
support, and education of her children, free from the control and interference of her husband. 
The legislature adjourned sine die on the second of April, after a session of eighty-three days. 
Orsamus Cole having been elected in this month an associate justice of the supreme court in 
place of Judge Samuel Crawford, whose term of office would expire on the thirty-first of May of 
that year, went into office on the first day of June following, for a term of six years. His office 
would therefore end on the thirty-first of May, 1S61. 



64 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

On the 27th of May, 1S55, Hiram A. Wright, superintendent of public instruction, died at 
Prairie du Chien. On the iSth of June following, the governor appointed A. Constantine Barry to 
fill his place. On the 5th of July, Garland, the owner of the rescued fugitive slave Glover, 
having brought suit in the United States district court for the loss of his slave, against Booth, 
the trial came on at Madison, resulting in the jury bringing in a verdict under instructions from 
the judge, of one thousand dollars, the value of a negro slave as fixed by act of congress of 1850. 

The constitution of the State requiring the legislature to provide by law for an enumeration 
of the inhabitants in the year 1855, an act was passed by that body, approved March 31, of this 
year, for that purpose. The result showed a population for Wisconsin of over five hundred and 
fifty-two thousand. In November, at the general election, the democratic ticket for State offi- 
cers was declared elected : William A. Barstow, for governor; Arthur M.Arthur, for lieutenant 
governor; David W. Jones, for secretary of State; Charles Kuehn, for State treasurer ; Wil- 
liam R. Smith, for attorney general; A. C. Barry, for superintendent of public instruction; 
William M. Dennis, for bank comptroller; and Edward McGarry for State prison commissioner. 
The vote for governor was very close; but the State canvassers declared Barstow elected by a 
small majority. The opposing candidate for that office was Coles Bashford, who ran as a 
republican 

I lie year 1855 was a prosperous one to the farmers of Wisconsin as well as to all industrial 
occupations. There were abundant crops and unexampled prices were realized. 

Fifth Administration. — Coles Bashford, Governor — 1856-18^7. 

On the seventh day of January, 1S56. William A. Barstow took and subscribed an oath of 
office as governor of Wisconsin, while Coles Bashford, who had determined to contest the right 
of Barstow to the governorship, went, on the same day, to the supreme court room, in Madison, 
and had the oath of office administered to him by Chief Justice Whiton. Bashford afterward 
called at the executive office and made a formal demand of Barstow that he should vacate the 
gubernatorial chair; but the latter respectfully declined the invitation. These were the initiatory 
steps of " Bashford vs. Barstow," for the office of governor of Wisconsin. 

The fight now commenced in earnest. On the eleventh, the counsel for Bashford called 
upon the attorney general and requested him to file an information in the nature of a quo 
warranto against Barstow. On the fifteenth that officer complied with the request. Thereupon 
a summons was issued to Barstow to appear and answer. On the twenty-second, Bashford, by 
his attorney, asked the court that the information filed by the attorney general lie discontinued 
and that he be allowed to file one, which request was denied by the court. While the motion 
was being argued, Barstow, by his attorneys, entered his appearance in the case. 

. On the second of February, Barstow moved to quash all proceedings for the reason that the 
court had no jurisdiction in the matter. This motion was denied by the court ; that tribunal at 
the same time deciding that the filing of the motion was an admission by Barstow that the alle- 
gations contained in the information filed by the attorney general were true. 

On the twenty-first of Febiuary, the time appointed for pleading to the information, Bar- 
stow, by his attorneys, presented to the court a stipulation signed by all the parties in the case, to 
the effect that the board of canvassers had determined Barstow elected governor; that the secre- 
tary of State had certified to his election ; and that he had taken the oath of office. They submit- 
ted to the court whether it had jurisdiction, beyond the certificates, of those facts and the canvass 
so made to inquire as to the number of votes actually given for Barstow, — Bashford offering to 
prove that the certificates were made and issued through mistake and fraud, and that he, instead 
of Barstow, received the greatest number of votes. This stipulation the court declined to enter- 
tain or to pass upon the questions suggested ; as they were not presented in legal form. Barstow 



WISCONSIN" AS A STATE. 65 

was thereupon given until the twenty-fifth of February to answer the information that had been 
filed against him by the attorney general. 

On the day appointed, Barstow filed his plea to the effect that, by the laws of Wisconsin 
regulating the conducting of general election for State officers, it was the duty of the board of 
canvassers to determine who was elected to the office of governor; and that the board had found 
that he was duly elected to that office. It was a plea to the jurisdiction of the court. A demurrer 
was interposed to this plea, setting forth that the matters therein contained were not sufficient in 
law to take the case out of court; asking, also, for a judgment against Barstow, or that he answer 
further the information filed against him. The demurrer was sustained; and Barstow was 
required to answer over within four days; at the expiration of which time the counsel for Barstow 
withdrew from the case, on the ground, as they alleged, that they had appeared at the bar of the 
court to object to the jurisdiction of that tribunal in the matter., and the court had determined 
to proceed with the case, holding and exercising full and final jurisdiction over it; and that they 
could take no further steps without conceding the right of that tribunal so to hold. Thereupon, 
on the eighth of March, Barstow entered a protest, by a communication to the supreme court, 
against any further interference with the department under his charge by that tribunal, '' either 
by attempting to transfer its powers to another or direct the course of executive action." The 
counsel for Bashford then moved for judgment upon the default of Barstow. 

A further hearing of the case was postponed until March 18, when the attorney general 
filed a motion to dismiss the proceedings ; against which Bashford. by his counsel, protested as 
being prejudicial to his rights. It was the opinion of the court that the attorney general could 
not dismiss the case, that every thing which was well pleaded for Bashford in his information was 
confessed by the default of Barstow. By strict usage, a final judgment ought then to have fol- 
lowed ; but the court came to the conclusion to call upon Bashford to bring forward proof, showing 
his right to the office. Testimony was then adduced at length, touching the character of the 
returns made to the State canvassers; after hearing of which it was the opinion of the court that 
Bashford had received a plurality of votes for governor and that there must be a judgment in 
his favor and one of ouster against Barstow ; which were rendered accordingly. 

The ninth regular session of the legislature of Wisconsin commenced on the ninth of 
January, 1856. William Hull was elected speaker of the assembly. The senate had a repub- 
lican majority, but the assembly was democratic. On the eleventh Barstow sent in a message to 
a joint convention of the two houses. On the twenty-first of March he tendered to the legisla- 
ture his resignation as governor, giving for reasons the action of the supreme court in " Bashford 
vs. Barstow," which tribunal was then hearing testimony in the case. On the same day Arthur 
McArthur, lieutenant governor, took and subscribed an oath of office as governor of the State, 
afterwards sending a message to the legislature, announcing that the resignation of BarstQw 
made it his duty to take the reins of government. On the twenty-fifth, Bashford called on 
McArthur, then occupying the executive office, and demanded possession — at the same time 
intimating that he preferred peaceable measures to force, but that the latter would be employed 
if necessary. The lieutenant governor thereupon vacated the chair, when the former took the 
gubernatorial seat, exercising thereafter the functions of the office until his successor was elected 
and qualified. His right to the seat was recognized by the senate on the twenty-fifth, and by the 
assembly on the twenty-seventh of March, 1S56. This ended the famous case of " Bashford 7'S, 
Barstow," the first and only " war of succession " ever indulged in by Wisconsin. 

The legislature, on the thirty-first of March, adjourned over to the third of September, to 
dispose of a congressional land grant to the State. Upon re-assembling, an important measure 
was taken up — that of a new apportionment for the legislature. It was determined to increase the 



bb HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

number of members from one hundred and seven to one hundred and twenty-seven. The session 
closed on the thirteenth of October. The general election for members to the thirty-fifth congress, 
held in November, resulted in the choice of John H. Potter, from the first district ; C. C. Washburn 
from the second ; and Charles Billinghurst, from the third district. They were all elected as 
republicans. The presidential canvass of this year was an exciting one in the State. The 
republicans were successful. Electors of that party cast their five votes for Fremont and 
Dayton. 

The year 1856 was not an unprosperous one, agriculturally speaking, although in some 
respects decidedly unfavorable. In many districts the earlier part of the season was exceedingly 
dry, which materially diminished the wheat crop. Other industrial interests were every where 
in a flourishing condition. 

The legislature commenced its tenth regular session at Madison, on the fourteenth day of 
January, 1857, with a republican majority in both houses. Wyman Spooner was elected speaker 
of the assembly. For the first time since the admission of the State into the Union, a majority of 
the members of both houses, together with the governor, were opposed to the democratic party. 
On the twenty-third the senate and assembly met in joint convention, for the purpose of electing 
a United States senator in place of Henry Dodge, whose term of office would expire on the 
fourth of March next ensuing. James R. Doolittle, republican, was the successful candidate for 
that office, for a full term of six years, from the fourth of March, 1857. The legislature 
adjourned on the ninth of March, 1857. At the Spring election, Judge Whiton was re-elected 
chief justice of the supreme court for a term of six years. 

The second reformatory State institution established in Wisconsin, was, by an act of the 
legislature, approved March 7, 1S57, denominated a House of Refuge for Juvenile Delinquents, 
afterward called the State Reform School, now known as the Wisconsin Industrial School for 
Boys, and is located at Waukesha, the county seat of Waukesha county. The courts and 
several magistrates in any county in Wisconsin may, in their discretion, sentence to this school 
any male child between the ages of ten and sixteen years, convicted of vagrancy, petit larceny, 
or any misdemeanor; also of any offense which would otherwise be punishable by imprisonment 
in the State prison ; or, of incorrigible or vicious conduct in certain cases. The term of commit- 
ment must be to the age of twenty-one years. 

At the State election held in November of this year, the republicans elected A. W. Randall 
governor; S. D. Hastings, State treasurer, and Edward M. McGraw, State prison commis- 
sioner. The democrats elected E. D. Campbell, lieutenant governor ; D. W. Jones, secretary 
of State ; Gabriel Bouck, attorney general ; L. C. Draper, superintendent of public instruc- 
tion, and J. C. Squires, bank comptroller. 

The year 1857 was a disastrous one to Wisconsin, as we)', as to the whole country, in a finan- 
cial point of view. Early in the Fall a monetary panic swept over the land. A number of 
prominent operators in the leading industrial pursuits were obliged to succumb. Agriculturally 
the year was a fair one for the State. 

Sixth Administration. — Alexander W. Randall, Governor — 1858-1859. 

Randall's administration began on the fourth day of January, 1858, when for the first time 
he was inaugurated governor of the State. On the eleventh of January the legislature 
commenced its eleventh regular session, with a republican majority in both houses. Frederick 
S. Lovell was elected speaker of the assembly. The legislature adjourned sine die on the 
seventeenth of March, after an unusually long session of one hundred and twenty-five days. " That 
a large majority of the members were men of integrity, and disposed for the public weal, can not 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 67 

be doubted ; but they were nearly all new members, and without former legislative experience. 
They set out to accomplish a great good, by holding up to public scorn and execration the whole- 
sale briberies and iniquities of the immediate past ; but they lacked concentration of effort and. 
for want of union and preconcerted action, they failed to achieve the great triumph they sought 
by providing a ' sovereign remedy ' for the evils they exposed." 

At the regular session of the legislature of 1S56, an act was passed for a general revisi-n of 
the laws of the State. Under this, and a subsequent act of the adjourned session of that year, 
three commissioners — David Taylor, Samuel J. Todd, and F. S. Lovell — were appointed "to 
collect, compile and digest the general laws " of Wisconsin. Their report was submitted to the 
legislature of 1858, and acted upon at a late day of the session. The laws revised, which received 
the sanction of the legislature, were published in one volume, and constitute what is know as the 
Revised Statutes of 1858. 

At the Fall election, John F. Potter from the first district, and C. C. Washburn from the 
second district, both republicans, were elected to the thirty-sixth congress ; while C. H. 
Larrabee, democrat, was elected to represent the third district. 

The twelfth regular session of the Wisconsin legislature commenced on the twelfth of 
January, 1859, with a republican majority in both houses. William P. Lyon was elected speaker 
of the assembly. The legislature adjourned sine die on the twenty-first of March, 1859, after a 
session of sixty-nine days. At the regular spring election, Byron Paine was chosen associate 
justice of the supreme court, for a full term of six years, as the successor of Associate Justice 
Smith. As it was a question when the term of the latter ended — whether on the 31st day of 
May, 1859, or on the first Monday in January, 1S60 — he went through with the formality of 
resigning his office, and the governor of appointing Paine as his successor, on the 20th of June, 
1859. On the twelfth of April, 1859, Edward V. Whiton, chief justice of the supreme court, 
died at his residence in Janesville. The office was filled by executive appointment on the 19th 
of the same month — the successor of Judge Whiton being Luther S. Dixon. Late in the Sum- 
mer both political parties put into the field a full state ticket. The republicans were successful 
— electing for governor, Alexander W. Randall ; for lieutenant governor, B. G. Noble ; for 
secretary of state, L. P. Harvey; for state treasurer, S. D. Hastings, for attorney general, James 
.H. Howe; for bank comptroller, G. Van Steenwyck ; for superintendent of public instruction 
J. L. Pickard ; for state prison commissioner, H. C. Heg. 

Seventh Administration. — Alexander W. Randall, Governor(second term), 1S60-1861. 
Alexander W. Randall was inaugurated the second time as governor of Wisconsin on 
Monday, January 2, i860. One week subsequent, the thirteenth regular session of the legis- 
lature commenced at Madison. For the first time the republicans had control, not only of all 
the State offices, but also of both branches of the legislature. William P. Lyon was elected 
speaker of the assembly. A new assessment law was among the most important of the acts 
passed at this session. The legislature adjourned on the second of April. At the sprino- elec- 
tion, Luther S. Dixon, as an independent candidate, was elected chief justice of the supreme 
court for the unexpired term of the late Chief Justice Whiton. In the presidential election which 
followed, republican electors were chosen — casting their five votes, in the electoral college, for 
Lincoln and Hamlin. At the same election, John F. PotUr, from the first district; Luther 
Hanchett, from the second, and A. Scott Sloan, from the third district, were elected members of 
the thirty-seventh congress. Hanchett died on the twenty-fourth of November, 1S62, when, 
on the twentieth of December following, W. D. Mclndoe was elected to fill the vacancy. All 
these congressional representatives were republicans. Wisconsin, in 1S60, was a strong repub- 



o8 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

lican State. According to the census of this year, it had a population of over seven hundred 
and seven. y-seven thousand. 

On the ninth of January, 1861, the fourteenth regular session of the State legislature com- 
menced at Madison. Both branches were republican. Amasa Cobb was elected speaker of the 
assembly. On the tenth, both houses met in joint convention to hear the governor read his 
annual message. It was a remarkable document. Besides giving an excellent synopsis of the 
operations of the State government for 1S60, the governor entered largely into a discussion of 
the question of secession and disunion, as then proposed by some of the southern states of the 
Union. These are his closing words : 

"The right of a State to secede from the Union can never be admitted. The National 
Government can not treat with a State while it is in the Union, and particularly while it stands 
in an attitude hostile to the Union. So long as any State assumes a position foreign, inde- 
pendent and hostile to the government, there can be no reconciliation. The government of the 
United States can not treat with one of its own States as a foreign power. The constitutional 
laws extend over every Stat^ alike. They are to be enforced in every State alike. A State can 
not come into the Union as it pleases, and go out when it pleases. Once in, it must stay until 
the Union is destroyed. There is no coercion of a State. But where a faction of a people arrays 
itself, not against one act, but against all laws, and against all government, there is but one 
answer to be made: ' The Government must be sustained j the laws shall be enforced J " '" 

On the twenty-third of January the legislature met in joint convention to elect a United 
States senator to fill the place of Charles Durkee, whose term of office would expire on the 
fourth of Ma ch next ensuing. The successful candidate was Timothy O. Howe, republican, 
who was elected for a full term of six years from the 4th of March, 1S61. One of the important 
acts passed at this session of the legislature apportioned the State into senate and assembly 
districts, by which the whole number of members in both houses was increased from one hun- 
dred and twenty-seven to one hundred and thirty-three. Another act apportioned the State into 
six congressional districts instead of three. By this — the third congressional apportionment — 
each district was to elect one representative. The first district was composed of the counties 
of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha ; the second, of the counties of Rock, 
Jefferson, Dane, and Columbia; the third, of Green, La Fayette, Iowa, Grant, Crawford, Rich- 
land, and Sauk; the fourth, of Ozaukee, Washington, Dodge, Fond du Lac, and Sheboygan; the 
fifth, Manitowoc, Calumet, Winnebago, Green Lake, Marquette, Waushara, Waupaca, Outa- 
gamie, Brown, Kewaunee, Door, Oconto, and Shawano; and the sixth, of the counties of Bad 
Axe, La ( rosse, M nroe, Juneau, Adams, Portage, Wood, Jackson, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Pepin, 
Pierce, St. Croix, Dunn, Eau Claire, Clark, Marathon, Chippewa, Dallas, Polk, Burnett, Douglas, 
LaPointe, and Ashland. The legislature adjourned on the seventeenth of April, 1861. 

At the spring elections of this year, Orsamus Cole was re-elected as associate justice of the 
supreme court. ( )n the ninth of May following, Governor Randall issued a proclamation convening 
the legislature in extra session on the fifteenth of the same month. " The extraordinary condition 
of the country," said he, " growing out of the rebellion against the government of the United 
States, makes it necessary that the legislature of this State be convened in special session, to 
provide more completely for making the power of the State useful to the government and to 
other loyal Mates." The fifteenth or extra session began on the fifteenth of May, as designated 
in the governor's proclamation. The message of the governor was devoted entirely to the war. 
■' At the close of the last annual session of the legislature," said he, " to meet a sudden emer- 
gency, an act was passed authorizing me to respond to the call of the president of the United 
States, ' for aid in maintaining the Union and the supremacy of the laws, or to suppress rebellion 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 69 

or insurrection, or to repel invasion within the United States,' and I was 'authorized, and it was 
made my duty, to take such measures as, in my judgment, should provide in the speediest and 
most efficient manner for responding to such call : and to this end I was authorized to accept 
the services of volunteers for active service, to be enrolled in companies of not less than 
seventy-five men each, rank and file, and in regiments of ten companies each. I was also 
authorized to provide for uniforming and equipping such companies as were not provided with 
uniforms and equipments." " The first call of the president for immediate active service," con- 
tinued the governor, " was for.one regiment of men. My proclamation, issued immediately after the 
passage of the act of the legislature, was answered within less than ten days, by companies enough, 
each containing the requisite number of men, to make up at least five regiments instead of o..e. 
I then issued another proclamation, announcing the offers that had been made, and advising 
that thereafter companies might be enrolled to stand as minute men, ready to answer further 
calls, as they might be made, but without expense to the State, except as they were mustered 
into service. In less than one month from the date of my first proclamation, at least five thou- 
sand men, either as individuals or enrolled companies, have offered their services for the war, 
and all appear anxious for active service in the field." " The time for deliberation," concludes 
the governor, " must give way to the time for action. The constitution of the United States 
must be sustained in all its first intent and wholeness. The right of the people of every State 
to go into every other State and engage in any lawful pursuit, without unlawful interference or 
molestation; the freedom of speech and of the press; the right of trial by jury; security from 
unjustifiable seizure of persons or papers, and all constitutional privileges and immunities, must 
receive new guarantees of safety." 

The extra session of the legislature passed, wtih a single exception, no acts except such as 
appertained to the military exigencies of the times. Both houses adjourned sine die on the 
twenty-seventh of May, i86r. As the administration of Governor Randall would close with the 
year, and as he was not a candidate for re-election, there was much interest felt throughout the 
State as to who his successor should be. Three State tickets were put in nomination : union, 
republican, and democratic. The republican ticket was successful, electing Louis P. Harvey, 
governor; Edward Salomon, lieutenant governor; James T. Lewis, secretary of state; S. D. 
Hastings, state treasurer; James H. How?, attorney general; W. H. Ramsey, bank comp- 
troller; J. L. Pickard, superintendent of public instruction; and A. P. Hodges, state prison 
commissioner. 

The War of Secession — Last Year of Randall's Administration. 

When Wisconsin was first called upon to aid the General Government in its efforts to 
sustain itself against the designs of the secession conspirators, the commercial affairs of the 
State were embarrassed to a considerable degree by the depreciation of the currency. The 
designs of the secessionists were so far developed at the ending of the year i860 as to show that 
resistance to the national authority had been fully determined on. It is not a matter of wonder, 
then, that Governor Randall in his message to the legislature, early in January, 1861, should 
have set forth the dangers which threatened the Union, or should have denied the right of a 
State to secede from it. "Secession," said he, "is revolution; revolution is war ; war against 
the government of the United States is treason." "It is time," he continued, "now, to know 
whether we have any government, and if so, whether it has any strength. Is our written 
constitution more than a sheet of parchment? The nation must be lost or preserved by its own 
strength. Its strength is in the patriotism of the people. It is time now that politicians became 
Datriots; that men show their love of country by every sacrifice, but that of principle, and by 



70 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

unwavering devotion to its interests and integrity." "The hopes," added the governor, most 
eloquently, '' of civilization and Christianity are suspended now upon the answer to this question 
of dissolution. The capacity for, as well as the right of, self-government is to pass its ordeal, 
and speculation to become certainty. Other systems have been tried, and have failed ; and all 
along, the skeletons of nations have been strewn, as warnings and land-marks, upon the great 
highway of historic overnment. Wisconsin is true, and her people steadfast. She will not 
destroy the Union, -ior consent that it shall be done. Devised by great, and wise, and good 
men, in days of sore trial, it must stand. Like some bold mountain, at whose base the great seas 
break their angry floods, and around whose summit the thunders of a thousand hurricanes have 
rattled — strong, unmoved, immovable — so may our Union be, while treason surges at its base, 
and passions rage around it, unmoved, immovable — here let it stand forever." These are the 
words of an exalted and genuine patriotism. But the governor did not content himself with 
eloquence alone. He came down to matters of business as well. He urged the necessity of 
legislation that would give more efficient organization to the militia of the State. He warned 
the legislators to make preparations also for the coming time that should try the souls of men. 
"The signs of the times," said he, " indicate that there may arise a contingency in the condition 
of the government, when it will become necessary to respond to a call of the National Government 
for men and means to maintain the integrity of the Union, and to thwart the designs of men 
engaged in organized treason. While no unnecessary expense should be incurred, yet it is the 
part of wisdom, both for individuals and States, in revolutionary times, to be prepared to defend 
our institutions to the last extremity." It was thus the patriotic governor gave evidence to the 
members of both houses that he " scented the battle afar off." 

On the 1 6 tli of January, a joint resolution of the legislature was passed, declaring that the 
people of Wisconsin are ready to co-operate with the friends of the Union every where for its 
preservation, to yield a cheerful obedience to its requirements, and to demand a like obedience 
from all others ; that the legislature of Wisconsin, profoundly impressed with the value of the 
Union, and determined to preserve it unimpaired, hail with joy the recent linn, dignified and 
patriotic special message of the president of the United States; that they tender to him, through 
the chief magistrate of their own State, whatever aid, in men and money, may lie required to 
enable him to enforce the laws and uphold the authority of the Federal Government, and in 
defense of the more perfect Union, which has conferred prosperity and happiness on the 
American people. " Renewing," said they, "the pledge given and redeemed by our fathers, we 
are ready to devote our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honors in upholding the Union and 
the constitution." 

The legislature, in order to put the State upon a kind of "war footing," passed an act for 
its defense, and to aid in enforcing the laws and maintaining the authority of the General 
Government. It was under this act that Governor Randall was enabled to organize the earlier 
regiments of Wisconsin. By it, in case of a call from the president of the United States to aid 
in maintaining the Union and the supremacy of the laws to suppress rebellion or insurrection, or 
10 repel invasion within the United States, the governor was authorized to provide, in the most 

ent manner, for responding to such call — to accept the services of volunteers tor service, 
in companies of seventy-five men each, rank and file, and in regiments of ten companies each, 
and to commission officers for them. The governor was also authorized to contract for 
uniforms and equipments necessary for putting such companies into active service. One 
hundred thousand dollars were appropriated for war purposes; and bonds were authorized to 
be issued for that amount, to be negotiated by the governor, for raising hinds. It will be seen, 
therefore, that the exigencies of the times — for Fort SujQter had not yet been surrendered — 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 71 

were fully met by the people's representatives, they doing their whole duty, as they then under- 
stood it, in aid of the perpetuity of the Union. 

Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours, until the quarters were entirely burned, 
the main gates destroyed, the gorge- wall seriously injured, the magazine surrounded by flames, 
and its door closed from the effects of the heat, four barrels and three cartridges of powder only 
being available, and no provisions but pork remaining, Robert Anderson, major of the first 
artillery, United States army, accepted terms of evacuation offered by General Beauregard, 
marched out of the fort on Sunday afternoon, the fourteenth of April, 1861, with colors flying 
and drums beating, bringing away company and private property, and saluting his flag with fifty guns. 
This, in brief, is the story of the fall of Sumter and the opening act of the War of the Rebellion. 
" Whereas," said Abraham Lincoln, president, in his proclamation of the next day, " the 
laws of the United States have been for some time past, and now are, opposed, and the execution 
thereof obstructed, in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, 
Louisiana, and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of 
judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals by law." Now, in view of that 
fact, he called forth the militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of 
seventy-five thousand, in order to suppress those combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly 
executed. " A call is made on you by to-night's mail for one regiment of militia for immediate 
service," telegraphed the secretary of war to Randall, on the same day. 

In Wisconsin, as elsewhere, the public pulse quickened under the excitement of the fall of 
Sumter. " The dangers which surrounded the nation awakened the liveliest sentiments of 
patriotism and devotion. For the time, party fealty was forgotten in the general desire to save 
the nation. The minds of the people soon settled into the conviction that a bloody war was at 
hand, and that the glorious fabric of our National Government, and the principles upon which 
it is founded, were in jeopardy, and with a determination unparalleled in the history of any- 
country, they rushed to its defense. On every hand the National flag could be seen displayed, 
and the public enthusiasm knew no bounds ; in city, town, and hamlet, the burden on every 
tongue was war." "We have never been accustomed," said Governor Randall, " to consider the 
military arm as essential to the maintenance of our government, but an exigency has arisen 
that demands its employment." "The time has come," he continued, " when parties and plat- 
forms must be forgotten, and all good citizens and patriots unite together in putting down rebels 
and traitors." "What is money,'' he asked, "what is life, in the presence of such a crisis ? " 
Such utterances and such enthusiasm could but have their effect upon the legislature, which, it 
will be remembered, was still in session ; so, although that body had already voted to adjourii, 
sine die, on the fifteenth of Apr.l, yet, when the moment arrived, and a message from the governor 
*vas received, announcing that, owing to the extraordinary exigencies which had arisen, an amend- 
ment of the law of the thirteenth instant was necessary, the resolution to adjourn was at once 
rescinded. The two houses thereupon not only increased the amount of bonds to be issued to 
two hundred thousand dollars, but they also passed a law exempting from civil process, during 
the time of service, all persons enlisting and mustering into the United States army from Wis- 
consin. When, on the seventeenth, the legislature did adjourn, the scene was a remarkable one. 
Nine cheers were given for the star spangled banner and three for the Governor's Guard, who 
had just then tendered their services — the first in the State — under the call for a regiment of 
men for three months' duty. 

" For the first time in the history of this federal government," are the words of the gover- 
nor, in a proclamation issued on the sixteenth of April, "organized treason has manifested itseif 
within several States of the Union, and armed rebels are making war against it." " '1 he 
treasuries of the country," said he, "must no longer be plundered; the public property must be 



T2 IIIST01IY OF WISCONSIN 

protected from aggressive violence ; that already seized must be retaken, and the laws must 
be executed in every State of the Union alike." "A demand," he added, " made upon Wiscon- 
sin by the president of the United States, for aid to sustain the federal arm, must meet with a 
prompt response." The patriotism of the State was abundantly exhibited in their filling up 
a regiment before some of the remote settlements had any knowledge of the call. On the twenty- 
second, Governor Kami. ill reported to the secretary of war that the First regiment was ready- 
to go into rendezvous. The place designated was "Camp Scott," at Milwaukee; the day, the 
twenty-seventh of April. Then and there the several companies assembled — the regiment after- 
ward completing its organization. 

With a wise foresight, Governor Randall ordered, as a reserve force and in advance of another 
c.ill for troops by the president, the formation of two more regiments — the Second and Third, 
and, eventually, the Fourth. Camps at Madison, Fond du Lac, and Racine, were formed for 
their reception, where suitable buildings were erected for their accommodation. Companies 

rned to the Second regiment were ordered to commence moving into "Camp Randall," at 
Madison, on the first day of May. On the seventh, the secretary of war, under call of the presi- 
dent of the United States for forty-two thousand additional volunteers — this time for three years, 
or during the war — telegraphed Governor Randall that no more three months' volunteers were 
wanted; that such companies as were recruited must re-enlist for the new term or be disbanded. 

At the extra session of the legislature of Wisconsin, which, as already mentioned, com- 
menced on the fifteenth of May, i ailed by Governor Randall immediately upon his being notified 
of the second call of the president for troops, on the third of May, the law hurriedly passed at 
the close of the regular session, and under which the governor had organized the First regi- 
ment, was found inadequate to meet the second call for troops. " A bill was introduced, and became 
a law, authorizing the governor to raise six regiments of infantry, inclusive of those he had organ- 
ized or placed at quarters. When the six regiments were mustered into the United States service, 
he was authorized to raise two additional regiments, and thus to keep two regiments continually 
in reserve to meet any future call of the General Government. He was authorized to quarter 
and subsist volunteers at rendezvous — to transport, clothe, subsist and quarter them in camp at 
the expense of the State. Arms and munitions were to be furnished by the United States. 
Recruits were to be mustered into State service, and into United States service, for three years. 
Two assistant surgeons to each regiment were to be appointed, and paid by the State. The regi- 
ments, as they came into camp, were to be instructed in drill and various camp duties, to secure 
efficiency in the field. The troops, so called in, were to be paid monthly by the State, the same 
pay and emoluments as the soldiers in the United States army, from the date of enlistment. The 
paymaster general was authorized to draw funds from the State treasury for the payment of 
the State troops, and the expense incurred in subsisting, transporting and clothing them. The 
governor was authorized to purchase military stores, subsistence, clothing, medicine, field and 
camp equipage, and the sum of one million dollars was appropriated to enable the governor to 
carry out the law." 

Other laws were passed relating to military matters. One authorized the governor to pur- 
chase two thousand stand of arms; and fifty thousand dollars were appropriated to pay tor the 
same. Another authorized counties, towns, cities and incorporated villages to levy taxes for 
the purpose of providing for the support of families of volunteers residing in their respective 
limits. The one passed at tiie previous session, exempting volunteers from civil process vhile in 
the service, d SO as to include all who might thereafter enlist. ( >ne granted five dollars 

per month as extra pa) to enlisted volunteers having families dependent upon them for support, 
payable to their families. Another authorized the governor to employ such aids, clerks and 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 73 

messengers, as he deemed necessary for the public interests. Still another authorized the pay- 
ment of those who had enlisted for three months, but had declined to go in for three years. 
The expenses of the extra session were ordered to be paid out of the " war fund." One million 
dollars in bonds were authorized to be issued for war purposes to form that fund. The governor, 
secretary of state and state treasurer were empowered to negotiate them. By a joint resolu- 
tion approved the twenty-first of May, the consent of the legislature was given to the governor 
to be absent from the State during the war, for as long a time as in his discretion he might think 
proper or advisable, in connection with the military forces of the State. For liberality, zeal and 
genuine patriotism, the members of the Wisconsin legislature, for the year 1S61, deserve a high 
commendation. All that was necessary upon their final adjournment at the close of the extra 
session to place the State upon a " war footing," was the organization by ihe governor of the 
various military departments. These he effected by appointing Brigadier General William L. 
Utley, adjutant general; Brigadier General W. W. Tredway, quartermaster general; Colonel 
Edwin R. Wad, worth, commissary general ; Brigadier General Simeon Mills, paymaster gen- 
eral; Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, surgeon general; Major E. L. Buttrick, judge advocate; 
and Colonel William H. Watson, military secretary. 

On the seventeenth of May, the First regiment, at "Camp Scott," was mustered into the 
United States service, and the war department informed that it awaited marching orders. The 
regimental officers were not all in accordance with the law and mode adopted afterwards. On 
the seventh of the month Governor Randall had appointed Rufus King a brigadier general, and 
assigned the First, Second, Third and Fourth regiments to his command as the Wisconsin 
brigade ; although at that date only the First and Second had been called into camp. This 
brigade organization was not recognized by the General Government. The secretary of war 
telegraphed the governor of Wisconsin that the quota of the State, under the second call of the 
president, was two regiments — so that the whole number under both calls was only three — one 
(the First) for three months, two (the Second and Third) for three years. Notwithstanding this, 
Governor Randall proceeded to organize the Fourth. 

As a number of the companies ordered into " Camp Randall " on the first day of May to 
form the Second regiment had only enlisted for three months, the order of the secretary of war 
of the seventh of that month making it imperative that all such companies must re-enlist for 
three years or during the war, or be disbanded, the question of extending their term of enlist- 
ment was submitted to the companies of the regiment, when about five hundred consented to 
the change. The quota of the regiment was afterward made up, and the whole mustered into 
the service of the United States for three years or during the war, under the president's second 
call for troops. This was on the eleventh of June, 1861. The Third regiment having had its 
companies assigned early in May, they were ordered in June into "Camp Hamilton" at Fond 
du Lac, where the regiment was organized, and, on the twenty-ninth of June, mustered into the 
United States' service as a three years regiment. This filled Wisconsin's quota under the second 
call of President Lincoln. By this time war matters in the State began to assume a systematic 
course of procedure — thanks to the patriotism of the people, the wisdom of the legislature, and 
the untiring energy and exertions of the governor and his subordinates. 

The determination of the secretary of war to accept from Wisconsin only two three-years 
regiments under the second call for troops was soon changed, and three more were authorized, 
making it necessary to organize the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth. The Fourth was called into " Camp 
Utley " at Racine on the sixth of June, and was mustered into the service of the United States 
on the ninth of the follov/ing month. By the twenty-eighth of June, all the companies of the 
Fifth had assembled at " Camp Randall," and on the thirteenth of July were mustered in as 



74 



HISTORY OF "WISCONSIN. 



United States troops. By the first of July, at the same place, the complement for the Sixth 
regiment had been made up, and the companies were mustered for three years into the service 
of the General Government, on the sixteenth of the same month. Governor Randall did not 
stop the good work when six regiments had been accepted, but assigned the necessary companies 
to form two more regiments — the Seventh and Eighth; however, he wisely concluded not to call 
them into camp until after harvest, unless specially required to do so. " If they are needed 
sooner," said the governor, in a letter to the president on the first of July, " a call will be imme- 
diately responded to, and we shall have their uniforms and equipments ready for them." " By 
the authority of our legislature," added the writer, 'I shall, after the middle of August, keep 
two regiments equipped and in camp ready for a call to service, and will have them ready at an 
earlier day if needed." 

About the latter part of June, W. P. Alexander, of Beloit, a good marksman, was commis- 
sioned captain to raise a company of sharpshooters for Berdan's regiment. He at once engaged 
in the work. The company was filled to one hundred and three privates and three officers. It 
left the State about the middle of September under Captain Alexander, and was mustered into 
the service at Wehawken on the twenty-third day of that month, as Company "G " of Berdan's 
regiment of sharpshooters. On the twenty-sixth of July, a commission was issued to G. Van 
Deutsch of Milwaukee, to raise a company of cavalry. He succeeded in filling his company to 
eighty-four men. He left the State in September, joining Fremont. The company was after- 
ward attached to the fifth cavalry regiment of Missouri. 

About the 20th of August, Governor Randall was authorized to organize and equip as rapidlv 
as possible five regiments of infantry and five batteries of artillery, and procure for them necessary 
clothing and equipments according to United States regulations and prices, subject to the inspec- 
tion of officers of the General Government. The five regiments were to be additional to the 
eight already raised. One regiment was to be German. During the last week of August the 
companies of the Seventh regiment were ordered into "Camp Randall," at Madison. They were 
mustered into the service soon after arrival. On the 28th of August orders were issued for the 
reorganization of the First regiment for three years, its term of three months having expired. 
The secretary of war having signified his acceptance of the regiment for the new term, its mus- 
tering into the service was completed on the nineteenth of October. This made six infantry regi- 
ments in addition to the eight already accepted, or fourteen in all. On the same day orders were 
issued assigning companies to the Eighth regiment, — the whole moving to '' Camp Randall," at 
Madison, the first week in September, wnere their mustering in was finished on the thirteenth. 

The Ninth, a German reginent, was recruited in squads, and sent into camp, where they were 
formed into companies, and the whole mustered in on the 26th of October, iS6i,at " Camp Sigel," 
Milwaukee. Companies were assigned the Tenth regiment on the 18th of September, and 
ordered into camp at Milwaukee, where it was fully organized about the first of October, being 
mustered into the service on the fourteenth of that month. The Tenth infantry was enlisted in 
September, 1861, and mustered in on the fourteenth of October, 1861, at "Camp Holton," Mil- 
waukee. The Eleventh regiment was called by companies into " Camp Randall " the latter part 
of September and first of October, 1861, and mustered in on the eighteenth. The Twelfth was 
called in to the same camp and mustered in by companies between the twenty-eighth of October 
and the fifth of November, 1861. The Thirteenth rendezvoused at "Cam]) Treadway," Janes- 
viile, being mustered into the United States service on the seventeenth of October, 1861. These 
thirteen regiments were all that had been accepted and mustered into the United States servw-e 
while Randall was governor. 

From the commencement of the rebellion a great desire had been manifested for the orpan- 



WISCOXSIN AS A STATE. 75 

ization of artillery companies in Wisconsin, and this desire was finally gratified. Each battery 
was to number one hundred and fifty men, and, as has been shown, five had been authorized by 
the General Government to be raised in Wisconsin. The First battery was recruited at La 
Crosse, under the superintendence of Captain Jacob T. Foster, and was known as the " La Crosse 
Artillery." It rendezvoused at Racineearly in October, 1861, where on the tenth of that month, 
it was mustered into the United States service. The Second battery, Captain Ernest Herzberg, 
assembled at " Camp Utley," Racine, and was mustered in with the First battery on the tenth. 
The Third, known as the " Badger Battery," was organized by Captain L. H. Drury, at Madison 
and Berlin, and was mustered into the service on the same day and at the same place as the First 
and Second. The Fourth battery, recruited and organized at Beloit, under the supervision of 
Captain John F. Vallee, was mustered in on the first of October, 1861, at Racine. The Fifth 
battery was recruited at Monroe, Green county, under the superintendence of Captain Oscar F- 
Pinney, moving afterward to " Camp Utley," Racine, where, on the first of October, it was mus- 
tered in, along with the Fourth. So brisk had been the recruiting, it was ascertained by the 
governor that seven companies had been raised instead of five, when the secretary of war was 
telegraphed to, and the extra companies — the Sixth and Seventh accepted ; the Sixth, known as 
the " Buena Vista Artillery," being recruited at Lone Rock, Richland county, in September, 
Captain Henry Dillon, and mustered in on the second of October, 1S61, at Racine; the Seventh, 
known as the "Badger State Flying Artillery," having organized at Milwaukee, Captain Richard 
R. Griffiths, and mustered in on the fourth of the same month, going into camp at Racine on the 
eighth. This completed the mustering in of the first seven batteries, during Governor Randall's 
administration; the whole mustered force being thirteen regiments of infantry; one company of 
cavalry ; one of sharpshooters ; and these seven artillery companies. "Wisconsin," said the gov- 
ernor, in response to a request as to the number of regiments organized, " sent one regiment 
for three months, — officers and men eight hundred and ten. The other regiments r the war up 
to the Thirteenth (including the First, re-organized), will average one thousand men each; one 
company of sharpshooters for Berdan's regiment, one hundred and three men ; and seven 
companies of light artillery." Of cavalry from Wisconsin, only Deutsch's company had been 
mustered into the United States, although three regiments had been authorized by the General 
Government before the close of Randall's administration. The governor, before the expiration 
of his office, was empowered to organize more artillery companies — ten in all ; and five additional 
regiments of infantry — making the whole number eighteen. On the tenth of December, he 
wrote : " Our Fourteenth infantry is full and in camp. * * * Fifteenth has five companies 
in camp, and filling up. Sixteenth has eight companies in camp, and will be full by the 25th of 
December. Seventeenth has some four hundred men enlisted. Eighteenth will be in camp, full, 
by January 1. Seven maximum companies of artillery in camp. * * * Three regiments of 
cavalry — two full above the maximum; the third, ahout eight hundred men in camp." It 
will be seen, therefore, that a considerable number of men in the three branches of the service 
was then in camp that had not been mustered into the service ; and this number was considerably 
increased by the 6th of January, 1862, the day that Randall's official term expired; but no more 
men were mustered in, until his successor came into office, than those previously mentioned. 

The First regiment — three months' — left " Camp Scott," Milwaukee, on the ninth of June, 
1861, for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — eight hundred and ten in number; John C. Starkweather, 
colonel. The regiment returned to Milwaukee on the seventeenth of August, 1861, and was 
mustered out on the twenty-second. 

The First regiment re-organized at "Camp Scott," Milwaukee. Its mustering into the 
service, as previously mentioned, was completed on the nineteenth of October. On the twenty- 



76 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN 

eighth, it started for Louisville, Kentucky — nine hundred and forty-five strong — under command 
of its former colonel, John C. Starkweather. The Second regiment, with S. Park Coon as 
colonel, left " Camp Randall,. Madison, for Washington city, on the eleventh of June, 1S61 — 
numbering, in all, one thousand and fifty-one. The Third regiment started from " Camp 
Hamilton," Fond du Lac, for Karrisburg, Pennsylvania, under command of Charles S. Hamilton, 
as colonel, on the twelfth of July, 1861, with a numerical strength of nine hundred and seventy- 
nine. The Fourth regiment — Colonel Halbert E. Payne — with a numerical strength of one 
thousand and fifty-three, departed on the fifteenth of July, 1 861, from "Camp Utley," Racine, 
for Baltimore, Maryland. The Fifth regiment left "Camp Randall," Madison, one thousand 
and fifty-eight strong, commanded by Colonel Amasa Cobb, on the twenty-fourth of July, 1S61, 
for Washington city. On the twenty-eighth of July, i86i,the Sixth regiment, numbering one 
thousand and eighty-four, moved from Madison, having been ordered to Washington city. It 
was commanded by Colonel Lysander Cu'.':cr. The Seventh regiment — Joseph Van Dor, Colonel 
— with a numerical strength of one thousand and sixteen men — officers and privates, received 
orders, as did the Fifth and Sixth, to move forward to Washington. They started from Madison 
on the morning of the twenty-first of September, 1S61, for active service. The Eighth infantry, 
nine hundred and seventy-three strong, commanded by Colonel Robert C. Murphy, left Madison, 
en route for St. Louis, Missouri, on the morning of the twelfth of October, 1S61. The Ninth, or 
German regiment, with Frederick Salomon in command as colonel, did not leave "Camp Sigel," 
for active service, while Randall was governor. The Tenth infantry moved from " Camp 
Holton," Milwaukee, commanded by Colonel Alfred R. Chapin, on the ninth of November, 1S61, 
destined for Louisville, Kentucky, with a total number of nine hundred and sixteen officers and 
privates. On the twentieth of November, 1S61, the Eleventh regiment "broke camp" at 
Madison, starting for St. Louis, under command of Charles L. Harris, as colonel. Its whole 
number of men was nine hundred and sixteen. The Twelfth regiment, at " Camp Randall," 
Madison — Colonel George E. Bryant, and the Thirteenth, at " Camp Tredway," Janesville — 
Colonel Maurice Maloney — were still in camp at the expiration of the administration of Governor 
Randall : these, with the Ninth, were all that had not moved out of the State for active service, 
of those mustered in previous to January 6, 1861, — making a grand total of infantry sent from 
Wisconsin, up to that date, by the governor, to answer calls of the General Government, for 
three years' service or during the war, of nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-one men, in ten 
regiments, averaging very nearly one thousand to each regiment. Besides these ten regiments 
of infantry for three years' service, Wisconsin had also sent into the field the First regiment, for 
three months' service, numbering eight hundred and ten men; Alexander's company of sharp- 
shooters, one hundred and six; and Deutsch's company of cavalry, eighty-four: in all, one 
thousand. Adding these to the three years' regiments, and the whole force, in round numbers, 
was eleven thousand men, furnished by the State in 1861. 

Eighth Administration. — Louis P.Harvey and Edward Salomon, Governors — 1862-1863. 

Louis P. Harvey was inaugurated governor of Wisconsin on the sixth of January, 1862. 
The fifteenth regular session of the legislature of the State began on the eighth of the same 
month. In the senate, the republicans were in the majority; but in the assembly they had 
only a plurality of members, there being a number of " Union " men in that branch — enough, 

d, to elect, by outside aid, J. W. Beardsley, who ran for the assembly, upon the " Union " 
ticket, as speaker. Governor Harvey, cm the tenth, read his message to the legislature in joint 
convention. " No previous legislature," are his opening words, " has convened under equal 
incentives to a disinterested zeal in the public service The occasion," he adds, "pleads 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 77 

with you in rebuke of all the meaner passions, admonishing to the exercise of a conscientious 
patriotism, becoming the representatives of a Christian people, called in God's providence to 
pass through the furnace of a great trial of their virtue, and of the strength of the Government." 
On the seventh of April following, the legislature adjourned until the third of June next ensuing. 
Before it again assembled, an event occurred, casting a gloom over the whole State. The 
occasion was the accidental drowning of Governor Harvey. 

Soon after the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, on the seventh of April, 1862, the certainty 
that some of the Wisconsin regiments had suffered severely, induced the governor to organize 
a re.i f party, to aid the wounded and suffering soldiers from the State. On the tenth, Harvey 
and others started on their tour of benevolence. Arriving at Chicago, they found a large num- 
ber of boxes had been forwarded there from different points in the State, containing supplies of 
various kinds. At Mound City, Paducah, and Savannah, the governor and his party adminis- 
tered to the wants of the sick and wounded Wisconsin soldiers. Having completed their mission 
of mercy, they repaired to a boat in the harbor of Savannah, to await the arrival of the Minne- 
haha, which was to convey them to Cairo, on their homeward trip. It was late in the evenin" of 
the nineteenth of April, 1S62, and very dark when the boat arrived which was to take the 
governor and his friends on board ; and as she rounded to, the bow touching the Dunlcith, on 
which was congregated the party ready to depart, Governor Harvey, by a misstep, fell overboard 
between the two boats, into the Tennessee river. The current was strong, and the water more 
than thirty feet deep. Every thing was done that could be, to save his life, but all to no 
purpose. His body was subsequently found and brought to Madison for interment. Edward 
Salomon, lieutenant governor, by virtue of a provision of the constitution of the State, upon the 
death of Harvey, succeeded to the office of governor of Wisconsin. On the third day of June, 
the legislature re-assembled in accordance with adjournment on the seventh of April previous, 
Governor Salomon, in his message of that day, to the senate and assembly, after announcing 
the sad event of the death of the late governor, said : " The last among the governors elected 
by the people of this State, he is the first who has been removed by death from our midst. The 
circumstances leading to and surrounding the tragic . nd melancholy end of the honored and 
lamented deceased, are well known to the people, and are, with his memory, treasured up in 
their hearts." He died," added Salomon, " while in the exercise of the highest duties of philan- 
thropy and humanity, that a noble impulse had imposed upon him." The legislature, on the 
thirteenth of June, by a joint resolution, declared that in the death of Governor Harvey, the 
State had " lost an honest, faithful, and efficient public officer, a high-toned gentleman, a warm - 
hearted philanthropist, and a sincere friend." Both houses adjourned sine die, on the seventeuth 
of June, 1S62. 

Business of great public importance, in the judgment of the governor, rendering a special 
session of the legislature necessary, he issued, on the twenty-ninth of August, 1862, his proc- 
lamation to that effect, convening both houses on the tenth of September following. On that 
day he sent in his message, relating wholly to war matters. He referred to the fact that since 
the adjournment of the previous session, six hundred thousand more men had been called for by 
the president of the United States, to suppress the rebellion. " It is evident," said he, " that to 
meet further calls, it is necessary to rely upon a system of drafting or conscription, in Wisconsin." 
The governor then proceeded to recommend such measures as he deemed necessary to meet 
the exigencies of the times. The legislature levied a tax to aid volunteering, and passed a law 
giving the right of suffrage to soldiers in the military service. They also authorized the raising 
of money for payment of bounties to volunteers. The legislature adjourned on the twenty- 
sixth of September, 1S62, after a session of sixteen days, and the enacting of seventeen laws. 



78 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

On the 7th of October, James H. Howe, attorney general, resigned his office to enter the 
army. On the 14th of that month, Winfield Smith was appointed by the governor to fill the 
vacancy. 

At the general election in the Fall of this year, six congressmen were elected to the tliirty- 
eighth congress: James S. Brown from the first district; I. C. Sloan, from the second; Amasa 
Cobb, from the third ; Charles A. Eldredge, from the fourth ; Ezra Wheeler, from the fifth ; and 
W. D. Mclndoe, from the sixth district. Sloan, Cobb, and Mclndoe, were elected as republi- 
cans ; Brown, Eldridge, and Wheeler, as democrats. 

The sixteenth regular session of the Wisconsin legislature, commenced on the fourteenth of 
January, 1863. J. Allen Barber was elected speaker of the assembly. The majority in both 
houses was republican. Governor Salomon read his message on the fifteenth, to the joint 
convention, referring, at length, to matters connected with the war of the rebellion. A large 
number of bills were passed by the legislature for the benefit of soldiers and their families. On 
the twenty-second, the legislature re-elected James R. Doolittle. to the United States senate for 
six years, from the fourth of March next ensuing. The legislature adjourned sine die on the 
second of April following. In the Spring of this year, Luther S. Dixon was re-elected chief 
justice of the supreme court, running as an independent candidate. 

By a provision of the Revised Statutes of 185S, as amended by an act passed in 1S62, and 
'nterpreted by another act passed in 1S75, the terms of the justices of the supreme court, 
elected for a full term, commence on the first Monday in January next succeeding their election. 

At the Fall election there were two tickets in the field : democratic and union republican. 
The latter was successful, electing James T. Lewis, governor ; Wyman Spooner, lieutenant 
governor; Lucius Fairchild, secretary of state; S. D. Hastings, state treasurer; Winfield 
Smith, attorney general; J. L. Pickard, state superintendent; W. H. Ramsay, bank comp- 
troller; and Henry Cordier, state prison commissioner. 

War of Secession — Harvky and Salomon's Administration. 

When Governor Randall turned over to his successor in the gubernatorial chair, the military 
matters of Wisconsin, he had remaining in the State, either already organized or in process of 
formation, the Ninth infantry, also the Twelfth up to the Nineteenth inclusive ; three regiments 
of cavalry ; and ten batteries — First to Tenth inclusive. Colonel Edward Daniels, in the Summer 
of 1861, was authorized by the war department to recruit and organize one battalion of cavalry 
in Wisconsin. He was subsequently authorized to raise two more companies. Governor Ran- 
dall, in October, was authorized to complete the regiment — the First cavalry — by the organiza- 
tion of six additional companies. The organization of the Second cavalry regiment was author- 
ized in the Fall of 1861, as an "independent acceptance," but was finally turned over to the 
State authorities. Early in November, 186 1, the war department issued an order discontinuing 
enlistments for the cavalry service, and circulars were sent to the different State executives to 
consolidate all incomplete regiments. Ex-Governor Barstow, by authority of General Fremont, 
which authority was confirmed by the General Government, had commenced the organization of 
a cavalry regiment — the Third Wisconsin — when Governor Randall received information that 
the authority of Barstow had been revoked. The latter, however, soon had his authority 
restored. In October, Governor Randall was authorized by the war department to raise three 
additional companies of artillery — Eighth to Tenth inclusive. These three batteries were all 
filled and went into camp by the close of 1861. Governor Randall, therefore, besides sending 
out of the State eleven thousand men, had in process of formation, or fully organized, nine 
regiments of infantry, three regiments of cavalry, and ten companies of artillery, left behind in 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 79 

various camps in the State, to be turned over to his successor. 

The military officers of Wisconsin were the governor, Louis P. Harvey, commander-in- 
chief; Brigadier General Augustus Gaylord, adjutant general ; Brigadier General W. W. Tred- 
way, quartermaster general ; Colonel Edwin R. Wadsworth, commissary general ; Brigadier Gen- 
eral Simeon Mills, paymaster general; Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, surgeon general; Majc. 
M. H. Carpenter, judge advocate; and Colonel William H. Watson, military secretary. As the 
General Government had taken the recruiting service out of the hands of the executives of the 
States, and appointed superintendents in their place, the offices of commissary general and 
paymaster general were no longer necessary ; and their time, after the commencement of the 
administration in Wisconsin of 1S62, was employed, so long as they continued their respective 
offices, in settling up the business of each. The office of commissary general was closed about 
the first of June, 1S62; that of paymaster general on the tenth of July following. On the last 
of August, 1862, Brigadier General Tredway resigned the position of quartermaster general, and 
Nathaniel F. Lund was appointed to fill his plr.ce. 

Upon the convening of the legislature of the State in its regular January session of this 
year — 1862, Governor Harvey gave, in his message to that body, a full statement of what had 
been done by Wisconsin in matters appertaining to the war, under the administration of his 
predecessor. He stated that the State furnished to the service of the General Government 
under the call for volunteers for three months, one regiment — First Wisconsin ; under the call 
for volunteers for three years, or the war, ten regiments, numbering from the First re-organized 
to the Eleventh, excluding the Ninth or German regiment. He gave as the whole number of 
officers, musicians and privates, in these ten three-year regiments, ten thousand one hundred and 
seventeen. He further stated that there were then organized 'and awaiting orders, the Ninth, in 
" Camp Sigel," Milwaukee, numbering nine hundred and forty men, under Colonel Frederick 
Salomon ; the Twelfth, in " Camp Randall," one thousand and thirty-nine men, under Colonel 
George E. Bryant ; the Thirteenth, in " Camp Tredway," Janesville, having nine hundred and 
nineteen men, commanded by Colonel M. Maloney ; and the Fourteenth, at " Camp Wood," 
Fond du Lac, eight hundred and fifty men, under Colonel D. E. Wood. 

The Fifteenth or Scandinavian regiment, Colonel H. C. Heg, seven hundred men, and the 
Sixteenth, Colonel Benjamin Allen, nine hundred men, were at that time at "Camp Randall," in 
near readiness for marching orders. The Seventeenth (Irish) regiment, Colonel J. L. Doran, and 
the Eighteenth, Colonel James S. Alban, had their full number of companies in readiness, lacking 
one, and had been notified to go into camp — the former at Madison, the latter at Milwaukee. 
Seven companies of artillery, numbering together one thousand and fifty men, had remained for 
a considerable time in " Camp Utley," Racine, impatient of the delays of the General Govern- 
ment in calling them to move forward. Three additional companies of artillery were about 
going into camp, numbering three hundred and thirty-four men. Besides these, the State had 
furnished, as already mentioned, an independent company of cavalry, then in Missouri, raised 
by Captain Von Deutsch, of eighty-one men ; a company of one hundred and four men for Ber- 
dan's sharpshooters; and an additional company for the Second regiment, of about eighty men. 
Three regiments of cavalry — the First, Colonel E. Daniels; the Second, Colonel C. C. Washburn; 
and the Third, Colonel W. A. Barstow; were being organized. They numbered together, two thou- 
sand four hundred and fifty men. The Nineteenth (independent) regiment was rapidly organ- 
izing under the direction of the General Government, by Colonel H. T. Sanders, Racine. Not 
bringing this last regiment into view, the State had, at the commencement of Governor Harvey's 
administration, including the First, three-months' regiment, either in the service of the United 
States or organizing for it, a total of twenty-one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three men. 



80 HISTORY ()F WISCONSIN. 

• 

The legislature at its regular session of 1862, passed a law making it necessary to present 

all claims which were made payable out of the war fund, within twelve months from the time they 
accrued ; a law was also passed authorizing the investment of the principal of the school fund in 
the bonds of the state issued for war purposes ; another, amendatory of the act of the extra session 
of 1861, granting exemption to persons enrolled in the military service, so as to except persons 
acting as fiduciary agents, either as executors or administrators, or guardians or trustees, or 
persons defrauding the State, or any school district of moneys belonging to the same; also author- 
izing a stay of proceedings in foreclosures of mortgages, by advertisements. " The State Aid 
Law" was amended so as to apply to all regiments of infantry, cavalry, artillery and sharpshooters, 
defining the rights of families, fixing penalties for the issue of false papers, and imposing duties on 
military officers in the field to make certain reports. These amendments only included regi- 
ments and companies organized up to and including the Twentieth, which was in process of 
organization before the close of the session. A law was also passed suspending the sale of lands 
mortgaged to the State, or held by volunteers ; another defining the duties of the allotment com- 
missioners appointed by the president of the United States, and fixing their ompensation. One 
authorized the issuing of bonds for two hundred thousand dollars for war purpose. ; one author- 
ized a temporary loan from the general fund to pay State aid to volunteers ; and one, the appoint- 
ment of a joint committee to investigate the sale of war bonds ; while another authorized the 
governor to appoint surgeons to batteries, and assistant surgeons to cavalry regiments. 

The legislature, it will be remembered, took a recess from the seventh of April to the third 
of June, 1862. Upon its re-assembling, .... act was passed providing >r the discontinuance of the 
active services of the paymaster general, quartermaster general and commissary general. 
Another act appropriated twenty thousand dollars to enable the governor to care for the sick 
and wounded soldiers of the State. There was also another act passed authorizing the auditing, 
by the quartermaster general, of bills for subsistence and transportation of the Wisconsin cavalry 
regiments. At the extra session called by Governor Salomon, for the tenth of September, iS62, 
an amendment was made to the law granting aid to families of volunteers, by including all regi- 
ments of cavalry, infantry, or batteries of artillery before that time raised in the State, or that 
might afterward be raised and mustered into the United States service. It also authorized the 
levying of a State tax of two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars to be placed to the credit 
of the war fund and used in the payment of warrants for "State Aid" to families of volunteers. 
Another law authorized commissioned officers out of the State to administer oaths and take 
acknowledgments "f deeds and other papers. One act authorized soldiers in the field, although 
out of the State, to exercise the right of suffrage ; and another gave towns, cities, incorporated 
villages and counties the authority to raise money to pay bounties to volunteers. 

On the fifth of August, 1862, Governor Salomon received from the war department a dispatch 
stating that orders had been issued for a draft of three hundred thousand men to be immediately 

1 into the service of the United States, to serve for nine months unless sooner discharged ; 
that if tlie State quota under a call made July 2, of that year, for three hundred thousand vol- 
unteers, was not filled by the fifteenth of August, the deficiency would be made up by draft ; and 
that the secretary of war would assign the quota, to the States and establish regulations for the 
draft. On the eighth of that month, the governor of the State was ordered to immediately cause 
an enrollment of all able-bodied citizens between eighteen and forty-live years of age, by counties. 
Governor Salon authorized to appoint proper officers, and the United States promised to 

pay ;ill rea ionable expenses. The quota tor Wis< onsin, under the call for nine months' men, was 
eleven thousand nini hundred and four. The draft was made by the governor in obe J ience to 
the order he had received from Washington ; but such had been the volunteering under the slim- 



WISCONSIN" AS A STATE. 81 

ulus caused by a fear of it, that only four thousand five hundred and thirty-seven men were 
drafted. This was the first and only draft made in Wisconsin by the Stale authorities. 
Subsequent ones were made under the direction of the provost marshal general at Wash- 
ington. 

The enlisting, organization and mustering into the United States service during Randall's 
administration of thirteen regiments of infantry — the First to the Thirteenth inclusive, and the 
marching of ten of them out of the State before the close of 1861, also, of one company of cavalry 
under Captain Von Deutsch and one company of sharpshooters under Captain Alexander, con- 
stituted the effective aid abroad of Wisconsin during that year to suppress the rebellion. But for 
the year 1862, this aid, as to number of organizations, was more than doubled, as will now be 
shown. 

The Ninth regiment left " Camp Sigel," Milwaukee, under command of Colonel Frederick 
Salomon, on the twenty-second of January, 1S62, numbering thirty-nine officers and eight hun 
dred and eighty-four men, to report at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. 

The Twelfth infantry left Wisconsin under command of Colonel George E. Bryant, ten 
hundred and forty-five strong, the eleventh of January, 1862, with orders to report at Weston, 
Missouri. 

The Thirteenth regiment — Colonel Maurice Maloney — -left "Camp Tredway," Janesville, on 
the eighteenth of January, 1S62, nine hundred and seventy strong, under orders to report at 
Leavenworth, Kansas, where it arrived on the twenty-third. 

The Fourteenth regiment of infantry departed from " Camp Wood," Fond du Lac, under 
command of Colonel David E. Wood, for St. Loui-;, Missouri, on the eighth of March, 1862, it 
having been mustered into the United States service on the thirtieth of January previous. Its 
total strength was nine hundred and seventy officers and men. It arrived at its destination on 
the tenth of March, and went into quarters at " Benton Barracks." 

The Fifteenth regiment, mostly recruited from the Scandinavian population of Wisconsin, 
was organized at "Camp Randall," Madison — Hans C. Heg as colonel. Its muster into the 
United States service was completed on the fourteenth of February, 1S62, it leaving the State for 
St. Louis, Missouri, on the second of March following, with a total strength of eight hundred and 
one officers and men. 

The Sixteenth regiment was organized at "Camp Randall," and was mustered into the 
service on the last day of January, 1862, leaving the State, with Benjamin Allen as colonel, for 
St. Louis on the thirteenth of March ensuing, having a total strength of one thousand and 
sixty-six. 

The reg.mental organization of the Seventeenth infantry (Irish), Colonel John L. Doran, 
was effected at " Camp Randall," and the mustering in of the men completed on the fifteenth of 
March, 1862, the regiment leaving the State on the twenty-third for St. Louis 

The Eighteenth regiment organized at " Camp Trowbridge," Milwaukee — James S. Alban, 
colonel — completed its muster into the United States service on the fifteenth of March, 1862 
and left the State for St. Louis on the thirtieth, reaching their point of destination on the thirty- 
first. 

The Nineteenth infantry rendezvoused at Racine as an independent regiment, its colonel, 
Horace T. Sanders, being commissioned by the war department. The men were mustered into 
the service as fast as they were enlisted. Independent organizations being abolished, by an 
order from Washington, the Nineteenth was placed on the same footing as other regiments in the 
State. On the twentieth of April, 1862, the regiment was ordered to "Camp Randall " to guard 
rebel prisoners. Here the mustering in was completed, numbering in all nine hundred and 
seventy-three. They left the State for Washington on the second of June. 



82 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

The muster into the United States service of the Twentieth regiment— Bertine Pinckney, 
colonel — was completed on the twenty-third of August, 1S62, at "Camp Randall," the original 
strength being nine hundred and ninety. On the thirtieth of August the regiment left the Stnte 
for St. Louis. 

The Twenty-first infantry was organized at Osh!: ish, being mustered in on the fifth of Sep- 
tember, 1862, with a force of one thousand and two, all told — Benjamin J. Sweet, colonel — 
leaving the State for Cincinnati on the eleventh. 

The Twenty-second regiment — Colonel William L. Utley — was organized at "Camp Utley," 
Racine, and mustered in on the second of September, 1S62. Its original strength was one thou- 
sand and nine. It left the State for Cincinnati on the sixteenth. 

On the thirtieth of August, 1862, the Twenty-third regiment — Colonel Joshua J. Guppey — 
was mustered in at "Camp Randall," leaving Madison for Cincinnati on the fifteenth. 

The Twenty -fourth infantry rendezvoused at "Camp Sigel," Milwaukee. Its muster in was 
completed on the twenty-first of August, 1S62, the regiment leaving the State under Colonel 
Charles H. Larrabee, for Kentucky, on the fifth of September, one thousand strong. 

On the fourteenth of September, 1862, at " Camp Salomon," LaCrosse, the Twenty-fifth 
regiment was mustered into the service — Milton Montgomery, colonel. They left the State on 
the nineteenth with orders to report to General Pope, at St. Paul, Minnesota, to aid in suppress- 
ing the Indian difficulties in that State. Their entire strength was one thousand and eighteen. 
The regiment, after contributing to the preservation of tranquillity among the settlers, and 
deterring the Indians from hostilities, returned to Wisconsin, arriving at " Camp Randall " on the 
eighteenth of December, 1862. 

The Twenty-sixth — almost wholly a German regiment — was mustered into the service at 
"Camp Sigel," Milwaukee, on the seventeenth of September, 1062. The regiment, under com- 
mand of Colonel William H. Jacobs, left the State for Washington city on the sixth of October, 
one thousand strong. 

The Twenty-seventh infantry was ordered to rendezvous at " Camp Sigel,'* Milwaukee, on 
the seventeenth of September, 1862 ; but the discontinuance of recruiting for new regiments in 
August left the Twenty-seventh with only seven companies full. An order authorizing the 
recruiting of three more companies was received, and under the supervision of Colonel Conrad 
Krez the organization was completed, but the regiment at the close of the year had not been 
mustered into the service. 

On the twenty-fourth of October, 1862, the Twenty-eighth regiment — James M. Lewis, of 
Oconomowoc, colonel — was mustered into the United States service at "Camp Washburn," Mil- 
waukee. Its strength was nine hundred and sixty-one. In November, the regiment was 
employed in arresting and guarding the draft rioters in Ozaukee county. It left the State for 
Columbus, Kentucky, on the twentieth of December, where they arrived on the twenty-set 
remaini g there until the fifth of January, 1S63. 

The Twenty-ninth infantry — Colonel Charles R. Gill — was organized at "Camp Randall," 
where its muster into the United States service was completed on the twenty-seventh ..1 Sep- 
tember, 1862, the regiment leaving the State for Cairo, Illinois, on the second of November. 

The Thirtieth regiment, organized at "Camp Randall" under the supervision of Colonel 
Daniel J. Dill, completed its muster into the United States service on the twenty-first of October, 
.vith .1 strength of nine hundred and six. On the sixteenth of November, one , ompany of 
the Thirtieth was sent to Green Bay to protect the draft commissioner, remaining several week- 
On the eighteenth, seven companies moved, to Milwaukee to assist in enforcing the draft in Mil- 
waukee county, while two companies remained in " Camp Randall" to guard Ozaukee rio 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 83 

On the twenty-second, six companies from Milwaukee went to West Bend, Washington county, 
one company returning to "Camp Randall." After the completion of the draft in Washington 
county, four companies returned to camp, while two companies were engaged in gathering up 
the drafted men. 

The final and complete organization of the Thirty-first infantry — Colonel Isaac E. Mess- 
more — was not concluded during the year 1862. 

The Thirty-second regiment, organized at " Camp Bragg," Oshkosh, with James H. Howe 
as colonel, was mustered into the service on the twenty-fifth of September, 1862 ; and, on the 
thirtieth of October, leaving the State, it proceeded by way of Chicago and Cairo to Memphis, 
Tennessee, going into camp on the third of November. The original strength of the Thirty- 
second was nine hundred and ninety-three. 

The Thirty-third infantry — Colonel Jonathan B. Moore — mustered in on the eighteenth of 
October, 1862, at " Camp Utley," Racine, left the State, eight hundred and ninety-two strong, 
moving by way of Chicago to Cairo. 

The Thirty-fourth regiment, drafted men, original strength nine hundred and sixty-one — 
Colonel Fritz Anneke — had its muster into service for nine months completed at "Camp Wash- 
burn," Milwaukee, on the last day of the year 1862. 

Of the twenty-four infantry regiments, numbered from the Twelfth to the Thirty-fourth 
inclusive, and including also the Ninth, three — the Ninth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth — were mus- 
tered into the United States service in 1861. The whole of the residue were mustered in during 
the year 1862, except the Twenty-seventh and the Thirty-first. All were sent out of the State 
during 1862, except the last two mentioned and the Twenty-fifth, Thirtieth, and Thirty-fourth. 
The First regiment of cavalry — Colonel Edward Daniels — perfected its organization at 
" Camp Harvey," Kenosha. Its muster into the United States service was completed on the 
eighth of March, 1862, the regiment leaving the State for St. Louis on the seventeenth, with a 
strength of eleven hundred and twenty-four. 

The muster of the Second Wisconsin cavalry was completed on the twelfth of March, 1862, 
at "Camp Washburn," Milwaukee, the regiment leaving the State for St. Louis on the twenty- 
fourth, eleven hundred and twenty-seven strong. It was under the command of Cadwallader C. 
Washburn as colonel. 

The Third Wisconsin cavalry — Colonel William A. Barstow — was mustered in at " Camp 
Barstow," Janesville. The muster was completed on the 31st of January, 1862, the regiment 
leaving the State on the 26th of March for St. Louis, with a strength of eleven hundred and 
eighty-six. 

The original project of forming a regiment of light artillery in Wisconsin was overruled 
by the war department, and the several batteries were sent from the State as independent 
organizations. 

The First battery — Captain Jacob T. Foster — perfected its organization at "Camp Utley," 
where the company was mustered in, it leaving the State with a strength of one hundred and 
fifty-five, on the 23d of January, 1S62, for Louisville, where the battery went into "Camp 
Irvine," near that city. The Second battery — Captain Ernest F. Herzberg — was mustered into 
the service at "Camp Utley," October 10, 1S61, the company numbering one hundred and fifty- 
three. It left the State for Baltimore, on the 21st of January, 1862. The Third battery — Cap- 
tain L. H. Drury — completed its organization of one hundred and seventy at "Camp Utley," and 
was mustered in October 10, 1861, leaving the State for Louisville, on the 23d of January, 
1862. The Fourth battery — -Captain John F. Vallee — rendezvoused at "Camp Utley." Its 
muster in was completed on the rstof October, 1861, its whole force being one hundred and fifty 
one. The company left the State for Baltimore on the 21st of January, 1862. The Fifth bat- 



84 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

tery, commanded by Captain Oscar F. Pinney, was mustered in on Che ist of October, 1861, at 
" Camp Utley," leaving the State for St. Louis, on the 15th of March, 1862, one hundred and 
fifty-five strong. The Sixth battery — Captain Henry Dillon — was mustered in on the 2d of 
October, 1861, at " Camp Utley," leaving the State for St. Louis, March 15, 1862, with a numer- 
ical strength of one hundred and fifty-seven. The Seventh battery — Captain Richard R. Grif- 
fiths — was mustered in on the 4th of October, 1861, at " Camp Utley," and proceeded on the 15th 
of March, 1S62, with the Fifth and Sixth batteries to St. Louis. The Eighth battery, com- 
manded by Captain Stephen J. Carpenter, was mustered in on the 8th of January, 1862, at 
"Camp Utley," and left the State on the 18th of March following, for St. Louis, one hundred and 
sixty-one strong. The Ninth battery, under command of Captain Cyrus H. Johnson, was organ- 
ized at Burlington, Racine county. It was mustered in on the 7th of January, 1862, leaving 
"Camp Utley " for St. Louis, on the iSth of March. At St. Louis, their complement of men — 
one hundred and fifty-five — was made up by the transfer of forty-five from another battery. The 
Tenth battery — Captain Yates V. Bebee— after being mustered in at Milwaukee, on the 10th of 
February, 1862, left " Camp Utley," Racine, on the iSth of March for St. Louis, one hundred and 
seventeen strong. The Eleventh battery — Captain John O'Rourke — was made up of the "Oconto 
Irish Guards " and a detachment of Illinois recruits. The company was organized at " Camp 
Douglas," Chicago, in the Spring of 1862. Early in 1S62, William A. Pile succeeded in enlisting 
ninety-nine men as a company to be known as the Twelfth battery. The men were mustered in 
and sent forward in squads to St. Louis. Captain Pile's commission was revoked on the 18th 
of July. His place was filled by William Zickrick. These twelve batteries were all that left the 
State in 1862. To these are to be added the three regiments of cavalry and the nineteen regi- 
ments of infantry, as the effective force sent out during the year by Wisconsin. 

The military officers of the State, at the commencement of 1863, were Edward Salomon, 
governor and commander-in-chief; Brigadier General Augustus Gaylord, adjutant general; 
Colonel S. Nye Gibbs, assistant adjutant general ; Brigadier General Nathaniel F. Lund, 
quartermaster general; Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, surgeon general; and Colonel \V. II. 
Watson, military secretary. The two incomplete regiments of 1862 — the Twenty-seventh and 
Thirty-first volunteers — were completed and in the field in March, 1863. The former was 
mustered in at "Camp Sigel " — Colonel Conrad Krez — on the 7th of March, and left the State, 
eight hundred and sixty-five strong, on the 16th for Columbus, Kentucky ; the latter, under 
command of Colonel Isaac E. Messmore, with a strength of eight hundred and seventy-eight, 
left Wisconsin on the ist of March, for Cairo, Illinois. The Thirty-fourth (drafted) regiment 
left "Camp Washburn," Milwaukee, on the 31st of January, 1863, for Columbus, Kentucky, 
numbering nine hundred and sixty-one, commanded by Colonel Frit/ Anneke. On the 17th of 
February, 1863, the Twenty-fifth regiment left "Camp Randall" for Cairo, Illinois. The 
Thirtieth regiment remained in Wisconsin during the whole of 1863, performing various 
duties — the only one of the whole thirty-four that, at the end of that year, had not left the State. 
On the 14th of January, 1863, the legislature of Wisconsin, as before stated, convened 
at Madison. Governor Salomon, in his message to that body, gave a summary of the transac- 
tions of the war fund during the calendar year; also of what was done in 1862, in the recruiting 
of military forces, and the manner in which the calls of the president were responded to. There 
were a number of military laws passed at this session. A multitude of special acts authorizing 
towns to raise bounties for volunteers, were also passed. 

No additional regiments of infantry besides those already mentioned were organized in 
1863, although recruiting for old regiments continued. On the 3d of March, 18O3, the congress 
of the Jnited States passed the "Conscription Act." Under this act, Wisconsin was divided 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 85 

into six districts. In the first district, I. M. Bean was appointed provost marshal; C. M. Baker, 
commissioner; and J. B. Dousman, examining surgeon. Headquarters of this district was at 
Milwaukee. In the second district, S. J. M. Putnam was appointed provost marshal ; L. B. 
Caswell, commissioner; and Dr. C. R. Head, examining surgeon. Headquarters of this 
district was at Janesville. In the third district, J. G. Clark was appointed provost marshal; E. 
E. Byant, commissioner ; and John H. Vivian, examining surgeon. Headquarters at Prairie 
du Chien. In the fourth district, E. L. Phillips was appointed provost marshal ; Charles 
Burchard, commissioner ; and L. H. Cary, examining surgeon. Headquarters at Fond du 
Lac. In the fifth district, C. R. Merrill was appointed provost marshal ; William A. Bugh, 
commissioner ; and H. O. Crane, examining surgeon. Headquarters at Green Bay. In the 
sixth district, B. F. Cooper was appointed provost marshal; L. S. Fisher, commissioner; and 
D. D. Cameron, examining surgeon. Headquarters at LaCrosse. The task of enrolling the 
State was commenced in the month of May, and was proceeded with to its completion. The 
nine months' term of service of the Thirty-fourth regiment, drafted militia, having expired, the 
regiment was mustered out of service on the 8th of September. 

The enrollment in Wisconsin of all persons liable to the "Conscription" amounted to 
121,202. A draft was ordered to take place in November. Nearly fifteen thousand were 
drafted, only six hundred and twenty-eight of whom were mustered in ; the residue either 
furnished substitutes, were discharged, failed to report, or paid commutation. 

In the Summer of 1861, Company " K," Captain Langvvorthy, of the Second Wisconsin 
infantry, was detached and placed on duty as heavy artillery. His company was designated as 
"A," First Regiment Heavy Artillery. This was the only one organized until the Summer of 
1863; but its organization was effected outside the State. Three companies were necessary to 
add to company "A" to complete the battalion. Batteries " B," " C" and " D " were, therefore, 
organized in Wisconsin, all leaving the State in October and November, 1863. 

Ninth Administration — James T. Lewis, Governor — 1864-1865. 

James T. Lewis, of Columbia county, was inaugurated governor of Wisconsin on the fourth 
of January, 1864. In an inaugural address, the incoming governor pledged himself to use no 
executive patronage for a re-election; declared he would administer the government without 
prejudice or partiality ; and committed himself to an economical administration of affairs con- 
nected with the State. On the thirteenth the legislature met in its seventeenth regular session. 
W. W. Field was elected speaker of the assembly. The republican and union men were in 
the majority in this legislature. A number of acts were passed relative to military matters. 

On the 1 st day of October, J. L. Pickard having resigned as superintendent of public 
instruction, J. G. McMynn was, by the governor, appointed to fill the vacancy. On the fif- 
teenth of November, Governor Lewis appointed Jason Downer an associate justice of the 
supreme court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Byron Paine, who had 
resigned his position to take effect on that day, in order to accept the position of lieutenant 
colonel of one of the regiments of Wisconsin, to which he had been commissioned on the tenth 
of August previous. The November elections of this year were entered into with great zeal by 
the two parties, owing to the fact that a president and vice president of the United States were 
to be chosen. The republicans were victorious. Electors of that party cast their eight votes 
for Lincoln and Johnson. The members elected to the thirty -ninth congress from Wisconsin 
at this election were : from the first district, H. E. Paine ; from the second, I. C. Sloan ; from 
the third, Amasa Cobb; from the fourth, C. A. Eldredge; from the fifth, Philetus Sawyer; and 



86 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

from the sixth district, \Y. D. Mclndoe. All were republicans except Eldredge, who was 
elected as a democrat. 

The Eighteenth regular session of the Wisconsin legislature began in Madison on the elev- 
enth of January, 1S65. VV. W. Field was elected speaker of the assembly. The legislature 
was, as to its political complexion, "Republican Union." On the tenth of April, the last day of 
the session, Governor Lewis informed the legislature that General Lee and his army had sur- 
rendered. " Four years ago," said he, "on the day fixed for adjournment, the sad news of the 
fall of Fort Sumter was transmitted to the legislature. To-day, thank God ! and next to Him 
the brave officers and soldiers of our army and navy, I am permitted to transmit to you the 
offii ial intelligence, just received, of the surrender of General Lee and his army, the last prop 
of the rebellion. Let us rejoice, and thank the Ruler of the Universe for victory and the pros- 
pects of an honorable peace.'' In February preceding, both houses ratified the constitutional 
amendment abolishing slavery in the United States. At the Spring election, Jason Downer was 
chosen associate justice of the supreme court for a full term of six years. The twentieth of 
April was set apart by the governor as a day of thanksgiving for the overthrow of the rebellion 
and restoration of peace. At the Fall election both parties, republican and democratic, had 
tickets in the field. The republicans were victorious, electing Lucius Fairchild, governor; 
Wyman Spooner, lieutenant governor; Thomas S. Allen, secretary of state; William E. Smith, 
state treasurer; Charles R. Gill, attorney general; John G. McMynn, superintendent of 
public instruction; J. M. Rusk, bank comptroller; and Henry Cordier, state prison commis- 
sioner. 

War of Secession — Lewis' Administration. 

The military officers for 1864 were besides the governor (who was commander-in-chief) 
Brigadier General Augustus Gaylord, adjutant general; Colonel S. Nye Gibbs, assistant adju- 
tant general ; Brigadier General Nathaniel F. Lund, quartermaster and commissary general, 
and chief of ordnance; Brigadier General E. 15. Wolcott, surgeon general; and Colonel Frank 
II. Firmin, military secretary. The legislature met at Madison on the 13th of January, 1864. 
""In response to the call of the General Government," said the governor, in his message to that 
body, " Wisconsin had sent to the field on the first day of November last, exclusive of three 
months' men, thirty -four regiments of infantry, three regiments and one company of cavalry, 
twelve batteries of light artillery, three batteries of heavy artillery, and one company of sharp- 
shooters, making an aggregate of forty-one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five men." 

Quite a number of laws were passed at this session of the legislature relative to military 
matters: three were acts to authorize towns, cities and villages to raise money by tax for the 
payment of bounties to volunteers; one revised, amended and consolidated all laws relative to 
extra pay to Wisconsin soldiers in the service of the United States; one provided for the proper 
reception by the State, of Wisconsin volunteers returning from the field of service; anothei 
repealed the law relative to allotment commissioners. One was passed authorizing the gov- 
ernor to purchase flags for regiments or batteries whose flags were lost or destroyed in the 
service: another was passed amending the law suspending the sale of lands mortgaged to the 
State or held by volunteers, so as to apply to drafted men; another provided for levying a State 
tax of $200,000 for the support of families of volunteers. A law was passed authorizing the 
governor to take care of the sick and wounded soldiers of Wisconsin, and appropriated ten 
thousand dollars for that purpose. Two other acts authorized the borrowing of money for repel- 
ling invasion, suppressing insurrection, and defending the State in time of war. One act pro- 
hibited the taking of fees for procuring volunteers' extra bounty ; another one defined the resi- 
dence of certain soldiers from this State in the service of the United States, who had received 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 87 

local bounties from towns other than their proper places of residence. 

At the commencement of 1864, there were recruiting in the State the Thirty-fifth regiment 
of infantry and the Thirteenth battery. The latter was mustered in on the 29th of December, 
1863, and left the State for New Orleans on the 2Sth of January, 1864. In February, authority 
was given by the war department to organize the Thirty-sixth regiment of infantry. On the 
27th of that month, the mustering n of the Thirty-fifth was completed at " Camp Washburn " 
— Colonel Henry Orff — the regiment, one thousand and sixty-six strong, leaving the State on the 
18th of April, 1864, for Alexandria, Louisiana. The other regiments, recruited and mustered 
into the service of the United States during the year 1864, were: the Thirty-sixth — Colonel 
Frank A. Haskell ; the Thirty-seventh — Colonel Sam Harriman ; the Thirty-eighth — Colonel 
James Bintliff; the Thirty -ninth — Colonel Edwin L. Buttrick ; the Fortieth — Colonel W. 
Augustus Ray; the Forty-first — Lieutenant Colonel George B. Goodwin; the Forty-second — 
Colonel Ezra T. Sprague; the Forty-third — Colonel Amasa Cobb. 

The regiments mustered into the service of the United States during the year 1865 were: 
the Forty-fourth — Colonel George C. Symes ; the Forty-fifth — Colonel Henry F. Belitz; Forty- 
sixth — Colonel Frederick S. Lovell ; Forty-seventh — Colonel George C. Ginty ; Forty-eighth — 
Colonel Uri B. Pearsall ; Forty-ninth — Colonel Samuel Fallows; Fiftieth — Colonel John G. 
Clark; Fifty-first — Colonel Leonard Martin; Fifty-second — Lieutenant Colonel Hiram J. Lewis ; 
and Fifty-third — Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Pugh. 

All of the fifty-three regiments of infantry raised in Wisconsin during the war, sooner or 
later moved to the South and were engaged there in one way or other, in aiding to suppress the 
rebellion. Twelve of these regiments were assigned to duty in the eastern division, which con- 
stituted the territory on both sides of the Potomac and upon the seaboard from Baltimore to 
Savannah. These twelve regiments were: the First (three months), Second, Third, Fourth, 
Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Nineteenth, Twenty-sixth, Thirty-sixth, Thirty-seventh, and Thirty-eighth. 
Ten regiments were assigned to the central division, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Northern 
Alabama, and Georgia. These ten were: the Tenth, Twenty-first, Twenty-second, Twenty- 
fourth, Thirtieth, Forty-third, Forty-fourth, Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth, and Forty-seventh. Added 
to these was the First (re-organized). Thirty-one regiments were ordered to the western division, 
embracing the country west and northwest of the central division. These were : the Eighth, 
Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, 
Twentieth, Twenty-third, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, Twenty-ninth, Thirty-first, 
Thirty-second, Thirty-third, Thirty-fourth, Thirty-fifth, Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, Forty-first, Forty- 
second, Forty-eighth, Forty-ninth, Fiftieth, Fifty-first, Fifty-second, and Fifty-third. During the 
war several transfers were made from one district to another. There were taken from the eastern 
division, the Third and Twenty-sixth, and sent to the central division; also the Fourth, which 
was sent to the department of the gulf. The Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seven- 
teenth, Eighteenth, Twenty-fifth, Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second were transferred from 
the western to the central department. 

The four regiments of cavelry were assigned to the western division — the First regiment 
being afterward transferred to the central division. Of the thirteen batteries of light artillery, the 
Second, Fourth, and Eleventh, were assigned to the eastern division ; the First and Third, to 
the central division ; the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth, 
to the western division. During the war, the First was transferred to the western division ; while 
the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Tenth, and Twelfth, were transferred to the central division. Of the 
twelve batteries of the First regiment of heavy artillery — "A," "E," "F," "G," "H," "I," 
"K," "L," and "M," were assigned to duty in the eastern division ; "B" and "C," to the central 



88 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

division; and "I>." to the western division. Company "G," First regiment Berdan's sharp- 
shooters, was assigned to the eastern division. 

The military officers of the State for 1865 were the same as the previous year, except that 
Brigadier General Lund resigned his position as quartermaster general, James M. Lynch being 
appointed in his place. The legislature of this year met in Madison on the nth of January. 
"To the calls of the Government for troops," said Governor Lewis, in his message, " no State 
has responded with greater alacrity than has Wisconsin. She has sent to the field, since the 
commencement of the war, forty-four regiments of infantry, four regiments and one company of 
cavalry, one regiment of heavy artillery, thirteen batteries of light artillery, and one company of 
sharpshooters, making an aggregate (exclusive of hundred day men) of seventy-five thousand 
one hundred and thirty-three men." 

Several military laws were passed at this session : one authorizing cities, towns, and villages 
to pay bounties to volunteers; another, incorporating the Wisconsin Soldiers' Home; two others, 
amending the act relative "to the commencement and prosecution of civil actions against persons 
in the military service of the country." One was passed authorizing the payment of salaries, 
clerk hire, and expenses, of the offices of the adjutant general and quartermaster general from 
the war fund ; another, amending the act authorizing commissioned officers to take acknowledg- 
ment of deeds, affidavits and depositions; another, amending the act extending the right of 
suffrage to soldiers in the field. One act provides for correcting and completing the records of 
the adjutant general's office, relative to the military history of the individual members of the 
several military organizations of this State; another fixes the salary of the adjutant general and 
the quartermaster general, and their clerks and assistants; another prohibits volunteer or sub- 
stitute brokerage. One act was passed supplementary and explanatory of a previous one of the 
same session, authorizing towns, cities, or villages, to raise money to pay bounties to volunteers; 
another, amending a law of 1S64, relating to the relief of soldiers' families; and another, pro- 
viding for the establishment of State agencies for the relief and care of sick, wounded, and 
disabled Wisconsin soldiers. There was an act also passed, authorizing the borrowing of money 
for a period not exceeding seven months, to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, and defend the 
State in time of war, — the amount not to exceed $850,000. 

On the 13th of April, 1865, orders were received to discontinue recruiting in Wisconsin, and 
to discharge all drafted men who had not been mustered in. About the first of May, orders 
were issued for the muster out of all organizations whose term of service would expire on or 
before the first of the ensuing October. As a consequence, many Wisconsin soldiers were soon 
on their way home. State military officers devoted their time to the reception of returning 
regiments, to their payment by the United States, and to settling with those who were entitled to 
extra pay from the State. Finally, their employment ceased — the last soldier was mustered out 
— the War of the Rebellion was at an end. Wisconsin had furnished to the federal army during 
the conflict over ninety thousand men, a considerable number more than the several requisitions 
of the General Government called for. Nearly eleven thousand of these were killed or died of 
wounds received in battle, or fell victims to diseases contracted in the military service, to say 
nothing of those who died after their discharge, and whose deaths do not appear upon the mili- 
tary records. Nearly twelve million dollars were expended by the State authorities, and the 
people of the several counties and towns throughout the State, in their efforts to sustain the 
National ( Government. 

Wisconsin feels, as well she may, proud of her record made in defense of national existence. 
Shoulder to shoulder with the other loyal States of the Union, she stood — always ranking among 
the foremost. Prom her workshops, her farms, her extensive pineries, she poured forth stalwart 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 89 

men, to fill up the organizations which she sent to the field. The blood of these brave men 
drenched almost every battle-field from Pennsylvania to the Rio Grande, from Missouri to 
Georgia. To chronicle the deeds and exploits — the heroic achievements — the noble enthusiasm 
— of the various regiments and military organizations sent by her to do battle against the hydra- 
headed monster secession — would be a lengthy but pleasant task ; but these stirring annals 
belong to the history of our whole country. Therein will be told the story which, to the latest 
time in the existence of this republic, will be read with wonder and astonishment. But an out- 
line of the action of the State authorities and their labors, and of the origin of the various 
military organizations, in Wisconsin, to aid in the suppression of the rebellion, must needs 
contain a reference to other helps employed — mostly incidental, in many cases wholly charitable, 
but none the less effective: the sanitary operations of the State during the rebellion. 

Foremost among the sanitary operations of Wisconsin during the war of the rebellion was 
the organization of the surgeon general's department — to the end that the troops sent to the 
field from the State should have a complete and adequate supply of medicine and instruments as 
well as an efficient medical staff. In 1861, Governor Randall introduced the practice of appoint- 
ing agents to travel with the regiments to the field, who were to lake charge of the sick. The 
practice was not continued by Governor Harvey. On the 17th of June, 1862, an act of the 
legislature became a law authorizing the governor to take care of the sick and wounded soldiers 
of Wisconsin, and appropriated twenty thousand dollars for that purpose. Under this law 
several expeditions were sent out of the State to look after the unfortunate sons who were 
suffering from disease or wounds. Soldiers' aid societies were formed throughout the State soon 
after the opening scenes of the rebellion. When temporary sanitary operations were no longer 
a necessity in Wisconsin, there followed two military benevolent institutions intended to be of a 
permanent character : the Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee, and the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at 
Madison. The latter, however, has been discontinued. The former, started as a State institu- 
tion, is now wholly under the direction and support of the General Government. 

Whether in the promptitude of her responses to the calls made on her by the General Govern- 
ment, in the courage or constancy of her soldiery in the field, or in the wisdom and efficiency with 
which her civil administration was conducted during the trying period covered by the war of the 
rebellion, Wisconsin proved herself the peer of any loyal State. 

TABULAR STATEMENT. 

We publish on the following pages the report of the Adjutant General at the close of the war, 
but before all the Wisconsin organizations had been mustered out. It shows how many brave men 
courageously forsook homes, friends and the comforts of peaceful avocations, offering their lives 
in defense of their country's honor. Twenty-two out of every hundred either died, were killed or 
wounded. Thirteen out of every hundred found a soldier's grave, while only 60 per cent of them 
marched home at the end of the war. Monuments may crumble, cities fall into decay, the tooth 
of time leave its impress on all the works of man, but the memory of the gallant deeds of the 
army of the Union in the great war of the rebellion, in which the sons of Wisconsin bore so 
conspicuous a part, will live in the minds of men so long as time and civilized governments endure. 



90 






■eSj'eqwia 



■jdjsuujx 



noiwasaa 



■Saisaijg 



qj^a 



r- i^ i- - ?) t - c :: '.t c - - c nc o m" o o x o r- o i* "t cc r- c h ih w m i^ I i- x f r. - h- Tr c q o 
i-x^X"r--*r. t-f^fNccK^i-axcTfo^Ti-V'CCJ't't-". cr ; ^* ts ^ i-- t— o ^ i— t^- ao 



■^ x c «- ic r:MOH 

i— ~ tr -r o «— ii^cic 

w i< r- v o v ec <-* 



coo- it^^cooiCtdW'-Cr-.r. u-c^Xi— ^oi-dOcoi^'rL:x 

- r- ft «) o c x f c f « o a x x © « •* in x ^ -■ x i- x i- « c o 

KMKMTpMM'J'OinWW-HNINt-iMWIM'-COnHHi-.riN'-iW 



:t -L-;~'5'CiOrHCCHi-tcu:r-X' 



■ O cr co — c — '— — ~. ci cn x cn co c. — cr- i-o ,2 
< ■*»" ■<* > w k c m w i.: «o c :i x :i :i ?) c - 



<C C ^ I- c cc 



ro »- — t~- o — — '" ic * x -r r: i - i- -: — c — r- x -r t. co 71 -r » •-< '— c~. -r »~ » o — '— — x ccct-or-o 
co c ^t x :i r. uc i^ - «- r. x x c -c ri n co o* x n x i- oi >t -*■ co - . — — i- -. n c - - c — o i--on 

N M N W CO CO ?1 m C^ M W r-. W ^ ^ !N C-l rn 71 71 W ^ r- ^ W ?) ;i 7) rt(Nr« CS CN Tl <~i 



O X C O C CO O) CC N t^ O O -H N «D O 'f t- t}< C". --h lO t' r- ■* Oi O N C". C~. X * C 1-1 Xi ^ ■« W C C X X CO ^ rt 

HOoootco^iMcocxMXOooMXNt-CHi-fxr. MXi-Nh.ccx-t";:xi'i'C«i-o 
x 10 7J - :i - r. •- i< c o - c; h a. im o o -v h rt c 1- o ■v o « h o cn o •* O c. o O « o i' i'- 1.: c r. - o 



1 



-9£ tiBJ9ie\ 



1.0 « t* v r- x ih r. ;o cc *. N :i ^ w t* x o 

HfMOCCHOnritC-ClN 'f X t- i>* 

WINNWCON CO O CO <M CN CN w CN 



O CO O 
»-7 — O 



£ 






■Bojnjpeqns' 
Xq aino 



z ~ z. - s ^ 
cr- o r- x — 

CN r- 



EC -— • CO CN c-i -— 



CQ CC -- *t" 

.-. CM « 



S 

« 



(oo^^Heotooooo^ciOioixcncootNaaooiNWiA^ocjoo^ 

c X x x t- f co co x i i- - :: i- ** r. c c ri ic w «— t> x x : ?i — < ri co t- co 

CN CD -h CO CN ■-< CNcOGNrJi u c ^N <-< i-> t-H ~ i-i i-< CM CM --> .-H CN "-i CO i-i 



-q*9t»j}g 

lBQl3|J0 



O >o h r. x x r. k o o r. c o o h o r- n :: r :ir. vcoxoi..: ---c x co n — - r x x c ec x i- r- r- as 
h -t uo i- o c w n t- r- c«i 'J i- i- c — -?• -c i~ r~. c o crs o <-■ © ^r cc co o r- ~ ~ — — - o « « i- i- i- o n <o 
X C O C © <— C ~. X *. © © ~ . C- X — ~ ~ ~- ~. c c -. © c © x © -. © x © x r. c r. i - © i - i - i - X ■ X X CO 



bo 

I 



2; 
o 

H 

<! 

£ 

o 

- 
o 









a* u es £ t- 



£."•! 



=->w 






' >. r _z - - : ^ ' 






- .- 1 ►■hK- 



u 



_c jq o> « 



J3 t. t- « — 
— — — t- •* 



■ ^a « 



.33 b 



- — c: a o 



— — as ~ 
J S O 4 £ ^ I 

= £ — — — — ' 

^j- flV _ - = 

^5 m C U — - ^ 

S iS oo h C x x 






<5 « ■§ S * 5 J 






u ~ 



S fc,a 



<= 2^ S 2 =<2 



5 »c c ;; 



c — •- = 



*M$1 



««' 

0) S o> = 

■- ~ j: = 

- i: t»> t- 



. •*» 5 



4* G) S 



■S's- 



s-= 



b^ c s 

t- fc. - o 

a 5 = <- 



d«|i«SS«»> 



."•SS.ES- 






.- = - 5 £ 



? — — ° fl c 






^■^«s CO — ^ y= DO 



"So a « 






a? 



>. ^ >. >. >-. >. >. 



S z r S 2 S-S???S 



2 S.S-S f. 



fd 






caeca 



- a "" 



"" a — - j 
■S P *• *• < 

>> sk >-. >> • 






a a „ — 



a — js <S 



^ „3 C - ~ ° ® 

§ § Sa^H 

— c <s = "2 
_ .« c — — _ a 



a — ' 



x £ M.5 — 



uvvcju««cioa), 



i is 



ij j5 

H H 6- i 



. " « S .S 3 — 

• -5 <c X — <2 <o 

• •— "E U X, ~U 'U (h 

1 J3 O O O O O O 

- — _ — — __ — 



91 



■«* ON 

o — 

00 00 



, _ o «— • ^< rfi C O C5 ^- 00 N I- rn C". c; ?l Ol C - . Cl IM O 71 X C C 1 ! -h i.? 1"t f i- f -r Tf ^ 11 CO 

•t^rjICO -^ *0 CO l— ?) n n H CI n N M CI r— i i — i CN <— . .-H r- ■ i— . i— i r- i .— i r- < ^- i~< r- . 



CN O 

O CD 
O CD 



-* i— co ■** 
^ o - I- 
cd uo •<*» tji 



3©« 1- - r- i^ ci i< ji ^ co c ^ « r- o w io ih o o cc c i" c ci c 



(ChiOO 
:0 r-- •— ' O 

MNC1CO 



t C I-HlO 



CN I— 00 Ci C4 

i-h CO 



^, 57 o o o o " 

r£ "w *S ~3 *3 



i*ioimoi » co h r. to ci o x io c^ co c: o i* t -^ f c — c. ~r ci oo o -h ic i— o co co co -* co t— uo •»* t* «o co ■*?< ■** ci x 

^ CC M O O ^ rt OS h O H W O Ol O ^ I' O O N i< W a N M i* CO Cl C2 CC h- CO O O O O O O lC) O ffi H CO •* H O O 

CJOOOOOXiOCOCNCiCi-OCi: COClSNC^CCCICOCOCNOli-iCOrH MriHNHHr-irtnHHriH CM t- CO 

i-h CN CN. CN CJ CO 



a 

- a 

■a •& 



i I 



■h lo r- c Ci ^ 'X w c: j; -v oi -co dohoh 
CDCOiOCD CO Tfl CO ■**» I— co 0"s co r- t— i co co 
CO CO CM 



; W t C) O O 
© CO — CO -* 
1— r-H ci i-h 



■ - — - M N •* ec CC Ci W CN 



rxor- 



I- O CO o 
© CO © — 
O CD © X 



: ci h c ■* ci 

.CON^Hp. 



5 a 



<C t"* (N r- 1 I' O >0 r- I lO CO © <CI -f © f— i ■ 
© CO CI CO «-H CO i-H ^ 00 ( 

C* I-H CO 



Tfl t— 00 CD CI <-h CD © 

H C) N X -t ^ X X 
OiO^COOlCiOO-^CO 



^fCNW'OMwrHL':,NXHOI">OtO 
CI CI 00 ■** 00 O «-0 t-- iC i-O O uO CO o -^ 00 © lO 



- Sh - 

S oa t- 

r*»» £ 

--. CD 

- © 

OS® 

.o a 
>> . o 

ll? b .£§S 



_r- fl ^ J3 V- » 

.2 « .£P.S hH 

X ■/. 0> - — . 

o o o o :s . 

El i.i^i; 



§■2 

« — i 



* u ■ 
— - co e3 l 

a t- a> t 

S3 c3 ^ ( 

, a >> ® 

> © l» ( 

CUJ3 - * 

>>— e- 

a « a 

I 5° 

< Q "3 

^ — c 
x to o 

.a .a s 

— — i. 






5^ QJ 






p^j-: s -_* i** w rti *-*■_— ■ b 

■"J^^S^ - ~-^_ .2°— — 







L.^t.^L.L.L.tHt-,;.!-,^ 
- '. ■ '. '- — — "- "- ■ '- c 

hddddcjdcJdddcacJ 

~ . j i i '.■ ; c i ■: co * 



C "3 
« =5 



B0 



£ <j a r Jd r *i^ox"&*i'<ljZ 



pq 



us* 

H6.S 









«c3=:oie3o3rfcio3cec3ojcs 






O T3 



2 a 

go a 






OD 



Eh .2 



J g to 
^ r •- .H 

Sill 

a k- 

S2-5o 

"■ •* as a. 

-Sag 

h g o p 



P3 



92 HISTORY OF WTSCONSES". 

Tenth Administration. — Lucius Fairchild, Governor — 1866-1867. 

The inauguration of the newly elected State officers took place on Monday, January 1, 
1866. The legislature, in its nineteenth regular session, convened on the tenth. H. D. Barron 
was elected speaker of the assembly. The " Union " and " Republican " members were in a 
majority in both branches of the legislature. " Our first duty,*' said Governor Fairchild in his 
message, "is to give thanks to Almighty God for all His mercies during the year that is past." 
" The people of no nation on earth,'' he continued, " have greater cause to be thankful than 
have our people. The enemies of the country have been overthrown in battle. The war has 
settled finally great questions at issue between ourselves." Among the joint resolutions passed 
at this session was one submitting the question of a constitutional convention to frame a new 
constitution for the State, to the people. The legislature adjourned on the twelfth of April, 
having been in session ninety-three days. At the general election in November of this year, 
there were elected to the Fortieth congress : H. E. Paine, from the first district ; B. F. Hopkins, 
from the second; Amasa Cobb, from the third; C. A. Eldredge, from the fourth; Philetus 
Sawyer, from the fifth, and C. C. Washburn, from the sixth district. All were republicans 
except Eldredge, who was elected as a democrat. The proposition for a constitutional conven- 
tion was voted upon by the people at this election, but was defeated. 

The twentieth session of the legislature commenced on the ninth of January, 1867. 
Angus Cameron was elected speaker of the assembly. The legislature was strongly '' Repub- 
lican-Union." The message of Governor Fairchild was read by him in person, on the tenth. 
On the twenty-third, the two houses, in joint convention, elected Timothy O. Howe United 
States senator for the term of six years, commencing on the fourth of March next ensuing. 
This legislature pissed an act submitting to the people at the next Fall election an amendment 
to section twenty-one of article four of the constitution of the State, providing for paying a 
salary of three hundred and fifty dollars to each member of the legislature, instead of a pa- 
diem allowance, as previously given. A sine die adjournment took place on the eleventh of April, 
after a service of ninety-three days. 

To provide for the more efficient collection of license fees due the State, an act, approved 
on the day of adjournment, authorized the governor to appoint an agent of the treasury, to 
superintend and enforce the collection of fees due for licenses fixed by law. This law is still in 
force, the agent holding his office at the pleasure of the executive of the State. 

On the 27th of March, Chief Justice Dixon resigned his office but was immediately 
appointed by the governor to the same position. At the election in April following, associate 
Justice Cole was re-elected, without opposition, for six years from the first Monday in January 
following. On the 16th of August, Associate Justice Downer having resigned, Byron Paine was 
appointed by the governor in his place. 

The republican State ticket, in the Fall, was elected over the democratic — resulting in the 
choice of Lucius Fairchild for governor ; Wyman Spooner, for lieutenant governor; Thomas 
S. Allen, Jr., secretary of state; William E. Smith, for state treasurer; Charles R. Gill, for 
attorney general; A.J. Craig, for superintendent of public instruction; Jeremiah M. Rusk, 
for bank comptroller, and Henry Cordier, for state prison commissioner. Excepi Craig, all 
these officers were the former incumbents. The amendment to section 21 of article 4 of the 
constitution of the State, giving the members a salary instead of a per diem allowance, was 
adopted at this election. As it now stands, each member of the legislature receives, for 
his services, three hundred and fifty dollars per annum, and ten cents for every mile he 
travels in goini; to and returning from the place of the meetings of the legislature, on the most 



WISCONSIN" AS A STATE. 93 

usual route. In case of any extra session of the legislature, no additional compensation shall 
be allowed to any member thereof, either directly or indirectly. 

Eleventh Administration. — Lucius Fairchild, Governor (second term) — 1868-1869. 

The Eleventh Administration in Wisconsin commenced at noon on the 6th day of January, 
186S. This was the commencement of Governor Fairchild's second term. On the eighth of 
January, 1868, began the twenty-first regular session of the legislature of Wisconsin. A. M. 
Thomson was elected speaker of the assembly. Of the laws of a general nature passed by this 
legislature, was one abolishing the office of bank comptroller, transferring his duties to the 
state treasurer, and another providing for the establishing of libraries in the various townships 
of the State. A visible effect was produced by the constitutional amendment allowing members 
a salary, in abreviating this session, though not materially diminishing the amount of bnsiness 
transacted. A sine die adjournment took place on the sixth of March. 

At the election in April, 1868, Chief Justice Dixon was chosen for the unexpired balance of 
his own term, ending on the first Monday of January, 1870. At the same election, Byron Paine 
was chosen associate justice for the unexpired balance of Associate Justice Downer's term, 
ending the 1st day of January, 1872. 

At the Fall election in this year, republican electors were chosen over those upon the 
democratic ticket, for president and vice president; and, as a consequence, Grant and Colfax 
received the vote of AVisconsin. Of the members elected at the same time, to the forty-first 
■congress, all but one were republicans — Eldredge being a democrat. The successful ticket 
was: H. E. Paine, from the first district; B. F. Hopkins, from the second; Amasa Cobb, from 
the third ; C. A. Eldredge, from the fourth; Philetus Sawyer, from the fifth, and C. C. Washburn, 
from the sixth district. These were all members, form their respective districts, in the previous 
•congress — the only instance since Wisconsin became a State of a re-election of all the incum- 
bents. 

On the thirteenth of January, 1S69, began the twenty-second regular session of the State 
legislature. A. M. Thomson was elected speaker of the assembly. A very important duty 
imposed upon both houses was the election of a United States senator in the place of James R. 
Doolittle. The republicans having a majority in the legislature on joint ballot, the excitement 
among the members belonging to that party rose to a high pitch. The candidates for nomina- 
tion were Matthew H. Carpenter and C. C. Washburn. The contest was, up to that time, 
unparalleled in Wisconsin for the amount of personal interest manifested. Both gentlemen had 
a large lobby influence assembled at Madison. Carpenter was successful before the republican 
nominating convention, on the sixth ballot. On the twenty-seventh of January, the two houses 
proceeded to ratify the nomination by electing him United States senator for six years, from the 
fourth of March following. One of the most important transactions entered into by the legis- 
lature of 1869 was the ratification of the suffrage amendment to the constitution of the United 
States. Both houses adjourned sine die on the eleventh of March — a very short session. At the 
spring election, on the 6th of April, Luther S. Dixon was re-elected without opposition, chief 
justice of the supreme court, for a term of six years, from the first Monday in January next 
ensuing. In the Fall, both democrats and republicans put a State ticket in the field for the 
ensuing election: the republicans were successful, electing Lucius Fairchild, governor ; Thad- 
deus C. Pound, lieutenant governor; Llywelyn Breese, secretary of state ; Henry Baetz, state 
treasurer; S. S. Barlow, attorney general; george F. Wheeler, state prison commissioner; 
and A. L. Craig, superintendent of public instruction. The office of bank comptroller expired 
on the 3rst day of December, 1869, the duties of the office being transferred to the state 
treasurer. 



94 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

At this election, an amendment to sections 5 and 9 of article five of the constitution of 
the Slate was ratified and adopted by the people. Under this amendment, the governor 
receives, during his continuance in office, an annual compensation of five thousand dollars, which 
is in full for all traveling or other expenses incident to his duties. The lieutenant governor 
receives, during his continuance in office, an annual compensation of one thousand dollars. 

Twelfth Administration. — Lucius Fairchild, Governor (third term) — 1870-187 1. 

On the third of January, 1870, commenced the twelfth administration in Wisconsin, Gov- 
ernor Fairchild thus entering upon his third term as chief executive of the State; the only 
instance since the admission of Wisconsin into the Union, of the same person being twice 
re-elected to that office. It was an emphatic recognition of the value of his services in the 
gubernatorial chair. On the twelfth of January, the twenty-third regular session of the legis- 
lature of the State commenced at Madison. James M. Bingham was elected speaker of the 
assembly. Before the expiration of the month, Governor Fairchild received official information, 
that over two hundred thousand dollars of the war claim of Wisconsin upon the General Govern- 
ment had been audited, considerable more than one hundred thousand having the previous year 
been allowed. In the month of March, an energetic effort was made in the legislature, by 
members from Milwaukee, to remove the seat of government from Madison to their city ; but 
the project was defeated by a considerable majority in the assembly voting to postpone the 
matter indefinitely. According to section eight of article one of the constitution, as originally 
adopted, no person could be held to answer for a criminal offense unless on the presentment or 
indictment of a grand jury, except in certain cases therein specified. The legislature of 1S69 
proposed an amendment against the " grand jury system " of the constitution, and referred it to the 
legislature of 1870 for their approval or rejection. The latter took up the proposition and 
agreed to it by the proper majority, and submitted it to the people at the next election for their 
ratification. The sine die adjournment of both houses took place on the seventeenth of March, 
1870. On the first day of January, previous, the member of congress from the second district 
of the State, B. F. Hopkins, died, and David Atwood, republican, was elected to fill the 
vacancy on the fifteenth of February following. 

Early in 1870, was organized the "Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters." By 
an act of the legislature approved March 16, of that year, it was incorporated, having among its 
specific objects, researches and investigations in the various departments of the material, meta- 
physical, ethical, ethnological and social sciences; a progressive and thorough scientific survey 
of the State, with a view of determining its mineral, agricultural and other resources; the 
advancement of the useful arts, through the application of science, and by the encouragement 
of original invention; the encouragement of the fine arts, by means of honors and prizes 
awarded to artists for original works of superior merit; the formation of scientific, economical 
and art museums; the encouragement of philological and historical research; the collection and 
preservation of historic records, and the formation of a general library; and the diffusion of 
knowledge by the publication of original contributions to science, literature and the arts. The 
academy has already published four volumes of transactions, under authority of the Stale. 

The fourth charitable institution established by Wisconsin was the " Northern Hospital for 
the Insane," located at Oshkosh, Winnebago county. It was authorized by an act of the legis- 
lature approved March 10, 1870. The law governing the admission of patients to this hospital 
is the same as to the Wisconsin State Hospital. 



WISCOXSIX AS A STATE. 95 

On the third day of July, 1870, A. J. Craig, superintendent of public instruction, died of 
■consumption, and Samuel Fallows was, on the 6th of that month, appointed by the governor 
to fill the place made vacant by his death. The census taken this year by the General Govern- 
ment, showed the population of Wisconsin to be over one million sixty-four thousand. At the 
Fall election for members to the forty-second congress, Alexander Mitchell was chosen to 
represent the first district; G. W. Hazelton, the second; J. A. Barber, the third; C. A. 
Eldredge, the fourth; Philetus Sawyer, the fifth ; and J. M. Rusk, the sixth district. Mitchell 
and Eldredge were democrats ; the residue were republicans. The amendment to section 8, of 
article 7 of the constitution of the State, abolishing the grand jury system was ratified by a 
large majority. Under it, no person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due 
process of law, and no person, for the same offense, shall be put twice in jeopardy of punishment, 
nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself. All persons shall, 
before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when the proof is 
evident and the presumption great; and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be 
suspended unless, when in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it. 

Governor Fairchild, in his last annual message to the legislature, delivered to that body at 
its twenty-fourth regular session beginning on the eleventh of January, i87i,said that Wisconsin 
State polity was so wisely adapted to the needs of the people, and so favorable to the growth 
and prosperity of the commonwealth, as to require but few changes at the hands of the legisla- 
ture, and those rather of detail than of system. At the commencement of this session, William 
E. Smith wns elected speaker of the assembly. A very carefully-perfected measure of this 
legislature was one providing for the trial of criminal offenses on information, without the inter- 
vention of a Grand Jury. A state commissioner of immigration, to be elected by the people, was 
provided for. Both bodies adjourned sine die on the twenty-fifth of March. On the thirteenth 
of January preceding, Associate Justice Byro.i Paine, of the supreme court, died ; whereupon 
the governor, on the 20th of the same month, appointed in his place, until the Spring election 
should be held, William Penn Lyon. The latter, at the election in April, was chosen by the 
people to serve the unexpired time of Associate Justice Paine, ending the first Monday of Jan- 
uary, 1872, and for a full term of six years from the same date. On the 3d of April, Ole C. 
Johnson was appointed by the governor state commissioner of immigration, to serve until his 
successor at the next general election could be chosen by the people. To the end that the 
administration of public charity and correction should thereafter be conducted upon sound 
principles of economy, justice and humanity, and that the relations existing between the State 
and its dependent and criminal classes might be better understood, there was, by an act of the 
legislature, approved March 23, 1S71, a "state board of charities and reform" created — to 
consist of five members to be appointed by the governor of the State, the duties of the members 
being to investigate and supervise the whole system of charitable and correctional institutions 
supported by the State or receiving aid from the State treasury, and on or before the first day of 
December in each year to report their proceedings to the executive of the State. This board 
was thereafter duly organized and its members have since reported annually to the governor 
their proceedings and the amount of their expenses, as required by law. 

The "Wisconsin State Horticultural Society," although previously organized, first under the 
name of the " Wisconsin Fruit Growers' Association," was not incorporated until the 24th of 
March, 1871 — the object of the society being to improve the condition of horticulture, rural 
adornment and landscape gardening. By a law of 186S, provision was made for the publication 
of the society's transactions in connection with the State agricultural society ; but by the act 



96 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

of 187 1, this law was repealed and an appropriation made for their yearly publication in separate 
form; resulting in the issuing, up to the present time, of nine volumes. The society holds 
annual meetings at Madison. 

At the November election both republicans and democrats had a full ticket for the suffrages 
of the people. The republicans were successful, electing for governor, C. C. Washburn; M. H. 
Pettitt, for lieutenant governor; Llywelyn Breese, for secretary of state ; Henry Baetz, for state 
treasurer; Samuel Fallows, for superintendent of public instruction ; S. S. Barlow, for attorney 
general ; G. F. Wheeler, for state prison commissioner ; and O. C. Johnson, for state commis- 
sioner of immigration. At this election an amendment to article four of the constitution of the 
State was ratified and adopted by the people. As it now stands, the legislature is prohibited 
from enacting any special or private laws in the following cases : 1st. For changing the names of 
persons or constituting one person the heir-at-law of another. 2d. For laying out, opening, or 
altering highways, except in cases of State roads extending into more than one county, and mili- 
tary roads to aid in the construction of which lands may be granted by congress. 3d. For 
authorizing persons to keep ferries across streams, at points wholly within this State. 4th. For 
authorizing the sale or mortgage of real or personal property of minors or others under disability. 
5th. For locating or changing any county seat. 6th. For assessment or collection of taxes or for 
extending the time for the collection thereof. 7th. For granting corporate powers or privileges, 
except to cities. Sth. For authorizing the apportionment of any part of the school fund. 9th. 
For incorporating any town or village, or to amend the charter thereof. The legislature shall 
provide general laws for the transaction of any business that may be prohibited in the foregoing 
cases, and all such laws shall be uniform in their operation throughout the State. 

Industrially considered, the year 1S71 had but little to distinguish it from the average of 
previous years in the State, except that the late frosts of Spring and the drouth of Summer dimin- 
ished somewhat the yield of certain crops. With the exception of slight showers of only an hour 
or two's duration, in the month of September, no rain fell in Wisconsin from the eighth of July to 
the ninth of October — a period of three months. The consequence was a most calamitous event 
which will render the year 187 1 memorable in the history of the State. 

The great drouth of the Summer and Fall dried up the streams and swamps in Northern • 
Wisconsin. In the forests, the fallen leaves and underbrush which covered the ground became 
very ignitable. The ground itself, especially in cases of alluvial or bottom lands, was so dry and 
parched as to burn readily to the depth of a foot or more. For many days preceding the com- 
mencement of the second week in October fires swept through the timbered country, and in some 
instances over prairies and " openings." Farmers, saw-mill owners, railroad men and all others 
interested in exposed property, labored day and night in contending against the advance of 
devouring fires, which were destroying, notwithstanding the ceaseless energies of the people, an 
occasional mill or house and sweeping off, here and there, fences, haystacks and barns. Over the 
counties lying upon Green bay and a portion of those contiguous thereto on the south, southwest 
and west, hung a general gloom. No rain came. All energies were exhausted from " fighting 
fire." The atmosphere was every where permeated with smoke. The waters of the bay and 
even Lake Michigan, in places, were so enveloped as to render navigation difficult and in some 
instances dangerous. It finally became very difficult to travel upon highways and on railroads. 
Time drew on — but there came no rain. The -round in very many places was burned over. 
Persons sought refuge — some in excavations in the earth, others in wells. 

The counties of Oconto, Broun, Kewaunee, Door, Manitowoc, Outagamie and Shawano 
were all more or less swept by this besom of destruction ; but in Oconto county, and for some 
distance into Menomonee county, Michigan, across the Menomonee river, on the west shore of 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 97 

the bay and throughout the whole length and breadth of the peninsula, — that is, the territory 
lying between the bay and Lake Michigan, — the fires were the most devastating. The first week 
in October passed ; then came an actual whirlwind of fire — ten or more miles in width and of 
indefinite length. The manner of its progress was extraordinary. It destroyed a vast amount of 
property and many lives. It has been described as a tempestuous sea of flame, accompanied by 
a most violent hurricane, which multiplied the force of the destructive element. Forests, farm 
improvements and entire villages were consumed. Men, women and children perished — awfully 
perished. Even those who fled and sought refuge from the fire in cleared fields, in swamps, 
lakes and rivers, found, many of them, no safety there, but were burned to death or died of suf- 
focation. 

This dreadful and consuming fire was heralded by a sound likened to that of a railroad 
train — to the roar of a waterfall — to the noise of a battle at a distance. Not human beings 
only, but horses, oxen, cows, dogs, swine — every thing that had life — ran to escape the impend- 
ing destruction. The smoke was suffocating and blinding ; the roar of the tempest deafening ; 
the atmosphere scorching. Children were separated from their parents, and trampled upon by 
crazed beasts. Husbands and wives rushed in wild dismay, they knew not where. Death rode 
triumphantly upon that devastating, fiery flood. More than one thousand men, women and 
children perished. More than three thousand were rendered destitute — utterly beggared. 
Mothe'rs were left with fatherless children ; fathers with motherless children. Every where were 
homeless orphans. All around lay suffering, helpless humanity, burned and maimed. Such was 
the sickening spectacle after the impetuous and irresistible wave of fire swept over that portion 
of the State. This appalling calamity happened on the 8th and 9th of October. The loss of 
property has been estimated at four million dollars. 

At the tidings of this fearful visitation, Governor Fairchild hastened to the burnt district, to 
assist, as much as was in his power, the distressed sufferers. He issued, on the 13th of the 
month, a stirring appeal to the citizens of Wisconsin, for aid. It was promptly responded to 
from all portions of the State outside the devastated region. Liberal con'ributions in money, 
clothing and provisions were sent — some from other States, and even from foreign countries. 
Northwestern Wisconsin also suffered severely, during these months of drouth, from large fires. 

A compilation of the public statutes of Wisconsin was prepared during the year 1871, by 
David Taylor, and published in two volumes, generally known as the Revised Statutes of 1S7.1. 
It was wholly a private undertaking ; but the legislature authorized the secretary of state to 
purchase five hundred copies for the use of the State, at its regular session in 1872. 

Thirteenth Administration. — C. C. Washburn, Governor — 1872-1873. 

The thirteenth gubernatorial administration in Wisconsin commenced on Monday, January 
1, 1872. The only changes made, in the present administration from the previous one, were in 
the offices of governor and lieutenant governor. 

The twenty-fifth regular session of the legislature began on the 10th of January, with a 
republican majority in both houses. Daniel Hall was elected speaker of the assembly. The 
next day the governor delivered to a joint convention of the legislature his first annual message 
— a lengthy document, setting forth in detail the general condition of State affairs. The recent 
great conflagrations were referred to, and relief suggested. The work of this session of the Leg- 
islature was peculiarly difficult, owing to the many general laws which the last constitutional 
amendment made necessary. The apportionment of the State into new congressional districts 
was another perplexing and onerous task. Eight districts were formed instead of six, as at the 
commencement of the last decade. By this, the fourth congressional apportionment, each district 



98 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

elects one member. The first district consists of the counties of Rock, Racine, Kenosha, Wal- 
worth, and Waukesha; the second, of Jefferson, Dane, Sauk, and Columbia; the third, of Grant, 
Iowa, LaFayette, Green, Richland, and Crawford ; the fourth, of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, and Wash- 
ington; the fifth, of Dodge, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Manitowoc ; the sixth, of Green Lake, 
Waushara, Waupaca, Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Brown, Kewaunee and Door ; the sev- 
enth, of Vernon, La Crosse, Monroe, Jackson, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Pepin, Pierce, St. Croix, Eau 
Claire, and Clark ; the eighth, of Oconto, Shawano, Portage, Wood, Juneau, Adams, Marquette, 
Marathon, Dunn, Chippewa, Barron, Polk, Burnett, Bayfield, Douglas, and Ashland. To this 
district have since been added the new counties of Lincoln, Taylor, Price, Marinette and New. 

After a session of seventy-seven days, the legislature finished its work, adjourning on the 
twenty-seventh of March. At the ensuing November election, the republican ticket for presi- 
dent and vice president of the United States was successful. The ten electors chosen cast their 
votes in the electoral college for Grant and Wilson. In the eight congressional districts, six 
republicans and two democrats were elected to the forty-third congress ; the last mentioned 
from the fourth and fifth districts. C. G. Williams represented the first district ; G. W. Hazel- 
ton the second; J. Allen Barber the third ; Alexander Mitchell the fourth ; C. A. Eldredge the 
fifth ; Philetus Sawyer the sixth ; J. M. Rusk the seventh ; and A. G. McDill the eighth district. 

Throughout Wisconsin, as in all portions of the Union outside the State, a singular pesti- 
lence prevailed among horses in the months of November and December, 1S72, very few escap- 
ing. Horses kept in warm, well ventilated stables, avoiding currents of air, with little or no 
medicine, and fed upon nutritious and laxative food, soon recovered. Although but i'cw died, 
yet the loss to the State was considerable, especially in villages and cities, resulting from the diffi- 
culty to substitute other animals in the place of the horse during the continuance of the disease. 

The twenty-sixth regular session of the State legislature commenced on the eighth day of 
January, 1873, with a republican majority in both houses. Henry D. Barron was elected 
speaker of the assembly. On the ninth, Governor Washburn's message — his second annual 
one — was delivered to the two houses. It opened with a brief reference to the abundant returns 
from agricultural pursuits, to the developments of the industries of the state, to the advance in 
manufacturing, to the rapid extension in railways, and to the general and satisfactory progress in 
education, throughout Wisconsin. He followed with several recommendations — claiming that 
"many vast and overshadowing corporations in the United States are justly a source of alarm," 
and that "the legislature can not scan too closely every measure that should come before it 
which proposed to give additional rights and privileges to the railways of the state." He also 
recommended that the " granting of passes to the class of state officials who, through their public 
office, have power to confer or withhold benefits to a railroad company, be prohibited." The 
message was favorably commented upon by the press of the state, of all parties. " If Governor 
Inirn," says one of the opposition papers of his administration, " is not a great statesman, 
he is certainly not a small politician." One of the first measures of this legislature was the elec- 
tion of United States senator, to fill the place of Timothy O. Howe, whose term of office would 
expire on the fourth of March next ensuing On the twenty-second of January the two houses 
met in joint convention, when it was announced that by the previous action of the senate and 
assembly, Timothy O. Howe was again elected to that office for the term of six years. On the 
twentieth of March, the legislature adjourned sine die, after a session of seventy-two days. 

Milton II. l'ettitt, the lieutenant governor, died on the 23d day of March following the 
adjournment. By this sudden and unexpected death, the State lost an upright and conscientious 
public officer. 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 99 

Among the important acts passed by this legislature was one providing for a geological sur- 
vey of the State, to be begun in Ashland and Douglas counties, and completed within four years, 
by a chief geologist and four assistants, to be appointed by the governor, appropriating for the 
work an annual payment of thirteen thousand dollars. An act providing for a geological surve_\, 
of the State, passed by the legislature, and approved March 25, 1853, authorized the governor to 
appoint a state geologist, who was to select a suitable person as assistant geologist. Their 
duties were to make a geological and mineralogical survey of the State. Under this law Edward 
Daniels, on the first day of April, 1853, was appointed state geologist, superseded on the 12th 
day of August, 1854, by James G. Percival, who died in office on the 2d of May, 1S56, at Hazel 
Green. By an act approved March 3, 1S57, James Hall, Ezra Carr and Edward Daniels were 
appointed by the legislature geological commissioners. By an act approved April 2, r86o, Hall 
was made principal of the commission. The survey was interrupted by a repeal, March 21,1862, 
of previous laws promoting it. However, to complete the survey, the matter was reinstated by 
the act of this legislature, approved March 29, the governor, under that act, appointing as chief 
geologist Increase A. Lapham, April 10, 1873. 

Another act changed the management of the state prison — providing for the appointment 
by the governor of three directors; one for two years, one for four years, and one for six years, 
in place of a state prison commissioner, who had been elected by the people every two years, 
along with other officers of the State. 

At the Spring election, Orsamus Cole, who had been eighteen years upon the bench, was 
re-elected, without opposition, an associate justice of the supreme court, for a term of six years 
from the first Monday in January following. The two tickets in the field at the Fall election 
were the republican and the people's reform. The latter was successful ; the political scepter 
passing out of the hands of the republicans, after a supremacy in the State continuing unbroken 
since the beginning of the seventh administration, when A. W. Randall (governor for a second 
term) and the residue of the State officers were elected — all republicans. 

The general success among the cultivators of the soil throughout the state during the year, 
notwithstanding "the crisis," was marked and satisfactory; but the financial disturbances during 
the latter part of the Fall and the first part of the Winter, resulted in a general depreciation of 
prices. 

Fourteenth Administration. — William R. Taylor, Governor — 1S74-75. 

The fourteenth administration of Wisconsin commenced at noon on Monday, the fifth day 
of January, 1874, by the inauguration of William R. Taylor as governor; Charles D. Parker, 
lieutenant governor; Peter Doyle, secretary of state; Ferdinand Kuehn, state treasurer; 
A. Scott Sloan, attorney general; Edward Searing, superintendent of public instruction; 
and Martin J. Argard, state commissioner of immigration. These officers were not 
elected by any distinctive political party as such, but as the representatives of a new 
political organization, including " all Democrats, Liberal Republicans, and other electors 
of Wisconsin, friendly to genuine reform through equal and impartial legislation, honesty 
in office, and rigid economy in the administration of affairs." Among the marked characteristics 
of the platform agreed upon by the convention nominating the above-mentioned ticket was a 
declaration by the members that they would " vote for no candidate for office whose nomination 
i> the fruit of his own importunity, or of a corrupt combination among partisan leaders ;" 
another, " that the sovereignty of the State over corporations of its own creation shall be sacredly 
respected, to the full extent of protecting the people against every form of monopoly or extor- 
tion," not denying, however, an encouragement to wholesome enterprise on the part of aggre- 



100 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

gated capital — this "plank " having special reference to a long series of alleged grievances 
assumed to have been endured by the people on account of discriminations in railroad charges 
and a consequent burdensome taxation upon labor — especially upon the agricultural industry of 
the State. 

The twenty-seventh regular session of the Wisconsin legislature commenced at Madison on 
the fourteenth of January. The two houses were politically antagonistic in their majorities ; the 
senate was republican, while the assembly had a "reform" majority. In the latter branch, 
Gabriel Bouck was elected speaker. Governor Taylor, on the fifteenth, met the legislature in 
joint convention and delivered his message. " An era," said he, "of apparent prosperity without 
parallel in the previous history of the nation, has been succeeded by financial reverses affecting 
all classes of industry, and largely modifying the standard of values." "Accompanying these 
financial disturbances," added the governor, " has come an imperative demand from the people 
for a purer political morality, a more equitable apportionment of the burdens and blessings of 
government, and a more rigid economy in the administration of public affairs." 

Among the important acts passed by this legislature was one generally known as the 
" Potter Law," from the circumstance of the bill being introduced by Robert L. D. Potter, sen- 
ator, representing the twenty-fifth senatorial district of the state. The railroad companies for 
a number of years had, as before intimated, been complained of by the people, who charged them 
with unjust discriminations and exorbitantly high rates for the transportation of passengers and 
merchandize. All the railroad charters were granted by acts at different times of the State leg- 
islature, under the constitution which declares that " corporations may be formed under general 
laws, but shall not be created by a special act, exeept for municipal purposes and in cases 
where, in the judgment of the legislature, the objects of the corporations can not be attained 
under general laws. All general laws, or special acts, enacted under the provisions of this 
section, may be altered or repealed by the legislature at any time after their passage." The 
complaints of the people seem to have remained unheeded, resulting in the passage of the 
" Potter Law." This law limited the compensation for the transportation of passengers, classi- 
fied freight, and regulated prices for its transportation within the State. It also required the 
governor on or before the first of May, 1S74, by and with the consent of the senate, to appoint 
three railroad commissioners; one for one year, one for two years, and one for three years, 
whose terms of office should commence on the fourteenth day of May, and that the governor, 
thereafter, on the first day of May, of each year, should appoint one commissioner for three 
years. Under this law, the governor appointed J. H. Osborn, for three years; George H. Paul, 
for two years ; and J. W. Hoyt, for one year. Under executive direction, this commission inau- 
gurated its labors by compiling, classifying, and putting into convenient form for public use for 
the first time, all the railroad legislation of the State. 

At the outset the two chief railroad corporations of the State — the Chic ago, Milwaukee and 
St. Paul, and the Chicago and Northwestern — served formal notice upon the governor of Wis- 
consin that they would not respect the provisions of the new railroad law. Under his oath of 
office, to support the constitution of the State, it was the duty of Governor Taylor tc expedite 
all such measures as should be resolved upon by the legislature, and to take care that the laws 
be faithfully executed. No alternative, therefore, was le<"t the chief executive but to enforce the 
law by all the means placed in his hands for that purpose. He promptly responded to the noti- 
fication of the railroad companies by a proclamation, dated May 1, 1S74, in which he enjoined 
compliance with the statute, declaring that all the functions of his office would be exercised in 
faithfully executing the laws, and invoking the aid of all good citizens thereto. "The law of the 
land," said Governor Taylor, "must be respected and obeyed." " While none," continued he, 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 101 

" are so weak as to be without its protection, none are so strong as to be above its restraints. If 
provisions of the law be deemed oppressive, resistance to its mandates will not abate," but rather 
multiply the anticipated evils." ''It is the right," he added, "of all to test its validity through 
the constituted channels, but with that right is coupled the duty of yielding a general obedience 
to its requirements until it has been pronounced invalid by competent authority." 

The railroad companies claimed not merely the unconstitutionality of the law, but that its 
enforcement would bankrupt the companies and suspend the operation of their lines. The 
governor, in reply, pleaded the inviolability of his oath of office and his pledged faith to the people. 
The result was an appeal to the courts, in which the State, under the direction of its governor, 
was compelled to confront an array of the most formidable legal talent of the country. Upon 
the result in Wisconsin depended the vitality of much similar legislation in neighboring Slates, 
and Governor Taylor and his associate representatives of State authority were thus compelled 
to bear the brunt of a controversy of national extent and consequence. The contention extended 
both to State and United States courts, the main question involved being the constitutional 
power of the State over corporations of its own creation. In all respects, the State was fully 
sustained in its position, and, ultimately, judgments were rendered against the corporations in 
all the State and federal courts, including the supreme court of the United States, and estab- 
lishing finally the complete and absolute power of the people, through the legislature, to modify 
or altogether repeal the charters of corporations. 

Another act of the session of 1874 abolished the office of State commissioner of immigra- 
tion, "on and after " the first Monday of January, 1876. The legislature adjourned on the 
twelfth of March, 1874, after a session of fifty-eight days. 

The office of state prison commissioner having, by operation of law, become vacant on the 
fifth day of January, 1874, the governor, on the twenty-third of that month, appointed for State 
prison directors, Joel Rich, for twj years; William E. Smith, for four years; and Nelson Dewey, 
for six years: these to take the place of that officer. 

On the sixteenth of June, Chief Justice Dixon, whose term of office would have expired on 
the first Monday in January, 1876, resigned his seat upon the bench of the supreme court, 
Governor Taylor appointing Edward G. Ryan in his place until his successor should be elected 
and qualified. At the November election of this year, the members chosen to the forty-fourth 
congress were — Charles G. Williams, from the first district; Lucian B. Caswell, from the 
second; Henry S. Magoon, from the third ; William Pitt Lynde, from the fourth; Samuel D. 
Burchard, from the fifth; A. M. Kimball, from the sixth; Jeremiah M. Rusk, from the seventh, 
and George W. Cate, from the eighth district. Lynde, Burchard and Cate were " reform ; " the 
residue were republican. 

At the same election, an amendment to section 3 of article 1 1 of the constitution of the 
State was duly ratified and adopted by the people. Under this section, as it now stands, it is 
the duty of the legislature, and they are by it empowered, to provide for the organization of 
cities and incorporated villages, and to restrict their power of taxation, assessment, borrowing 
money, contracting debts, and loaning their credit, so as to prevent abuses in assessments and 
taxation, and in contracting debts, by such municipal corporations. No county, city, town, 
village, school district, or other municiD- corporation, shall be allowed to become indebted in 
any manner, or for any purpose, to 2" .aunt, including existing indebtedness in the aggregate, 
exceeding five per centum on the vai _e of the taxable property therein, to be ascertained by the 
last assessment for State and county taxes previous to the incurring of such indebtedness. Any 
county, city, town, village, school district, or other municipal corporation, incurring any indebt- 
edness as aforesaid, shall, before, or at the time of doing so, provide for the collection of a direct 



102 HISTORY Or WISCONSIN. 

annual tax sufficient to pay the interest on such debt as it falls due, and also to pay and discharge 
the principal thereof within twenty years from the time of contracting the same. 

In 1872, the first appropriation for fish culture in Wisconsin was made by the legislature, 
subject to the direction of the United States commissioner of fisheries. In 1874, a further sum 
was appropriated, and the governor of the State authorized to appoint three commissioners, 
whose duties were, upon receiving any spawn or fish, by or through the United States commis- 
sioner of fish and fisheries, to immediately place such spawn in the care of responsible pisci- 
culturists of the State, to be hatched and distributed in the different waters in and surrounding 
Wisconsin. Two more members have since been added by law to the commission ; their labors 
have been much extended, and liberal appropriations made to further the object they have in 
view — with flattering prospects of their finally being able to stock the streams and lakes of the 
State with the best varieties of food fish. 

The year 1S74, in Wisconsin, was characterized as one of general prosperity among farmers, 
exi epting the growers of wheat. The crop of that cereal was light, and, in places, entirely 
destuned by the chinch-lug. As a consequence, considerable depression existed in business in 
the wheat-growing districts. Trade and commerce continued throughout the year at a low ebb, 
the direct result of the monetary crisis of 1873. 

The legislature commenced its twenty-eighth regular session on the thirteenth of January, 
1875, with a republican majority in both houses. F. W. Horn was elected speaker of the 
assembly. The governor delivered his message in person, on the fourteenth, to the two houses. 
" Thanking God for all His mercies," are his opening wordN, " I congratulate you that order and 
peace reign throughout the length and breadth of our State. Our material prosperity has not 
fulfilled our anticipations But let us remember that we bear no burden of financial depression 
not common to all the States, and that the penalties of folly are the foundation of wisdom.'' In 
regard to the " Potter Law," the governor said, " It is not my opinion that this law expressed the 
best judgment of the legislature which enacted it. While the general principles upon which it 
is founded command our unqualified approbation, and can never be surrendered, it must be 

conceded that the law is defective in some of its details The great object sought to be 

accomplished by our people,' 1 continued the speaker, '"is not the management of railroad property 
by themselves, but to prevent its mismanagement by others." Concerning the charge that 
Wisconsin was warring upon railways within her limits, the governor added, " She has never 
proposed such a war. She proposes none now. She asks only honesty, justice ami the peace of 
mutual good will. To all men concerned, her people say in sincerity and in truth that every 
I in our State shall be lawfully entitled to its just protection, whencesoever the 

er comes. In demanding justice for all, the State will deny justice to none. In forbidding 

lanagement, the State will impose no restraints upon .my management that is h nest and 
just. In this, the moral and hereditary instincts of our people furnish a stronger bond of good 
faith than the judgments of courts or the obligations of paper constitutions. Honest capital 
mi\ be timid and easily frightened; yet it is more certain to seek investment among a people 
whose laws are at all times a shield for the weak and a reliance for the strong — where the 
wholesome restraints of judicious legislation are Felt alike by the exalted and the humble, the 
rich and the pool 

The first important business to be transacted by this legislature was the election of a United 
States senator, as the term for which M. II Carpenter had been elected would expire on the 
fourth of March ensuing. Much interest was manifested in the matter, not only in the two 
houses, but throughout the State. There was an especial reason for this; for, although the then 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 103 

incumbent was a candidate for re-election, with a republican majority in the legislature, yet it 
was well known that enough members of that party were pledged, before the commencement of 
the session, to vote against him, to secure his defeat, should they stand firm to their pledges. 
The republicans met in caucus and nominated Carpenter for re-election; but the recalcitrant 
members held themselves aloof. Now, according to usual precedents, a nomination by the domi- 
nant party was equivalenc to an election ; not so, however, in this case, notwithstanding the friends 
of the nominee felt sanguine of his election in the end. The result of the first ballot, on the 
twenty-sixth of January, was, in the senate, thirteen lor the republican candidate ; in the 
assembly, forty-six votes, an aggregate of only fifty-nine. He lacked four votes in the assembly 
and an equal number in the senate, of having a majority ij each house. On the twenty-seventh, 
the two houses, in joint convention, hiving met to compare the record of the voting the day 
previous, and it appearing that no one person had received a majority of the votes in each house 
for United States senator, they proceeded to their first joint ballot. The result was, no election. 
The balloting was continued each day, until the third of February, when, on the eleventh joint 
trial, Angus Cameron, of LaCrosse, having received sitxty-eight votes, to Carpenter's fifty-nine, 
with five scattering, was declared elected. 

As in the previous session so in this, — one of the most absorbing subjects before the legisla- 
ture was that of railroads; the " Potter Law" receiving a due share of attention in both houses. 
The result was an amendment in some important particulars without changing the right of State 
control : rates were modified. The law as amended was more favorable to the railroad compa- 
nies and was regarded as a compromise. The legislature adjourned sine die on the 6th of March. 
This was the shortest session ever held in the State except one of twenty-five years previous. 

On the 16th of February, O. W. Wight was appointed by the governor chief geologist of 
Wisconsin, in place of I. A. Lapham, whose appointment had not been acted upon by the Senate. 
On the 24th of the same month, J. W '. Hoyt was appointed railroad commissioner for three 
years from the first day of May following, on which day his one-year term in the same office would 
expire. At the regular Spring election on the 6th of April following, Edward G. Ryan was 
elected, without opposition, chief justice of the supreme court for the unexpired term of Chief 
Justice Dixon, ending the first Monday in January, 1876, and for a full term of six years from 
the last mentioned date; so that his present term of office will expire on the 1st Monday in Jan- 
uary, 1882. An act providing for taking the census of Wisconsin on or before the 1st of July, 
1875, was passed by the legislature and approved the 4th of March pievious. It required an 
enumeration of all the inhabitants of the State except Indians, who were not entitled to the right 
of suffrage. The result of this enumeration gave a total population to Wisconsin of one million 
two hundred and thirty-six thousand seven hundred and twenty-nine. 

At the November election, republican and "reform ' tickets were in the field for State 
officers, resulting in the success of the latter, except as to governor. For this office Harrison 
Ludington was chosen by a majority, according to the State board of canvassers, over William 
R. Taylor, of eight hundred and forty-one. The rest of the candidates elected were : Charles 
D. Parker, lieutenant governor; Petei Doyle, secretary of state, Ferdinand Kuehn, treasurer 
of state, A. Scott Sloan, attorney general; and Edward Searing, superintendent of public 
instruction. The act abolishing the office of state commissionei of immigration was to take 
effect "on and after" the close of this administration; so, 01 course, no person was voted for to 
fill that position at the Fall election of 1875. 

During this administration the principle involved in a long-pending controversy between the 
State and Minnesota relating to valuable harbor privileges at the head of Lake Superior, was suc- 
cessfully and finally settled in favor of Wisconsin. The influence of the executive was largely 



104 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

instrumental in initiating a movement which resulted in securing congressional appropriations 
amounting to $800,000 to the Fox and Wisconsin river improvement. A change was inaugu- 
rated in the whole system of timber agencies over State and railroad lands, by which the duties of 
agents were localized, and efficiency was so well established that many important trespasses were 
brought to light from which over $60,000 in penalties was collected and paid into the Treasury, 
while as much more was subsequently realized from settlements agreed upon and proceedings 
instituted. By decisive action on the part of the governor an unsettled printing claim of nearly 
a hundred thousand dollars was met and defeated in the courts. During this period also appro- 
priations were cut down, and the rate of taxation diminished. Governor Taylor bestowed unre- 
mitting personal attention to details of business with a view of promoting the public interests 
with strict economy, while his countenance and support was extended to all legitimate enter- 
prises. He required the Wisconsin Central railroad company to give substantial assurance that 
it would construct a branch line from Stevens Point to Portage City as contemplated by congress, 
before issuing certificates for its land grants. 

The closing year of the century of our national existence — 1875, was one somewhat discour- 
aging to certain branches of the agricultural interests of Wisconsin. The previous Winter had 
been an unusually severe one. A greater breadth of corn was planted than in any previous year 
in the State, but the unusually late season, followed by frosts in August and September, entirely 
ruined thousands of acres of that staple. 

Fifteenth Administration. — Harrison Ludington, Governor — 1876-1877. 

The fifteenth administration of Wisconsin commenced at noon on Monday, January 3, 1876, 
by the inauguration of State officers — Harrison Ludington, as previously stated, having been 
elected upon the republican ticket, to fill the chief executive office of the State ; the others, to 
the residue of the offices, upon the democratic reform ticket : the governor, like three of his 
predecessors — Farwell, Bashford, and Randall (first term) — having been chosen by a majority 
less than one thousand ; and, like two of his predecessors — Farwell and Bashford — when all the 
other State officers differed with him in politics. 

The twenty-ninth regular session of the legislature of Wisconsin began on the 12th of Janu- 
ary, 1876, at Madison. The republicans were in the majority in both houses. Samuel S. 
Fifield was elected speaker of the assembly. On the 13th. Governor Ludington delivered in 
person, to a joint convention of that body, his message, communicating the condition of affairs of 
the State, and recommending such matters for the consideration of the legislators as were thought 
expedient : it was brief; its style condensed ; its striking peculiarity, a manly frankness. " It is 
not the part of wisdom," said he, in his concluding remarks, "to disguise the fact that the people 
of this State, in common with those of all sections of the Union, have suffered some abatement of 
the prosperity that they have enjoyed in the past." "We have entered." he continued, "upon 
the centennial of our existence as an independent nation. It is fit that we should renew the spirit 
in which the Republic had its birth, and our determination that it shall endure. to fulfill the great 
purposes of its existence, and to justify the noble sacrifices of its founders." The legislature 
adjourned situ die on the 14th of March, 1876, after a session of sixty-three days. The chief 
measures of the session were: The amendment of the railroad laws, maintaining salutary restric- 
tions while modifying those features which were crippling and crushing an important interest of 
the State ; and the apportionment of the State into senate and assembly districts. It is a pro- 
vision of the constitution of the State that the number of the members of the assembly shall 
never be less than fifty-four, nor more than one hundred ; and that the senate shall consist of a 
number not more than one-third nor less than one-fourth of the number of the members of the 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 105 

assembly. Since the year 1862, the aggregate allotted to both houses had been one hundred and 
thirty-three, the maximum allowed by the constitution ; one hundred in the assembly and thirty- 
three in the senate. The number of this representation was not diminished by the apportion- 
ment of 1S76. One of the railroad laws abolished the board of railroad commissioners, confer- 
ring its duties upon a railroad commissioner to be appointed by the governor every two years. 
Under this law. DanaC. I.amb was appointed to that office, on the 10th of March. 1876. On the 
2d day of February, previous, George W. Burchard was by the governor appointed state prison 
director for six years, in place of Joel Rich, whose term of office had expired. On the same day 
T. C. Chamberlin was appointed chief geologist of Wisconsin in place of O. W. Wight. • 

The application of Miss Lavinia Goodell, for admission to the bar of Wisconsin, was 
rejected by the supreme court of the State, at its January term, 1876. "We can not but think," 
said Chief Justice Ryan, in the decree of refusal, " we can not but think the common law wise 
in excluding women from the profession of the law." "The profession," he added, "enters 
largely into the well-being of society, and, to be honorably filled, and safely to society, exacts 
the devotion of life. The law of nature destines and qualifies the female sex for the bearing 
and nurture of the children of our race, and for the custody of the homes of the world, and 
their maintenance in love and honor. And all life-long callings of women inconsistent with 
these radical and social duties of their sex, as is the profession of the law, are departures from 
the order of Nature, and, when voluntary, are treason against it." By a law since passed, no 
person can be denied admi:sion to any court in the State on account of sex; and Miss Goodell 
has been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court. 

By an act of the legislature, approved March 13, 1S76, a State board of health was estab- 
lished, the appointment of a superintendent of vital statistics, was provided for, and certain 
duties were assigned to local boards of health. The State board was organized soon after; 
the governor having previously appointed seven persons as its members. The object of the 
organization, which is supported by the State, is, to educate the people of Wisconsin into a better 
knowledge of the nature and causes of disease, and a better knowledge and observance of 
hygienic laws. 

By a law passed in 1868, as amended in 1870 and 1873, the secretary of state, state 
treasurer, and attorney general, were constituted a State board of assessment, to meet in the 
city of Madison, on the third Wednesday in May, 1874, and biennally thereafter, to make an 
equalized valuation of the property in the State, as a guide to assessment for taxation. In the 
tables of equalized valuations compiled by this board in 1876, the whole amount of taxable 
property in Wisconsin, is set down at $423,596,290 ; of which sum $337,073,148, represents real 
estate and $86,523,142 personal property. 

This being the year for the election of president and vice president of the United States, 
the two political parties in Wisconsin — republican and democratic — had tickets in the field. 
At the election on Tuesday, November 7, the republican presidential electors received a 
majority of the votes cast in the State, securing Wisconsin for Hayes and Wheeler. The eight 
congressional districts elected the same day their members to the forty-fifth congress, whose 
terms of office would expire on the 4th of March, 1879. Charles G. Williams was elected in the 
first district; Lucien B. Caswell, in the second; George C. Hazelton, in the third; William P. 
Lynde, in the fourth; Edward S. Bragg, in the fifth; Gabriel Bouck, in the sixth; H. L. 
Humphrey, in the seventh; and Thad. C. Pound, in the eighth district. A majority of the 
delegation was republican, the representatives from the fourth, fifth and sixth districts only, being 
democrats. 



106 HISTORY <>r WISCONSIN. 

There was a general and spontaneous exhibition of patriotic impulses throughout the length 
and breadth of Wisconsin, on the part of both native and ioreign-born citizens, at the com- 
mencement of the centennial year, and upon the fourth of July. The interest of the people of 
the State generally, in the Exposition at Philadelphia, was manifested in a somewhat remarkable 
manner from its inception to its close. By an act of congress, approved March 3, 1S71, pro- 
vision was made for celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of American Independence, by 
holding in that city, in 1876, an exhibition of arts, manufactures, and the products of the soil 
and mines of the country. A centennial commission, consisting of one commissioner and one 
alternate commissioner, from each State and Territory, was authorized to be appointed, to carry 
out the provisions of the act. David Atwood, as commissioner, and E. D. Holton, as alternate, 
were commissioned by the president of the United States, from Wisconsin. This commission 
gradually made progress in preparing for an international exposition. " The commission has 
been organized," said Governor Washburn, in his message to the legislature in January, 1S73, 
" and has made considerable progress in its work. The occasion will be one to which t'he 
American people can not fail to respond in the most enthusiastic manner." The president of 
the United States, by proclamation, in July, 1873, announced the exhibition and national celebra- 
tion, and commended them to the people of the Union, and of all nations. " It seems fitting," 
said Governor Taylor, in his message to the Wisconsin legislature in 1S74, " that such a cele- 
bration of this important event, should be held, and it is hoped it will be carried out in a manner 
worthy of a great and enlightened nation." By the close of 1874, a large number of foreign 
governments had signified their intention to participate in the exhibition. 

The legislature of Wisconsin, at its session in 1875, deeming it essential that the State, 
with its vast resources in agricultural, mineral, lumbering, manufacturing, and other products 
and industries, should be fully represented at Philadelphia, passed an act which was approved 
March 3, 1S75, to provide for a "Board of State Centennial Managers." Two thousand dollars 
were appropriated to pay its necessary expenses. The board was to consist of five members to 
be appointed by the governor; and there were added thereto, as ex-officio members, the United 
States centennial commissioner and his alternate. The duties of the members were to dis- 
seminate information regarding the Exhibition; to secure the co-operation of industrial, scien- 
tific, agricultural, and other associations in the State ; to appoint co-operative local committees, 
representing the different industries of the State ; to stimulate local action on all measures 
intended to render the exhibition successful, and a worthy representation of the industries of 
the country; to encourage the production of articles suitable for the Exhibition ; to distribute 
documents issued by the centennial commission among manufacturers and others in the State; 
to render assistance in furthering the financial and other interests of the exhibition; to furnish 
information to the commission on subjects that might be referred to the board ; to care for the 
interests of the State and of its citizens in matters relating to the exhibition ; to receive and 
pronounce upon applications for space ; to apportion the space placed at its disposal among the 
exhibitors from the State ; and to supervise such other details relating to the representation of 
citizens of Wisconsin in the Exhibition, as might from time to time be delegated by the United 
States centennial 1 ommission. 

The board was required to meet on the first Wednesday of April, 1875, at the capitol, in 
Madison, to organize and adopt such by-laws and regulations as might be deemed necessary for 
the successful prosecution of the work committed to their charge Governor Taylor appointed 
Eli Stilson, J. I. Case. J B. Parkinson, T. C. Pound, and E. A. Calkins, members of the board. 
IK organization was perfected, at the appointed time, by the election of J. II. Parkinson as pre- 
sident, and W. W. Field, secretary. The ex-officio members of the board, were David Atwood, 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 107 

United States commissioner, and E. D. Holton, alternate From this time forward, the board 
was untiring in its efforts to secure a full and proper representation of the varied interests of 
Wisconsin in the centennial exhibition of 1876. E. A. Calkins having resigned his position as 
member of the board, Adolph Meinecke took his place by appointment of the governor July 
24, 1875. Governor Ludington, in his message to the legislature in January, 1876, spoke in 
commendation of the coming exhibition. "The occasion," said he, "will afford an excellent 
opportunity to display the resources and products of the State, and to attract hither capital and 
immigration." 

Soon after the organization of the United States centennial commission, a national organ- 
ization of the women of the country was perfected. A lady of Philadelphia was placed at its 
head; and a presiding officer from each State was appointed. Mrs. A. C. Thorp assumed the 
duties of chairman for Wisconsin, in March, 1875, appointing assistants in various parts of the 
State, when active work was commenced. This organization was efficient in Wisconsin in 
arousing an interest in the general purposes and objects of the exhibition. 

By an act of the legislature, approved March 3, 1876, the sum of twenty thousand dollars 
was appropriated to the use of the board of centennial managers, for the purpose of arranging 
for, and making a proper exhibition of, the products, resources, and advantages of the State at 
the exposition. The treasurer of Wisconsin was, by this act, made an ex-officio member of the 
board. By this and previous action of the legislature — by efforts put forth by the board of 
managers — by individual enterprise — by the untiring labors of the "Women's Centennial Execu- 
tive Committee," to whom, by an act of the legislature, approved the 4th of March, 1875, one 
thousand dollars were appropriated — Wisconsin was enabled to take a proud and honorable 
position in the Centennial Exposition — a gratification not only to the thousands of her citizens 
who visited Philadelphia during its continuance, but to the people generally, throughout the 
State. 

In Wisconsin, throughout the centennial year, those engaged in the various branches of 
agriculture and other useful avocations, were reasonably prosperous. The crop of wheat and 
oats was a light yield, and of poor quality ; but the corn crop was the largest ever before raised 
in the State, and of superior quality. The dairy and hog product was large, and commanded 
remunerative prices. Fruits were unusually plenty. Trade and business enterprises, however, 
generally remained depressed. 

By section five of article seven of the constitution of Wisconsin, the counties of the State 
were apportioned into five judicial circuits : the county of Richland being attached to Iowa, 
Chippewa to Crawford, and La Pointe to St. Croix. In 1850, the fifth circuit was divided, and a 
sixth circuit formed. In 1864, Crawford and Richland were made part of the fifth circuit. By 
an act which took effect in 1S54, a seventh circuit was formed. On the first day of January, 
1855, the sixth circuit was divided, and an eighth and ninth circuit formed, the county of 
Columbia being made a part of the last mentioned one. In the same year was also formed a 
tenth circuit; and, in 1858, Winnebago county was attached to it; but, in 1870, that county was , 
attached to the third circuit. In 1S58, Kewaunee county was attached to the fourth circuit. 
An eleventh circuit was formed in 1864, from which, in 1865, Dallas county was detached, and 
made part of the eighth. By an act which took effect on the first day of January, 187 1, the 
twelfth circuit was formed. In 1876, a thirteenth circuit was " constituted and re-organized." 

At that time, the whole sixty counties of the State stood apportioned in the thirteen judicial 
circuits as follows: First circuit, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha; second circuit, Milwaukee, 
and Waukesha, third circuit, Green Lake, Dodge, Washington, Ozaukee, and Winnebago; 
fourth circuit, Sheboygan, Calumet, Kewaunee, Fond du Lac, and Manitowoc; fifth circuit, 



108 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Grant, Iowa. La Fayette, Richland, and Crawford ; sixth circuit, Clark. Jackson, Monroe, La 
Crosse, and Vernon; seventh circuit, Portage, Marathon, Waupaca, Wood, Waushara, Lincoln, 
and Taylor; eighth circuit, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, and St. Croix; ninth circuit, Adams, Columbia, 
Dane, Juneau, Sauk and Marquette ; tenth circuit, Outagamie, Oconto, Shawano, Door, and 
Brown eleventh circuit. Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, and Polk ; 
twelfth circuit, Rock, Green, and Jefferson; and the thirteenth circuit, Buffalo, Eau Claire, and 
Trempeleau, Marinette and New are now in the tenth ; Price is in the seventh circuit. 

The thirtieth regular session of the legislature of Wisconsin commenced, pursuant to law, 
on the ioth of January, 1877. The republicans had working majorities in both houses. J. B. 
Cassoday was elected Speaker of the Assembly. Governor Ludington delivered his message to 
the joint convention of the legislature the following day. " We should not seek," said he, in 
his concluding remarks, "to conceal from ourselves the fact that the prosperity which our people 
have enjoyed for a number of years past, has suffered some interruption. Agriculture has ren- 
dered less return ; labor in all departments has been less productive, and trade has consequently 
been less active, and has realized a reduced percentage of profit." " These adverse circum- 
stances," continued the governor, "will not be wholly a misfortune if we heed the lesson that 
they convey. This lesson is the necessity of strict economy in public and private affairs. We 
have been living upon a false basis ; and the time has now come when we must return to a solid 
foundation." The legislature adjourned sine <//<■ on the Sth of March, after a session of fifty- 
eight days, passing three hundred and one acts — one hundred and thirteen less than at the 
session of 1876 The most important of these, as claimed by the dominant party which passed 
it, is one for the maintenance of the purity of the ballot box, known as the " Registry Law." On 
the 3d day of April, at the regular Spring election, William P. Lyon was re-elected, without 
opposition, an associate justice of the supreme court for six years from the first Monday in 
January, 1878, his term of office expiring on the first Monday of January, 1884. 

Under a law of 1876, to provide for the revision of the statutes of the State, the justices of 
the supreme court were authorized to appoint three revisors. The persons receiving the appoint- 
ment were David Taylor, William F. Vilas and J. P. C. Cottrill. By an amendatory law of 1877, 
for the purpose of having the revision completed for the session of 1878, the justices of the 
supreme court were authorized to appoint two additional revisors, and assign them spei ial duties 
on the commission. H. S. Orton was appointed to revise the criminal law and proceedings, and 
J. II. Carpenter to revise the probate laws. 

Governor Ludington declined being a candidate for renomination. His administration was 
characterized as one of practical efficiency. As the chief executive officer of Wisconsin, he kept 
in view the best interests of the State. In matters coming under his control, a rigid system of 
economy prevailed. 

There were three tickets in the field presented to the electors of Wisconsin for their suffrages 
at the general election held on the sixth of November, 1S77 : republican, democratic, and the 
"greenback" ticket. The republicans were successful, electing William E. Smith, governor ; 
James M. Bingham, lieutenant governor; Hans B. Warner, set retary of state ; Richard Guenther, 
treasurer; Alexander Wilson, attorney general ; and William C. Whitford, state superintendent 
of public instruction. At the same election two amendments to the constitution of the State 
were voted upon and both adopted. The first one amends section four of article seven; so that, 
hereafter, " the supreme court shall consist of one chief justice and four associate justices, to be 
elected by the qualified electors of the State. The legislature shall, at its first session after the 
adoption of this amendment, provide by law- for the election of two associae justices of said 
court, to hold their offices respectively for terms ending two and four years, respectively after the 



WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 109 

end of the term of the justice of the said court then last to expire. And thereafter the chief 
justices and associate justices of said court shall be elected and hold theii offices respectively 
for the term of ten years." The second one amends section two of article eight ; so t'..at, heie- 
after, " no money shall be paid out of the treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation by 
law. No appropriation shall be made for the payment of any claim against the State, except 
claims of the United States, and judgments, unless filed within six years after the claim accrued." 
The year 1877, in Wisconsin, was notable for excellent crops. A depression in monetary 
matters continued, it is true, but not without a reasonable prospect of a change for the better 
within the near future. 

Sixteenth Administration. — William E. Smith, Governor — 1878 — 1879. 

At noon, on Monday, January 7. 1S7S, began the sixteenth administration of Wisconsin, by 
the inauguration of the State officers elect. On the 9th of the same month, commenced the 
thirty-first regular session of the Legislature. A. R. Barrows was elected Speaker of the Assembly. 
On the day following, Governor Smith delivered his message — a calm, business-like document — to 
the Legislature. Both Houses adjourned sine die on the 21st of March following. On the 1st day 
of April, Harlow S. Orton and David Taylor were elected Associate Justices of the Supreme Court; 
the term of the first named to expire on the first Monday of January, 1SS8 ; that of the last men- 
tioned, on the first Monday of January, 1886. In obedience to a proclamation of the Governor, 
the Legislature convened on the 4th day of June, A. D. 1878, in extra session, to revise the statutes, 
A. R. Barrows was elected Speaker of the Assembly. The Legislature adjourned sine die on the 
7th of the same month. In November following, the members chosen to the Forty-sixth Congress 
were C. G. Williams, in the First District ; L. B. Caswell, in the Second ; George C. Hazelton, in 
the Third ; P. V. Deuster, in the Fourth ; E. S. Bragg, in the Fifth ; Gabriel Bouck, in the Sixth ; 
H. L. Humphrey, in the Seventh; and T. C. Pound, in the Eighth. The thirty-second regular 
session of the Legislature commenced on the 8th day of January, 1879. D. M. Kelly was elected 
Speaker of the Assembly ; the next day, the message of the Governor — a brief, but able State 
paper — was delivered to both Houses. On the 21st, Matthew H. Carpenter was elected United 
States Senator for six years, from the 4th of March thereafter, in place of Timothy O. Howe. 
The Legislature adjourned sine die on the 5th of March, 1879. On the 1st day of April following, 
Orsamus Cole was elected Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, for a term of ten years. 

Wisconsin has many attractive features. It is a healthy, fertile, well-watered and well-wooded 
State. Every where within its borders the lights of each citizen are held sacred. Intelligence and 
education are prominent characteristics of its people. All the necessaries and many of the comforts 
and luxuries of life are easily to be obtained. Agriculture, the chief source of wealth to so many 
nations, is here conducted with profit and success. Generally speaking, the farmer owns the 
land he cultivates. Here, the laboring man, if honest and industrious, is most certain to secure 
a competence for himself and family. Few States have made more ample provisions for the 
unfortunate — the deaf and dumb, the blind, and the insane — than has Wisconsin. Nor has she 
been less interested in her reformatory and penal institutions. In her educational facilities, she 
already rivals the most advanced of her sister States. Her markets are easily reached by rail- 
ways and water-navigation, so that the products of the country find ready sale. Her commerce 
is extensive ; her manufactures remunerative; her natural resources great and manifold. In 
morality and religion, her standard is high. Her laws are lenient, but not lax, securing the 
greatest good to those who are disposed to live up to their requirements. Wisconsin has, in 
fact, all the essential elements of prosperity and good government. Exalted and noble, there- 
fore, must be her future career. 



TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 



By T. C. CHAMBERLIN, A. M., State Geologist. 



The surface features of Wisconsin are simple and symmetrical in character, and present a con- 
figuration intermediate between the mountainous, on the one hand, and a monotonous level, on the 
other. The highest summits within the state rise a little more than 1,200 feet above its lowest sur- 
faces. A few exi eptional peaks rise from 400 to 600 feet above their bases, but abrupt elevations of 
more than 200 or 300 feet are not common. Viewed as a whole, the state ma) be regarded as o< - 
cupying a swell of land lying between three notable depressions; Lake Mi< higan on the east, about 
578 feet above the mean tide of the ocean, Lake Superior on the north, about 600 feet above the 
sea, and the valley of the Mississippi river, whose elevation at the Illinois state line is slightly below 
that of Lake Michigan. From these depressions the surface slopes upward to the summit altitudes 
of the state. But the rate of ascent is unequal. From Lake Michigan the surface rises by a Long, 
gentle acclivity westward and northward. A similar slope ascends from the Mississippi valle) to 
meet this, and their junction forms a north and south arch extending nearly the entire length ol tl": 
state. From Lake Superior the surface ascends rapidly to the watershed, which it reaches within 
about thirty miles of the lake. 

If we include the contiguous portion of the upper peninsula of Michigan, the whole elevation 
may be looked upon as a very low, rude, three-sided pyramid, with rounded angles. The apex is 
near the Michigan line, between the headwaters of the Montreal and Brule rivers. The 
northern side is short and abrupt. The southeastward and southwestward sides are lony, and 
decline gently. The base of this pyramid may be considered as, in round numbers, 600 feet 
above the sea, and its extreme apex 1,800 feet. 

Under the waters of Lake Michigan the surface of the land passes below the sea level 
before the limits of the state are readied. Under Lake Superior the land-surface descends to 
even greater depths, but probably not within the boundaries of the state. The regularity of the 
southward slopes is interrupted in a very interesting way by a remarkable diagonal valley 
occupied by Green bay and the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. This is a great groove, traversing 
the state obliquely, and cutting down the central elevation half its height. A line passing across 
the surface, from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi, at any other point, would arch upward from 
about 400 to 1,000 feet, according to the location, while along the trough of this valley it would 
reach an elevation barely exceeding 200 feet. On the northwest side of this trough, in general, 
the surface rises somewhat gradually, giving at most points much amplitude to the valley, but 
on the opposite side, the slope asi ends rapidly to a well marked watershed that stretches across 
the state parallel to the valley. At Lake Winnebago, this diagonal valley is connected with a 
scarcely less notable one, occupied by the Rock river. Geologically, this (Ireen-bay-Rock- 



TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. Ill 

river valley is even more noticeable, since it lies along the trend of the underlying strata, and 
was in large measure plowed out of a soft stratum by glacial action. Where it crosses the water- 
shed, near Horicon marsh, it presents the same general features that are seen at other points, 
and in an almost equally conspicuous degree. Except in the southern part of the state, this 
valley is confined on the east by an abrupt ascent, and, at many points, by a precipitous, rocky 
acclivity, known as "The Ledge " — which is the projecting edge of the strata of the Niagara 
limestone. On the watershed referred to — between the St. Lawrence and Mississippi basins — 
this ledge is as conspicuous and continuous as at other points, so that we have here again the 
phenomenon of a valley formed by excavation, running up over an elevation of 300 feet, and 
connecting two great systems of drainage. 

On the east side of this valley, as already indicated, there is a sharp ascent of 200 feet, 
on an average, from the crest of which the surface slopes gently down to Lake Michigan. The 
uniformity of this slope is broken by an extended line of drift hills, lying obliquely along it and 
extending from Kewaunee county southward to the Illinois line and known as the Kettle range. 
A less conspicuous range of similar character branches off from this in the northwest corner of 
Walworth county and passes across the Rock river valley, where it curves northward, passing 
west of Madison, crossing the great bend in the Wisconsin river, and bearing northeastward 
into Oconto county, where it swings round to the westward and crosses the northern part of the 
state. As a general topographical feature it is not conspicuous and is rather to be conceived as 
a peculiar chain of drift hills winding over the surface of the state, merely interrupting in some 
degree the regularity of its slopes There will be occasion to return to this feature in our 
discussion of the drift. It will be observed that the southeastward slope is interrupted by 
valleys running across it, rudely parallel to Lake Michigan, and directing its drainage northward 
and southward, instead of directing it down the slope into the lake. 

The Mississippi slope presents several conspicuous ridges and valleys, but their trend is 
toward the great river, and they are all due, essentially, to the erosion of the streams that 
channel the slo e. One of these ridges constitutes the divide south of the Wisconsin river, 
already referred to. Another of these, conspicuous by reason of its narrowness and sharpness, 
lies between the Kickapoo and the Mississippi, and extends through Crawford, Vernon and 
Monroe counties. Still another is formed by the quartzite ranges of Sauk county and others 
of less prominence give a highly diversified cha:acter to the slope. 

Scattered over the surface of the state are prominent hills, some swelling upward into rounded 
domes, some rising symmetrically into conical peaks, some ascending precipitously into castel- 
lated towers, and some reaching prominence without regard to beauty of form or convenience of 
description. A part of these hills were formed by the removal by erosion of the surrounding 
strata, and a part by the heaping up of drift material by the glacial forces. In the former case, 
they are composed of rock; in the latter, of clay, sand, gravel and bowlders. The two forms 
are often combined. The highest peak in the southwestern part of the state is the West 
Blue mound, which is 1,151 feet above Lake Michigan; in the eastern part, Lapham's peak, S24 
feet, and in the central part, Rib hill, 1263 feet. The crest of Penokee range in the northern 
part of the state rises 1,000 feet, and upwards, above Lake Michigan. 

The drainage systems correspond in general to these topograpical features, though several 
minor eccentricities are to be observed. The streams of the Lake Superior system plunge 
rapidly down their steep slopes, forming numerous falls, some of them possessing great beauty, 
prominent among which are those of the Montreal river. On the southern slope, the rivers, in the 
upper portion of their courses, likewise descend rapidly, though less so, producing a succession 
of rapids and cascades, and an occasional cataract. In the lower part of their courses, the 



112 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

descent becomes much more gentle and many of them are navigable to a greater or less extent. 
The rivers west of the Wisconsin pursue an essentially direct course to the Mississippi, 
attended of course with minor flexures. The Wisconsin river lies, for the greater part of its 
course, upon the north and south arch of the state, but on encountering the diagonal valley 
above mentioned it turns southwestward to the "Father of Waters." The streams east of the 
Wisconsin flow southerly and southeasterly until they likewise encounter this valley when they 
turn in the opposite direction and discharge northeasterly into Lake Michigan, through Green 
bay. Between the Green-bay-Rock-river valley and Lake Michigan, the drainage is again in 
the normal southeasterly direction. In the southern part of the state, the rivers flow in a gen- 
eral southerly direction, but, beyond the state, turn westward toward the Mississippi. 

If the courses of the streams be studied in detail, many exceedingly interesting and instruc- 
tive features will be observed, due chiefly to peculiarities of geological structure, some of which 
will be apparent by inspecting the accompanying geological map. Our space, however, 
forbids our entering upon the subject here. 

The position of the watershed between the great basins of the Mississippi and the St. Law- 
rence is somewhat peculiar. On the Illinois line, it lies only three and one half miles from Lake 
Michigan and about 160 feet above its surface. As traced northward from this point, it retires 
from the lake and ascends in elevation till it approaches the vicinity of Lake Winnebago, when 
it recurves upon itself and descends to the portage between the Fox and the Wisconsin rivers, 
whence it pursues a northerly course to the heights of Michigan, when it turns westward and 
passes in an undulating course across the northern part of the state. It will be observed that 
much the greater area of the state is drained by the Mississippi system. 

The relationship which the drainage channels have been observed to sustain to the topo- 
graphical features is partly that of cause and partly that of effect. The general arching of the 
surface, giving rise to the main slopes, is due to deep-seated geological causes that produce an 
upward swelling of the center of the state. This determined the general drainage systems. On 
the other hand, the streams, acting upon strata of varying hardness, and presenting different atti- 
tudes, wore away the surface unequally and cut for themselves anomalous channels, leaving 
corresponding divides between, which gave origin to the minor irregularities that diversify the 
surface. In addition to this, the glacier — that great ice stream, the father of the drift — planed 
and plowed the surface and heaped up its debris upon it, modifying both the surface and drainage 
features Looked at from a causal standpoint, we see the results of internal forces elevating, and 
external agencies cutting down, or, in a word, the face of the state is the growth of geologic ages 
furrowed by the teardrops of the skies. 



GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF Wist:< INSIN. 

In harmon) with the historical character of this atlas, it may be most acceptable to weave 
our brief sketch of the geological Structure of the state into the form of a narrative of its growth. 

THE AKCII.KAX AGE. 

I IURENTIAN PERIOD. 

The physical history of Wisconsin can be traced back with certainty to a state of complete 
submergence beneath the waters of the ancient ocean, by which the material of our oldest and 
deepest strata were deposited. Let an extensive but shallow sea, covering the whole of the 
present territory of the state, be pictured to the mind, and let it be imagined to be depositing 



TOPOGRAPHY AXD GEOLOGY 113 

mud and sand, as at the present day. and we have before us the first authentic stage of the history 
under consideration. Back of that, the history is lost in the mists of geologic antiquity. The 
thickness of the sediments that accumulated in that early period was immense, being measured 
by thousands of feet. These sediments occupied of course an essentially horizontal position, and 
were, doubtless, in a large degree hardened into beds of impure sandstone, shale, and other sedi- 
mentary rock. But in the progress of time an enormous pressure, attended by heat, was brought 
to bear upon them laterally, or edgewise, by which they were folded and crumpled, and forced 
up out of the water, giving rise to an island, the nucleus of Wisconsin. The force which pro- 
duced this upheaval is believed to have arisen from the cooling and consequent contraction of 
the globe. The foldings may be imaged as the wrinkles of a shrinking earth. But the contor- 
tion of the beds was a scarcely more wonderful result than the change in the character of the 
rock which seems to have taken place simultaneously with the folding, indeed, as the result of the 
heat and pressure attending it. The sediments, that seem to have previously taken the form of 
impure sandstone and shale for the most part, underwent a change, in which re-arrangement and 
crystalization of the ingredients played a conspicuous part. By this metamorphism, granite, gneiss, 
mica schist, syenite, hornblende rocks, chloride schists and other crystalline rocks were formed. 
These constitute the Laurentian formation and belong to the most ancient period yet distinctly 
recognized in geology, although there were undoubtedly more ancient rocks. They are therefore 
very fittingly termed Archaean — ancient — -rocks (formerly Azoic.) No remains of life have been 
found in this formation in Wisconsin, but from the nature of rocks elsewhere, believed to be of the 
same age, it is probable that the lowest forms of life existed at this time. It is not strange that 
the great changes through which the rocks have passed should have so nearly obliterated all 
traces of them. The original extent of this Laurentian island can not now be accurately ascer- 
tained, but it will be sufficiently near the truth for our present purposes to consider the formation 
as it is now exposed, and as it is represented on the maps of the geological survey, as showing 
approximately the original extent. This will make it include a large area in the north-central 
portion of the state and a portion of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. All the rest of the state 
was beneath the ocean, and the same may be said of the greater portion of the United States 
The height of this island was doubtless considerable, as it has since been very much cut down by 
denuding agencies. The strata, as now exposed, mostly stand in highly inclined attitudes and 
present their worn edges to view. The tops of the folds, of which they are the remnants, seem 
to have been cut away, and we have the nearly vertical sides remaining. 

HURONIAN PERIOD. 

As soon as the Laurentian island had been elevated, the waves of the almost shoreless 
ccean began to beat against it, the elements to disintegrate it, and the rains of the then tropical 
climate to wash it; and the sand, clay and other debris, thus formed, were deposited beneath the 
waters around its base, giving rise to a new sedimentary formation. There is no evidence that 
there was any vegetation on the island : the air and water were, doubtless, heavily charged with 
carbonic acid, an efficient agent of disintegration: the climate was warm and doubtless very 
moist — circumstances which combined to hasten the erosion of the island and increase the 
deposition in the surrounding sea. In addition to these agencies, we judge from the large amount 
of carbonaceous matter contained in some of the beds, that there must have been an abundance 
of marine vegetation, and, from the limestone beds that accumulated, it is probable that there 
was marine animal life also, since in later ages that was the chief source of limestone strata. 
The joint accumulations from these several sources gave rise to a series of shales, sandstones 
and limestones, whose combined thickness was several thousand feet. 



114 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

At length the process of upheaval and metamorphism that closed the Laurentian period 
was repeated, and these sandstones became quartzites; the limestones were crystalized, the 
shales were changed to slates or schists, and intermediate grades of sediments became diorites, 
quartz- porphyries and other forms of crystalline rocks. The carbonaceous matter was changed 
in part to graphite. There were also associated with these deposits extensive beds of iron ore, 
which we now find chiefly in the form of magnetite, hematite and specular ore. These constitute 
the Huronian rocks. From the amount of iron ore they contain, they are also fittingly termed 
the iron-bearing series. As in the preceding case, the strata were contorted, flexed and folded, 
and the whole island was further elevated, carrying with it these circumjacent strata, by whic h 
its extent was much enlarged. The area of the island after receiving this increment was con- 
siderably greater than the surface represented as Laurentian and Huronian on the accompanying 
map, since it was subsequently covered to a considerable extent by later formations. Penokee 
range, in Ashland county, is the most conspicuous development of the Huronian rocks in the 
state. The upturned edge of the formation forms a bold rampart, extending across the country 
for sixty miles, making the nearest approach to a mountain range to be found within the state. 
A belt of magnetic schist may be traced nearly its entire length. In the northern part of 
Oconto county , there is also an important development of this formation, being an extension 
of the Menomonee iron-bearing series. A third area is found in Barron county, which includes 
deposits of pipestone. In the south central part of the state there are a considerable number 
of small areas and isolated outliers of quartzite and quartz-porphyry, that, without much doubt, 
belong to this series. The most conspicuous of these are the Baraboo quartzite ranges, in 
Sauk and Columbia counties, and from thence a chain of detached outliers extends northeasterly 
through several counties. The most southerly exposure of the formation is near Lake Mills, in 
Jefferson county. 

THE COPPER-BEARING SERIES. 

Previous to the upheaval of the Huronian strata, there occurred in the Lake Superior region 
events of peculiar and striking interest. If we may not speak with absolute assurance, we may 
at least say with reasonable probability, that the crust of the earth was fissured in that re 
and that there issued from beneath an immense mass of molten rock, that spread itself over an 
area of more than three hundred miles in length and one hundred miles in width. The action 
«-,i^ not confined to a single overflow, but eruption followed eruption, sometimes apparently in 
quick succession, sometimes evidently at long intervals. Each outpouring, when solidified, 
formed a stratum of trap rock, and where these followed each other without any intervening 
deposit, a series of trappean beds were formed. In some cases, however, an interval occurred, 
during which the waves, acting upon the rock previously formed, produced a bed of sand, gravel 
and clay, which afterward solidified into sandstone, conglomerate and shale. The history of 
beds is lithographed on their surface in beautiful ripple-marks and other evidences of wave- 
action. After the cessation of the igneous eruptions, there accumulated a vast thickness of 
■ I tone, shale and conglomerate, so that the whole series is literally miles in thickness. 
The eruptive portions have been spoken of as traps, for convenience; but they do not now 
possess the usual characteristics of igneous rocks, and appear to have undergone a chemical 
metamorphism by which the mineral ingredients have been changed, the leading ones now being 
an iron chlorite and a feldspar, with which are associated, as accessory minerals, quartz, epidote, 
prenit' . i all ite, laumontite, analcite, datolite, magnetite, native copper and silver, and, more 
rarely, other minerals. The rock, .is a whole, is now known as a melaphyr. The upper portion 
of each bed is usually characterized by almond-sized cells filled with the minerals above men- 
tioned, giving to the rock an amygdaloidal nature. The native copper was not injected in a 



TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 115 

molten state, as has very generally been supposed, but was deposited by chemical means aftei 
the beds were formed and after a portion of the chemical change of the minerals above mentioned 
had been accomplished. The same is true of the silver. The copper occur, in all the different 
forms of rock — the melaphyrs, amygdaloids, sandstones, shales and conglomerates, but most 
abundantly in the amygdaloids and certain conglomerates. 

This series extends across the northern portion of the state, occupying portions of Ashland, 
Bayfield, Douglas, Burnett and Polk counties. When the Huronian rocks were elevated, they 
carried these up with them, and they partook of the folding in some measure. The copper- 
bearing range of Keweenaw Point, Michigan, extends southwestward through Ashland, Burnett 
and Polk counties, and throughout this whole extent the beds dip north-northwesterly toward 
Lake Superior, at a high angle; but in Douglas and Bayfield counties there is a parallel range 
in which the beds incline in the opposite direction, and undoubtedly form the opposite side of a 
trough formed by a downward flexure of the strata. 

PALEOZOIC TIME — SILURIAN AGE. 

Potsdam Sandstone. 

After the great Archaean upheaval, there followed a long period, concerning wnich very little 
is known — a '' lost interval" in geological history. It is only certain that immense erosion of 
the Archaean strata took place, and that in time the sea advanced upon the island, eroding its 
strata and redepositing the wash and wear beneath its surface. The more resisting beds with- 
stood this advance, and formed reefs and rocky islands off the ancient shore, about whose bases 
the sjnds and sediments accumulated, as they did over the bottom of the surrounding ocean. 
The breakers, dashing against the rocky cliffs, threw down masses of roclc, which imbedded them- 
selves in the sands, or were rolled and rounded on the beach, and at length were buried, in 
either case, to tell their own history, when they should be again disclosed by the ceaseless gnaw- 
ings of the very elements that had buried them. In addition to the accumulations of wash and 
wear that have previously been the main agents of rock-formations, abundant life now swarms in 
the ocean, and the sands become the great cemetery of its dead. Though the contribution of each 
little being was small, the myriad millions that the waters brought forth, yielded by their remains, 
a large contribution to the accumulating sediments. Among plants, there were sea-weeds, and 
among animals, protozoans, radiates, mollusks and articulates, all the sub-kingdoms except the 
vertebrates. Among these, the most remarkable, both in nature and number, were the trilobites, 
who have left their casts in countless multitudes in certain localities. The result of the action 
of these several agencies was the formation of extensive beds of sandstone, with interstratified 
layers of limestone and shale. These surrounded the Archaean nucleus on all sides, and reposed 
on its flanks. On the Lake Superior margin, the sea acted mainly upon the copper and iron- 
bearing series, which are highly ferruginous, and the result wa . the red Lake Superior sandstone. 
On the opposite side of the island, the wave-action was mainly upon quartzites, porphyries and 
gianites, and resulted in light-colored sandstones. The former is confined to the immedia e 
vicinity of Lake Superior; the latter occupies a broad, irregular belt bordering the Archaean 
area on the south, and, being widest in the central part of the state, is often likened to a rude 
crescent. The form and position of the area will be best apprehended by referring to the 
accompanying map. It will be understood from the foregoing description, that the strata of this 
formation lie in a nearly horizontal position, and repose unconformably upon the worn surface 
of the crystalline rocks. The close of this period was not marked by any great upheaval; there 



116 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

was no crumpling or metamorphism -of the strata, and they have remained to the present day 
very much as they were originally deposited, save a slight arching upward in the central 
porti n of the state. The beds have been somewhat compacted by the pressure of superin- 
cumbent strata and solidified by the cementing action of calcareous and ferruginous waters, and 
by their own coherence, but the original character of the formation, as a great sand-bed, has not 
been obliterated. It still bears the ripple-marks, cross-lamination, worm-burrows, and similar 
markings that characterize a sandy beach. Its thickness is very irregular, owing to the uneven- 
ness of its Archaean bottom, and may be said to range from 1,000 feet downward. The strata 
slope gently away from the Archaean core of the state and underlie all the later formations, and 
may be reached at any point in southern Wisconsin by penetrating to a sufficient depth, which 
can be calculated with an approximate correctness. As it is a water-bearing formation, and the 
source of fine Artesian wells, this is a fact of much importance. The interbedded layers of lime- 
stone and shale, by supplying impervious strata, very much enhance its value as a source of 
fountains. 

Lower Magnesian Limestone. 

During the previous period, the accumulation of sandstone ga place for a time to the 
formation of limestone, and afterward the deposit of sandstone was resumed. At its close, with- 
out any very marked disturbance of existing conditions, the formation of limestone was resumed, 
and progressed with little interruption till a thickness ranging from 50 to 250 feet was attained. 
This variation is due mainly to irregularities of the upper surface of the formation, which is 
undulating, and in some localities, may appropriately be termed billowy, the surface rising and 
falling 100 feet, in some cases, within .1 short distance. This, and the preceding similar deposit, 
have been spoken of as limestones simply, but they are really dolomites, or magnesian limestones, 
since they contain a large proportion of carbonate of magnesia. This rock also contains a 
notable quantity of silica, which occurs disseminated through the mass of the rock; or, variously, 
as nodules or masses of chert ; as crystals of quartz, filling or lining drusy cavities, forming 
beautiful miniature grottos; as the nucleus of oolitic concretions, or as sand. Some argillaceous 
matter also enters into its composition, and small quantities of the ores of iron, lead and copper, 
are sometimes found, but they give little promise of value. The evidences of life are very 
scanty. Some sea-weeds, a few mollusks, and an occasional indication of other forms of life 
embrace the known list, except at a few favored localities where a somewhat ampler fauna is 
found. But it is not, therefore, safe to assume the absence of life in the depositing seas, for it 
is certain that most limestone has orignated from the remains of animals and plants that secrete 
calcareous material, and it is most consistent to believe that such was the case in the present 
instance, and that the distinct traces of life were mostly obliterated. This formation occupies an 
irregular belt skirting the Potsdam area. It was, doubtless, originally a somewhat uniform band 
Bwinging around the nucleus of the state already formed, but it has since been eroded by 
streams to its present jagged outline. 

St. Peter's Sandstone. 

At the close of this limestone-making period, there appears to have been an interval of which 
we have no record, and the next chapter of the history introduces us to another era of sand 
accumulation. The work began by the leveling up of the inequalities of the surface of the Lower 
Magnesian limestone, and it ceased before that was entirely accomplished in all parts of the 
State, for a few prominences were left projecting through the sand deposits. The material laid 
down consisted of a silicious sand, of uniform, well-rounded — doubtless well-rolled — grains. This 
was evidently deposited horizontally upon the uneven limestone surface, and so rests in a sense 



TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 117 

unconformably upon it. Where the sandstone abuts against the sides of the limestone promi- 
nences, it is mingled with material derived by wave action from them, which tells the story of 
its formation. But aside from these and other exceptional impurities, the formation is a very 
pure sandstone, and is used for glass manufacture. At most points, the sandstone has never become 
firmly cemented and readily crumbles, so that it is used for mortar, the simple handling with pick 
and shovel being sufficient to reduce it to a sand. 0>ving to the unevenness of its bottom, it 
varies greatly in thickness, the greatest yet observed being 212 feet, but the average is less than 
100 feet. Until recently, no organic remains had ever been found in it, and the traces now col- 
lected are very meager indeed, but they are sufficient to show the existence of marine life, and 
demonstrate that it is an oceanic deposit. The rarity of fossils is to be attributed to the porous 
nature of the rock, which is unfavorable to their preservation. This porosity, however, subserves 
a very useful purpose, as it renders this pre-eminently a water-bearing horizon, and supplies some 
of the finest Artesian fountains in the state, and is competent to furnish many more. It occupies 
but a narrow area at the surface, fringing that of the Lower Magnesian limestone on the south. 

Trenton Limestone. 
A slight change in the oceanic conditions caused a return to limestone formation, accompa- 
nied with the deposit of considerable clayey material, which formed shale. The origin of the 
limestone is made evident by a close examination of it, which shows it to be full cf fragments of 
shells, corals, and other organic remains, or the impressions they have left. Countless numbers 
of the lower forms of life flouri^'.eu in the seas, and left their remains to be comminuted and 
consolidated into limestone. A part of the time, the accumulation of clayey matter predominated, 
and so layers of shale alternate with the limestone beds, and shaly leaves and partings occur in 
the limestone layers. Unlike the calcareous strata above and below, a portion of these are true 
limestone, containing but a very small proportion ot magnesia. A sufficient amount of carbon- 
aceous matter is present in some layers to cause them to burn readily. This formation is quite 
highly metalliferous in certain portions of the lead region, containing zinc especially, and con- 
siderable lead, with less quantities of other metals. The formation abounds in fossils, many of 
them well preserved, and, from their great antiquity, they possess uncommon interest. All the 
animal sub-kingdoms, except vertebrates, are represented. The surface area of this rock borders 
the St. Peter's sandstone, but, to avoid too great complexity on the map, it is not distinguished from 
the next formation to which it is closely allied. Its thickness reaches 120 feet. 

The Galena Limestone. 

With scarcely a change of oceanic conditions, limestone deposit continued, so that we find 
reposing upon the surface of the Trenton limestone, 250 feet, or less, of a light gray or buff 
colored highly magnesian limestone, occurring in heavy beds, and having a sub-crystalline struc- 
ture. In the southern portion of the state, it contains but little shaly matter, but in the north- 
eastern part, it is modified by the addition of argillaceous layers and leaves, and presents a bluish 
or greenish-gray aspect. It receives its name from the sulphide of lead, — galena, of which it 
contains large quantities, in the southwestern part of the state. Zinc ore is also abundant, and 
these minerals give to this and the underlying formation great importance in that region. Else- 
where, although these ores are present in small quantities, they have not developed economic 
importance. This limestone, though changing its nature, as above stated, occupies a large area in 
the southwestern part of the state, and a broad north and south belt in east-central Wisconsin. 
It will be seen that our island is growing apace by concentric additions, and that, as the several 
formations sweep around the central nucleus of Archaean rocks, they swing off into adjoining 
states, whose formation was somewhat more tardv than that of Wisconsin 



118 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Cincinnati Shales. 

A change ensued upon the formation of the Galena limestone, by virtue of which there fol- 
lowed the deposition of large quantities of clay, accompanied by some calcareous material, the 
whole reaching at some points a thickness of more than 200 feet. The sediment has never 
become more than partially indurated, and a portion of it is now only a bed of compact clay. 
Other portions hardened to shale or fimestone according to the material. The shales are of 
various gray, green, blue, purple and other hues, so that where vertical cliffs are exposed, as along 
Green bav, a beautiful appearance is presented. As a whole, this is a very soft formation, and 
hence easily eroded. Owing to this fact, along the east side of the Green-bay-Rock-river val- 
ley, it has been extensively carried away, leaving the hard overlying Niagara limestone projecting 
in the bold cliffs known as "The Ledge." The prominence of the mounds in the southwestern 
part of the state are due to a like cause. Certain portions of this formation abound in astonish- 
ing numbers of well preserved fossils, among which corals, bryozoans, and brachiopods, pre- 
dominate, the first named being espec ally abundant. A little intelligent attention to these might 
have saved a considerable waste of time and means in an idle search for coal, to which a slight 
resemblance to some of the shales of the coal measures has led. This formation underlies the 
mounds of the lead region, and forms a narrow belt on the eastern margin of the Green-bay-Rock- 
river valley. This was the closing period of the Lower Silurian Age. 

Clinton Iron Ore. 

On the surface of the s hales just described, there were accumulated, here and there, beds of pecu - 
liar lenticular iron ore. It is probable that it was deposited in detached basins, but the evidence 
of this is not conclusive. In our own state, this is chiefly known as Iron Ridge ore, from the 
remarkable development it attains at that point. It is made up of little concretions, which from 
their size and co'or are fancied to resemble flax seed, and hence the name " seed ore," or the 
roe of fish, and hence oolitic ore. "Shot ore" is also a common term. This i; a soft ore occur- 
ring in regular horizontal beds which are q tarried with more ease than ordinary limestone. This 
deposit attains, at Iron Ridge, the unusual thickness of twenty-five feet, and affords a readily 
accessible supply of ore, adequate to all demands for a long time to come. Similar, but much 
less extensive beds, occur at Hartford, and near Depere, besides some feeble deposits elsewhere. 
Large quantities of ore from Iron Ridge have been shipped to various points in this and neigh- 
boring States for reduction, in addition to that smelted in the vicinity of the mines. 

Niagara Limestone. 

Following the period of iron deposit, there ensued the greatest limestone-forming era in the 
history of Wisconsin. During its progress a series of beds, summing up, at their points of great- 
est thickness, sca'cely less th in eight hundred feet, were laid down. The process of formation 
was essentially th t air a<lv described, the accumulation of t ie calcareous secretions of marine 
life. Toward the close of the period, reefs appeared, that closely resemble the coral reefs of the 
present seas, and doubtless have a similar history. Corals fo m a very prominent element in the 
life of this period, and with them were associated great number, of mollusks, one of which 
(Pentamerus oblongus) sometimes occurs in beds not unlike certain bivalves of to-day, and may 
be said to have been the oyster of the Silurian seas. At certain points, those wonderful animals, 
the stone lilies {Criiwids), grew in remarkable abundance, mounted on stems like a plant, yet 
true animals. Those unique crustaceans, the trilobites, were conspicuous in numbers and variety, 
while the gigantic cephalopods held sway over the life of the seas. In the vicinity of th: reefs, 



TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 119 

there seem to have been extensive calcareous sand flats and areas over which fine calcareous mud 
settled, the former resulting in a pure granular dolomite, the latter in a compact close-textured 
stone. The rock of the reefs is of very irregular structure. Of other portions of the formation, 
some are coarse heavy beds, some fine, even-bedded, close-grained layers, and some, again, irregu- 
lar, impure and cherty. All are highly magnesian, and some are among the purest dolomites 
known. The Niagara limestone occupies a broad belt lying adjacent to Lake Michigan. 

Lower Helderberg Limestone. 

On Mud creek, near Milwaukee, there is found a thin-bedded slaty limestone, that is 
believed to represent this period. It has neglected, however, to leave us an unequivocal record 
of its history, as fossils are extremely rare, and its stratigraphical relations and lithographical 
character are capable of more than one interpretation. Near the village of Waubeka in 
Ozaukee county, there is a similar formation, somewhat more fossiliferous, that seems to repre- 
sent the same period. The area which these occupy is very small and they play a most insignifi- 
cant part in the geology of the state. They close the record of the Silurian age in Wisconsin. 
During its progress the land had been gradually emerging from the ocean and increasing its 
amplitude by concentric belts of limestone, sandstone and shale. There had been no general 
disturbance, only those slight oscillations which changed the nature of the forming rock and 
facilitated deposition. At its close the waters retired from the borders of the state, and an 
interval supervened, during which no additions are known to have been made to its substructure. 

DEVONIAN AGE. 
Hamilton Cement Rock. 

After a lapse of time, during which the uppermost Silurian and the lowest Devonian strata, 
as found elsewhere, were formed, the waters again advanced slightly upon the eastern margin of 
the state and deposited a magnesian limestone mingled with silicious and almuninous material, 
forming a combination of which a portion has recently been shown to possess hydraulic 
properties of a high degree of excellence. With this deposition there dawned a new era in the 
life-history of Wisconsin. While multitudes of protozoans, radiates, mollusks and articulates 
swarmed in the previous seasi no trace of a vertebrate has been found. The Hamilton period 
witnessed the introduction of the highest type of the animal kingdom into the Wisconsin series. 
But even then only the lowest class was represented — the fishes. The lower orders of life, as 
before, were present, but the species were of the less ancient Devonian type. Precisely how far 
the deposit originally extended is not now known, as it has undoubtedly been much reduced by 
the eroding agencies that have acted upon it. That portion which remains, occupies a limited 
area on the lake shore immediately north of Milwaukee, extending inland half a dozen miles. 
The cement rock proper is found on the Milwaukee river just above the city. At the close of 
the Hamilton period the oceanic waters retired, and, if they ever subsequently encroached upon 
our territory, they have left us no permanent record of their intrusion. 

The history of the formation of the substructure of the state was, it will be observed, in an 
unusual degree, simple and progressive. Starting with a firm core of most ancient crystalline 
rocks, leaf upon leaf of stony strata were piled around it, adding belt after belt to the margin of 
l he growing island until it extended itself far beyond the limits of our state, and coalesced with 
the forming continent. An ideal map of the state would show the Archaean nucleus surrounded 
by concentric bands of the later formations in the order of their deposition. But during all the 



120 HISTOKY OF WISCONSIN. 

vast lapse of time consumed in their growth, the elements were gnawing, carving and channeling 
the surface, and the outcropping edges of the formations were becoming more and more jagged, 
and now, after the last stratum had been added, and the whole had been lifted from the waters 
that gave it birth, there ensued perhaps a still vaster era, during which the history was simply 
that of surface erosion. The face of the state became creased with the wrinkles of age. The 
edges of her rocky wrappings became ragged with the wear of time. The remaining Devonian 
periods, the great Carboniferous age, the Mesozoic era, and the earlier Tertiary periods passed, 
leaving no other record than that of denudation. 

THE GLACIAL PERIOD. 

With the approach of the great Ice Age, a new chapter was opened. An immense sheet of 
ice moved slowly, but irresistibly, down from the north, planing down the prominences, filling up 
the valleys, polishing and grooving the strata, and heaping up its rubbish of sand, gravel, clay and 
bowlders over the face of the country. It engraved the lines of its progress on the rocks, and, by 
reading these, we learn that one prodigious tongue of ice plowed along the bed of Lake Michi- 
gan, and a smaller one pushed through the valley of Green bay and Rock river, while another 
immense ice-stream flowed southwestward through the trough of Lake Superior and onward 
into Minnesota. The diversion of the glacier through these great channels seems to have left 
the southwestern portion of the state intact, and over it we find no drift accumulations. With 
the approach of a warmer climate, the ice-streams were melted backward, leaving their debris 
heaped promiscuously over the surface, giving it a new configuration. In the midst of this 
retreat, a series of halts and advances seem to have taken place in close succession, by which the 
drift was pushed up into ridges and hills along the foot of the ice, after which a more rapid 
retreat ensued. The effect of this action was to produce that remarkable chain of drift hills and 
ridges, known as the Kettle range, which we have already described as winding over the 
surface of the state in a very pe< uliar manner. It is a great historic rampart, recording the 
position of the edge of the glacier at a certain stage of its retreat, and doubtless at the same time 
noting a great climatic or dynamic change. 

The melting of the glacier gave rise to large quantities of water, and hence to numerous 
torrents, as well as lakes. There occurred about this time a depression of the land to the north- 
ward, which was perhaps the cause, in part or in whole, of the retreat of the ice. This gave 
origin to the great lakes. The waters advanced somewhat upon the land and deposited the red 
clay that borders Lakes Michigan and Superior and occupies the Green bay valley as far up as 
the vicinity of Fond du Lac. After several oscillations, the lakes settled down into their present 
positions. Wherever the glacier plowed over the land, it left an irregular sheet of commingled 
clay, sand, gravel and bowlders spread unevenly over the surface. The depressions formed by 
its irregularities soon filled with water and gave origin to numerous lakelets. Probably not one 
of the thousands of Wisconsin lakes had an existence before the glacial period. Wherever the 
great lakes advanced upon the land, they leveled its surface and left their record in lacustine 
clays and sandy beach lines. 

With the retreat of the glacier, vegetation covered the surface, and by its aid and the action 
of the elements our fertile drift soils, among the last and best of Wisconsin's formations, were 
produced. And the work still goes on- 



CLIMATOLOGY OF WISCONSIN. 

By Prof. H. H. OLDENHAGE. 

The climate of a country, or that peculiar state of the atmosphere in regard to heat and 
moisture which prevails in any given place, and which directly affects the growth of plants and 
animals, is determined by the following causes: ist. Distance from the equator. 2d. Distance 
from the sea. 3d. Height above the sea. 4th. Prevailing winds; and 5th. Local influences, 
such as soil, vegetation, and proximity to lakes and mountains. 

Of these causes, the first, distance from the equator, is by far the most important. The 
warmest climates are necessarily those of tropical regions where the sun's rays are vertical. But 
in proceeding from the equator toward the poles, less and less heat continues to be received by 
the same extent of surface, because the rays fall more and more obliquely, and the same amount 
of heat-rays therefore spread over an increasing breadth of surface ; while, however, with the 
increase of obliquity, more and more heat is absorbed by the atmosphere, as the amount of air 
to be penetrated is greater. If the earth's surface were either wholly land or water, and its 
atmosphere motionless, the gradations of climate would run parallel with the latitudes from the 
equator to the poles. But owing to the irregular distribution of land and water, and the prevail- 
ing winds, such an arrangement is impossible, and the determination of the real climate of a given 
region, and its causes, is one of the most difficult problems of science. 

On the second of these causes, distance from the sea, depends the difference between oce- 
anic and continental climates. Water is more slowly heated and cooled than land ; the climates 
of the sea and the adjacent land are therefore much more equable and moist than those of the 
interior. 

A decrease of temperature is noticeable in ascending high mountains. The rate at which 
the temperature falls with the height above the sea is a very variable quantity, and is influenced 
by a variety of causes, such as latitude, situation, moisture, or dryness, hour of the day and season 
of the year. As a rough approximation, however, the fall of i° of the thermometer for every 
300 feet is usually adopted. 

Air in contact with any part of the earth's surface, tends to acquire the temperature of that 
surface. Hence, winds from the north are cold ; those from the south are warm. Winds from 
the sea are moist, and winds from the land are usually dry. Prevailing winds are the result of 
th» relative distribution of atmospheric pressure blowing from places where the pressure is high- 
est, tnvard places where it is lowest. As climate practically depends on the temperature and 
moisture of the air, and as these again depend on the prevailing winds which come charged with 
the temperature and moisture of the regions they have traversed, it is evident that charts show- 
ing the mean pressure of the atmosphere give us the key to the climates of the different regions 
of the world. The effect of prevailing winds is seen in the moist and equable climate of West- 
ern Europe, especially Great Britain, owing to the warm and moist southwest winds; and in the 
extremes of the eastern part of North America, due to the warm and moist winds prevailing in 
summer and the Arctic blasts of winter. 



122 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Among local influences which modify climate, the nature of the soil is one of the most 
important. As water absorbs much heat, wet, marshy ground usually lowers the mean tempera- 
ture. A sandy waste presents the greatest extremes. The extremes of temperature are also modi- 
fied by extensive forests, which prevent the soil from being as much warmed and cooled as it 
would be if bare. Evaporation goes on more slowly under the trees, since the soil is screened 
from the sun. And as the air among the trees is little agitated by the wind, the vapor is left to 
accumulate, and hence the humidity of the air is increased. Climate is modified in a similar man- 
ner by lakes and other large surfaces of water. During summer the water cools the air and 
reduces the temperature of the locality. In winter, on the other hand, the opposite effect is pro- 
duced. The surface water which is cooled sinks to lower levels; the warmer water rising to the 
surface, radiates heat into the air and thus raises the temperature of ;hc neighboring region. 
This influence is well illustrated, on a great scale, in our own state by Lake Michigan. 

It is, lastly, of importance whether a given tract of country is diversified by hills, valleys and 
mountains. Winds with their warm vapor strike the sides of mountains and are forced up into 
higher levels of the atmosphere, where the vapor is condensed into clouds. Air coming in con- 
tact, during the night or in winter, with the cooled declivities of hills and rising grounds becomes 
cooled and consequently denser and sinks to the low-lying grounds, displacing the warmer and 
lighter air. Hence, frosts often occur at these places, when no trace of them can be found at 
higher levels. For the same reason the cold of winter is generally more intense in ravines and 
valleys than on hill tops and high grounds, the valleys being a receptacle for the cold-air currents 
which descend from all sides. These currents give rise to gusts and blasts of cold wind, which 
are simply the out-rush of cold air from such basins. This is a subject of great practical impor- 
tance to fruit-growers. 

In order to understand the principal features of the climate of Wisconsin, and the conditions 
on which these depend, it is necessary to consider the general climatology of the eastern United 
States. The chief characteristic of this area as a whole is, that : t is subject to great extremes — to 
all those variations of temperature which prevail from the tropical to the Arctic regions. This 
is principally due to the topographical conditions of our continent. The Rocky mountains con- 
densing the moisture of the warm winds from the Pacific and preventing them from reaching far 
inland, separate the climateof the Mississippi valley widely from that of the Pacific slope. Between 
the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic sea there is no elevation to exceed 2,000 feet to arrest the 
flow of the hot southerly winds of summer, or the cold northerly winds of winter. From this 
results a variation of temperature hardly equaled in any part of the world. 

In determining the climates of the United States, western Europe is usually taken as the 
basis of comparison. The contrast between these regions is indeed very great. New York is in 
the same latitude with Madrid, Naples and Constantinople. Quebec is not so far north as Paris. 
London and Labrador are equi-distant from the equator ; but while England, with her mild, moist 
climate, produces an abundance of vegetation, in Labrador all cultivation ceases. In the latitude 
of Stockholm and St. Petersburg, at the 60th parallel, we find in eastern North America vast ice- 
fields which seldom melt. The moist and equable climate of western Europe in high latitudes 
is due to the Gulf Stream and the southwest winds of the Atlantic, which spread their warmth 
and moisture over the western coast. Comparison, however, shows that the climate of the Pacific 
coast of North America is quite as mild as that of western Europe ; and this is due to the same 
kind of influences, namely, to the warm, moist winds and the currents of the Pacific. And to con- 
tinue the comparisoi. still further, in proceeding on both continents from west to east, or from 
ocean into the interior, we find a general resemblance of climatic conditions, modified greatly, it 
is true, by local influences. 



CLIMATOLOGY OF WISCOKSIX. 123 

The extreme summer climate of the eastern United States is owing to the southerly and 
southwesterly winds, which blow with great regularity during this season, and, after traversing 
great areas of tropical seas, bear the warmth and moisture of these seas far inland, and give this 
region the peculiar semi-tropical character of its summers. The average temperature of summer 
varies between 8o° for the Gulf states, and 6o° for the extreme north. While in the Gulf states 
the thermometer often rises to ioo°,in the latitude of Wisconsin this occurs very seldom. During 
winter the prevailing winds are from the northwest. These cold blasts from the Arctic sea are 
deflected by the Rocky mountains, sweep down unopposed into lower latitudes, and produce all 
the rigors of an arctic winter. The mean temperature for this season varies between 6o° for the 
Gulf coast and 15 for the extreme northern part of Wisconsin. In the northern part of the 
valley the cold is sometimes so intense that the thermometer sinks to the freezing point of 
mercury. 

The extreme of heat and cold would give a continental climate if this extreme were not accom- 
panied by a profusion of rain. The southerly winds, laden with moisture, distribute this moist- 
ure with great regularity over the valley. The amount of rainfall, greater in summer than in 
winter, varies, from the Gulf of Mexico to Wisconsin, from 63 inches to 30 inches. On the At- 
lantic coast, where the distribution is more equal throughout the year on account of its proximity 
to the ocean, the amount varies, from Florida to Maine, from 63 to 40 inches. The atmospheric 
movements on which, to a great extent, the climatic conditions of the eastern United States 
depend, may be summed up as follows : 

"1. That the northeast trades, deflected in their course to south and southeast winds in 
their passage through the Carribean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, are the warm and moist winds 
which communicate to the Mississippi valley and the Atlantic slope their fertility. 

" 2. That the prevalence of these winds from May to October communicates to this region 
a sub-tropical climate. 

" 3. That in the region bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, the atmospheric disturbances are 
propagated from south to north ; but in the northern and middle states, owing to a prevailing 
upper current, from west to east. 

" 4. That while this upper current is cool and dry, and we have the apparent anomaly of 
rain storms traveling from west to east, at 'the same time the moisture supplying them comes from 
the south. 

"5. That, in the winter, the south and southeast winds rise into the upper current, while 
the west and northwest winds descend and blow as surface winds, accompanied by an extraor- 
dinary depression of temperature, creating, as it were, an almost arctic climate. 

" 6. That the propagation of the cold winds from west to east is due to the existence of a 
warmer and lighter air to the eastward. 

"7. That in summer the westerly currents seldom blow with violence, because, in passing 
over the heated plains, they acquire nearly the same temperature as the southerly currents, but in 
winter the conditions are reversed." 

The line of conflict of these aerial currents, produced by unequal atmospheric pressure, 
shift so rapidly that the greatest changes of temperature, moisture, and wind, are experienced 
within a few hours, these changes usually affecting areas of great extent. In the old world, on 
the other hand, the mountain systems, generally running from east to west, offer an impediment, 
especially to the polar currents, and the weather is therefore not so changeable. 

Wisconsin, situated in the upper and central part of the Mississippi valley, is subject to the 
same general climatic conditions which give this whole area its peculiar climate. 

The highest mean summer temperature is 72 Fahrenheit in the southwestern part of the 



124 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN". 

state, and the lowest 64 at Bayfield, Lake Superior. During the months of June, July and 
August, the thermometer often rises as hig^ as 90°, seldom to ioo". In 1S74 the mercury reached 
this high point twice at LaCrosse, and three times at Dubuque, Iowa. There are usually two or 
three of these " heated terms " during the summer, terminated by abrupt changes of temperature. 

The isotherm of 70° (an isotherm being a line connecting places having the same mean tem- 
perature) enters this state from the west, in the northern part of Grant county, touches Madison, takes 
a southerly direction through Walworth county, passes through southern Michigan, Cleveland, and 
Pittsburg, reaching the Atlantic ocean a little north of New York city. From this it is seen that 
southern Wisconsin, southern and centra' Michigan, northern Ohio, central Pennsylvania, and 
southern New York have nearly the same summer temperature. Northwestward this line runs 
through southern Minnesota and along the Missouri to the foot of the mountains. Eastern Ore- 
gon, at 47 30' north latitude, has the same average summer temperature ; the line then returns 
and touches the Pacific coast at San Diego. 

The remarkable manner in which so large a body of water as Lake Michigan modifies the 
temperature has been carefully determined, so far as it relates to Wisconsin, by the late Dr. Lap- 
ham, of Milwaukee. It is seen by the map that the average summer temperature of Racine is 
the same as that of St. Paul. The weather map for July, 1S75, in the signal service report for 
1876, shows that the mean temperature for July was the same in Rock county, in the southern 
part of the state, as that of Breckenridge, Minn., north of St. Paul. The moderating effect of 
the lake during hot weather is felt in the adjacent region during both day and night. 

Countries in the higher latitudes having an extreme summer temperature are usually charac- 
terized by a small amount of rain-fall. The Mississippi valley, however, is directly exposed in 
spring and summer to the warm and moist winds from the south, and as these winds condense 
their moisture by coming in contact with colder upper currents from the north and west, it has a 
profusion of rain which deprives the climrte largely of its continental features. As already 
stated, the average amount of rain-fall in Wisconsin is about 30 inches annually. Of this amoum 
about one-eighth is precipitated in winter, three-eighths in summer, and the rest is equally dis- 
tributed between spring and autumn — in other words, rain is abundant at the time of the year 
when it is most needed. In Wisconsin the rainfall is greatest in the southwestern part of the 
state; the least on and along the shore of Lake Michigan. This shows that the humidity of the 
air of a given area can be greater, and the rainfall less, than that of some other. 

In comparison with western Europe, even where the mean temperature is higher than in the 
Mississippi valley, the most striking fact in the climatic conditions of the United States is the 
great range of plants of tropical or sub-tropical origin, such as Indian corn, tobacco, etc. The 
conditions on which the character of the vegetation depends are temperature and moisture, and 
the mechanical and chemical composition of the soil. 

"The basis of this great capacity (the great range of plants) is the high curve of heat and 
moisture for the summer, and the fact that the measure of heat and of rain are almost or quite 
tropical for a period in duration from one to five months, in the range from Quebec to the coast 
of the Gulf." Indian corn attains its full perfection between the summer isotherms 72" and 77°, 
in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas; but it may be grown up to the line of 65 , which includes 
the whole of Wisconsin. The successful cultivation of this important staple is due to the intense 
heat of summer and a virgin soil rich in nitrogen. 

While Milwaukee and central Wisconsin have a mean annual temperature of 45 , that of 
southern Ireland and central England is 50 ; the line of 72°, the average temperature for July, 
runs from Walworth county to St. Paul, while during the same month Ireland and England have 
a mean temperature of only 6o p . In Wisconsin the thermometer rises as high as 90^ and above, 



CLIMATOLOGY OF WISCONSIN 125 

while the range above the mean in England is very small. It is the tropical element of our sum- 
mers, then, that causes the grape, the corn, etc., to ripen, while England, with a higher mean 
temperature, is unable to mature them successfully. Ireland, where southern plants may remain 
■out-doors, unfrosted, the whole winter, can not mature those fruits and grasses which ripen in 
Q Wisconsin. In England a depression of 2° below the mean of 6o° will greatly reduce the quan- 
tity, or prevent the ripening of wheat altogether, 6o° being essential to a good crop. Wheat, re- 
quiring a lower temperature than corn, is better adapted to the climate of Wisconsin. This grain 
may be grown as far north as Hudson bay. 

Autumn, including September, October and November, is of short duration in Wisconsin. 
North of the 426. parallel, or the southern boundary line of the state, November belongs properly 
to the winter months, its mean temperature being about 32 . The decrease of heat from August to 
September is generally from S° to 9 ; n° from September to October, and 14° from October to 
November. The average temperature for these three months is about 45°. A beautiful season, 
commonly known as Indian summer, frequently occurs in the latter part of October and in No- 
vember. This period is characterized by a mild temperature and a hazy, calm atmosphere. 
According to Loomis, this appears to be due to "an uncommonly tranquil condition of the atmos- 
phere, during which the air becomes filled with dust and smoke arising from numerous fires, by 
which its transparency is greatly impaired." This phenomenon extends as far north as Lake 
Superior, but it is more conspicuous and protracted in Kansas and Missouri, and is not observed 
in the southern states. 

Destructive frosts generally occur in September, and sometimes in August. " A temperature 
of 36 to 40 at sunrise is usually attended with frosts destructive to vegetation, the position of 
the thermometer being usually such as to represent less than the actual refrigeration at the open 
surface." In 1S75, during October, at Milwaukee, the mercury fell seven times below the freez- 
ing point, and twice below zero in November, the lowest being 14". 

The winters are generally long and severe, but occasionally mild and almost without snow. 
The mean winter temperature varies between 23 in the southeastern part of the state, and 16° at 
Ashland, in the northern. For this season the extremes are great. The line of 20 is of im- 
portance, as it marks the average temperature which is fatal to the growth of all the tender trees, 
such as the pear and the peach. In the winter of 1875 and 1876, the mean temperature for De- 
cember, January and February, in the upper lake region, was about 4 above the average mean 
for many years., while during the previous winter the average temperature for January and Feb- 
ruary was about 12 below the mean for many years, showing a great difference between cold and 
mild winters. In the same winter, 1875— '76, at Milwaukee, the thermometer fell only six times 
below zero, the lowest being 12 , while during the preceding winter the mercury sank thirty-six 
times below zero, the lowest being 23 . In the northern and northwestern part of the state the 
temperature sometimes falls to the freezing point of mercury. During the exceptionally cold 
Winter of 1872-3, at La Crosse, the thermometer sank nearly fifty times below zero; on Decem- 
ber 24, it indicated 37 below, and on January 18, 43 below zero, averaging about 12 below 
the usual mean for those months. The moderating effect of Lake Michigan can be seen 
by observing how the lines indicating the mean winter temperature curve northward as they 
approach the lake. Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Two Rivers, and the Grand Traverse 
region of Michigan, have the same average wintei temperature. The same is true regarding 
Galena, 111., Beloit, and Kewaunee. A similar influence is noticed in all parts of the state. Dr. 
Lapham concludes that this is not wholly due to the presence of Lake Michigan, but that the 
mountain range which extends from a little west of Lake Superior to the coast of Labrador (from 
1,100 to 2,240 feet high) protects the lake region in no inconsiderable degree from the excessive 
cold of winter. 



126 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

According to the same authority, the time at which the Milwaukee river was closed wi h ice, 
for a period of nine years, varied between November 15 and December 1 ; the time at which it 
became free from ice, between March 3 and April 13. In the lake district, snow and rain are 
interspersed through all the winter months, rain being sometimes as profuse as at any other sea- 
son. In the northwestern part the winter is more rigid and dry. Northern New York and the 
New England states usually have snow lying on the ground the whole winter, but in the southern 
lake district it rarely remains so long. In 1S42-43, however, sleighing commenced about the 
middle of November, and lasted till about the same time in April — five months. 

The average temperature for the three months of spring, March, April and May, from Wal- 
worth county to St. Paul, is about 45°. In central Wisconsin the mean for March is about 27 °, 
which is an increase of nearly 7 Q from February. The lowest temperature of this month in 
1876 was 40 above zero. April shows an average increase of about 9 over March. In 1876 
the line of 45 for this month passed from LaCrosse to Evanston, 111., touching Lake Erie at 
Toledo, showing that the interior west of Lake Michigan is warmer than the lake region. The 
change from winter to spring is more sudden in the interior than in the vicinity of the lakes. 
"In the town of Lisbon, fifteen miles from Lake Michigan," says Dr. Lapham, '' early spring 
flowers show themselves about ten days earlier than on the lake. In spring vegetation, in places 
remote from the lakes, shoots up in a very short time, and flowers show their petals, while on tht 
lake shore the cool air retards them and brings them more gradually into existence." The in- 
crease from April to May is about 15 . In May, 1876, Pembina and Milwaukee had nearly the 
same mean temperature, about 55 . 

The extremes of our climate and the sudden changes of temperature no doubt have a 
marked influence, both physically and mentally, on the American people. And though a more 
equable climate may be more conducive to perfect health, the great range of our climate from 
arctic to tropical, and the consequent variety and abundance of vegetable products, combine to 
make the Mississippi valley perhaps one of the most favorable areas in the world for the develop- 
ment of a strong and wealthy nation. 

During the months of summer, in the interior of the eastern United States, at least three- 
fourths of the rain-fall is in showers usually accompanied by electrical discharges and limited to 
small areas. But in autumn, winter, and spring nearly the whole precipitation takes place in 
general storms extending over areas of 300, 500 and sometimes over 1,000 miles in diameter, and 
generally lasting two or three days. An area of low atmospheric pressure causes the wind to blow 
toward that area from all sides, and when the depression is sudden and great, it is accompanied 
by much rain or snow. On account of the earth's rotation, the wind blowing toward this region 
of low pressure is deflected to the right, causing the air to circulate around the center with a 
motion spirally inward. In our latitude the storm commences with east winds. When the storm 
center, or area of lowest barometer, is to the south of us, the wind gradually veers, as the storm 
passes from west to east with the upper current, round to the northwest by the north point. 
On the south side of the storm center, the wind veers from southeast to southwest, by the south 
point. The phenomena attending such a storm when we are in or near the part of its center are 
usually as follows : After the sky has become overcast with clouds, the wind from the northeast 
generally begins to rise and blows in the opposing direction to the march of the storm. The 
clouds which are now moving over us, discharge rain or snow according to circumstances. The 
barometer continues to fall, and the rain or snow is brought obliquely down from the northern 
quarter by the prevailing wind. After a while the wind changes slightly in diiection and then 
ceases. The thermometer rises and the barometer has reached its lowest point. This is the center 
of the storm. After the calm the wind has changed its direction to northwest or west. The 



CLIMATOLOGY OF "WISCONSIN. 127 

wind blows again, usually more violently than before, accompanied by rain or snow, which is now 
generally of short duration. The sky clears, and the storm is suddenly succeeded by a tempera- 
ture 10 or 20 degrees below the mean. Most of the rain and snow falls with the east winds, or 
before the center passes a given point. The path of these storms is from west to east, or nearly 
so, and only seldom in other directions. These autumn, winter, and spring rains are generally 
first noticed on the western plains, but may originate at any point along their path, and move 
eastward with an average velocity of about 20 miles an hour in summer and 30 miles in winter, 
but sometimes attaining a velocity of over 50 miles, doing great damage on the lakes. In pre- 
dicting these storms, the signal service of the army is of incalculable practical benefit, as well 
as in collecting data for scientific conclusions. 

A subject of the greatest importance to every inhabitant of Wisconsin is the influence of 
forests on climate and the effects of disrobing a county of its trees. The general influence of 
forests in modifying the extremes of temperature, retarding evaporation and the increased 
humidity of the air, has already been mentioned. That clearing the land of trees increases the 
temperature of the ground in summer, is so readily noticed that it is scarcely necessary to men- 
tion it; while in winter the sensible cold is never so extreme in woods as on an open surface 
exposed to the full force of the winds. " The lumbermen in Canada and the northern United 
States labor in the woods without inconvenience : when the mercury stands many degrees below 
zero, while in the open grounds, with only a moderate breeze, the same temperature is almost 
insupportable." " In the state of Michigan it has been found that the winters have greatly 
increased in severity within the last forty years, and that this increased severity seems to move 
along even-paced with the destruction of the forests. Thirty years ago the peach was one of the 
most abundant fruits of that State; at that time frost, injurious to corn at anytime from May to 
October, was a thing unknown. Now the peach is an uncertain crop, and frost often injures the 
corn." The precise influence of forests on temperature may not at present admit of definite solu- 
tion, yet the mechanical screen which they furnish to the soil often far to the leeward of them, 
is sufficiently established, and this alone is enough to encourage extensive planting wherever this 
protection is wanting. 

With regard to the quantity of rain-fall, " we can not positively affirm that the total annual 
quantity of rain is even locally diminished or increased by the destruction of the woods, though 
both theoretical considerations and the balance of testimony strongly favor the opinion that more 
rain falls in wooded than in open countries. One important conclusion, at least, upon the 
meteorological influence of forests is certain and undisputed : the proposition, namely, that, 
within their own limits, and near their own borders, they maintain a more uniform degree of 
humidity in the atmosphere than is observed in cleared grounds. Scarcely less can it be 
questioned that they tend to promote the frequency of showers, and, if they do not augment the 
amount of precipitation, they probably equalize its distribution through the different seasons." 

There is abundant and undoubted evidence that the amount of water existing on the surface 
in lakes and rivers, in many parts of the world, is constantly diminishing. In Germany, observa- 
tions of the Rhine, Oder, Danube, and the Elbe, in the latter case going back for a period of 142 
years, demonstrate beyond doubt, that each of these rivers has much decreased in volume, and 
there is reason to fear that they will eventually disappear from the list of navigable rivers. 

" The ' Blue-Grass ' region of Kentucky, once the pride of the West, has now districts of 
such barren and arid nature that their stock farmers are moving toward the Cumberland mount- 
ains, because the creeks and old springs dried up, and their wells became too low to furnish 
water for their cattle." In our own state "such has been the change in the flow of the Milwau- 



128 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN". 

kee river, even while the area from which it receives its supply is but partially cleared, that the 
proprietor? of must of the mills and factories have found it necessary to resort to the use of 
steam, at a largely increased yearly cost, to supply the deficiency of water-power in dry seasons 
of the year." " What has happened to the Milwaukee river, has happened to all the other water 
courses in the state from whose banks the forest has been removed ; and many farmers who 
selected land uqon which there was a living brook of clear, pure water, now find these brooks 
dried up during a considerable portion of the year.' 

L^tricts stripped of their forest are said to be more exposed than before to loss of harvests, 
to droughts and frost. " Hurricanes, before unknown, sweep unopposed over the regions thus 
denuded, carrying terror and devastation in their track." Parts of Asia Minor, North Afri< a, 
and other countries bordering on the Mediterranean, now almost deserts, were once densely 
populated and the granaries of the world. And there is good reason to believe " that it is the 
destruction of the forests which has produced this devastation." From such facts Wisconsin, 
already largely robbed of its forests, should take warning before it is too late. 



TREES, SHRUBS AND VINES. 

By P. R. HOW M.D. 

It is not the purpose of this article to give a botanical description, but merely brief notes on 
the economical value of the woods, and the fitness of the various indigenous trees, shrubs and 
vines for the purpose of ornament, to be found in Wisconsin. 

White Oak — Quercus Alba. — This noble tree is the largest and most important of the 
American oaks. The excellent properties of the wood render it eminently valuable for a great 
variety of uses. Wherever strength and durability are required, the white oak stands in the first 
rank. It is employed in making wagons, coaches and sleds ; staves and hoops of the best quality 
for barrels and casks are obtained from this tree; it is extensively used in architecture, ship- 
building, etc.; vast quantities are used for fencing; the bark is employed in tanning. The domes- 
tic consumption of this tree is so great that it is of the first importance to preserve the young 
trees wherever it is practicable, and to make young plantations where the tree is not found. The 
white oak is a graceful, ornamental tree, and worthy of particular attention as such ; found abun- 
dantly in most of the timbered districts. 

Burr Oak — Q. Macrocarpa. — This is perhaps the most ornamental of our oaks. Nothing 
can exceed the graceful beauty of these trees, when not crowded or cramped in their growth, but 
left free to follow the laws of their development. Who has not admired these trees in our exten- 
sive burr oak openings ? The large leaves are a dark green above and a bright silvery white 
beneath, which gives the tree a singularly line appearance when agitated by the wind. The wood 
is tough, close-grained, and more durable than the white oak, especially when exposed to frequent 
changes of moisture and drying; did the tree grow to the same size, it would be preferred for 
most uses. Abundant, and richly worthy of cultivation, both for utility and ornament. 

Swamp White Oak. — Q. Bicolor. — Is a valuable and ornamental tree, not quite so large or 
as common as the burr oak. The wood is close-grained, durable, splits freely, and is well worthy 
of cultivation in wet, swampy grounds, where it will thrive. 

Post Oak — Q. Obtusiloba. — Is a scraggy, small tree, found sparingly in this state. The tim- 
ber is i'.iir Hi', and makes good fuel. Not worthy of cultivation. 



TREES, SHRUBS AND VINES. 129 

Swamp Chestnut Oak — Q. Prinus. — This species of chestnut oak is a large, graceful tree, 
wood rather open-grained, yet valuable for most purposes to which the oaks are applied ; makes 
the best fuel of any of this family. A rare tree, found at Janesville and Brown's lake, near Bur- 
lington. Worthy of cultivation. 

Red Oak — Q. Rubra. — The red oak is a well-known, common, large tree. The wood is 
coarse-grained, and the least durable of the oaks, nearly worthless for fuel, and scarcely worthy 
of cultivation, even for ornament. 

Pin Oak — Q. Palustris. — This is one of the most common trees in many sections of the 
state. The wood is of little value except for fuel. The tree is quite ornamental, and should be 
sparingly cultivated for this purpose. 

Shingle Oak — Q. Imbricaria. — Is a tree of medium size, found sparingly as far north as 
Wisconsin. It is ornamental, and the wood is used for shingles and staves. 

Scarlet Oak — Q. Coccinea. — This is an ornamental tree, especially in autumn, when its 
leaves turn scarlet, hence the name. Wood of little value ; common. 

Sugar Maple — Acer Saccharium. — This well-known and noble tree is found growing abun- 
dantly in many sections of the state. The wood is close-grained and susceptible of a beautiful 
polish, which renders it valuable for many kinds of furniture, more especially the varieties known 
as bird's-eye and curled maples. The wood lacks the durabii.iy of the oak ; consequently is not 
valuable for purposes where it will be exposed to the weather. For fuel it ranks next to hickory. 
The sugar manufactured from this tree affords no inconsiderable resource for the comfort and 
even wealth of many sections of the northern states, especially those newly settled, where it 
would be difficult and expensive to procure their supply from a distance. As an ornamental tree 
it stands almost at the head of the catalogue. The foliage is beautiful, compact, and free from 
the attacks of insects. It puts forth its yellow blossoms early, and in the autumn the leaves 
change in color and show the most beautiful tints of red and yellow long before they fall. Worthy 
of especial attention for fuel and ornament, and well adapted to street-planting. 

Red Maple — A. Rubrum. — Is another fine maple of more rapid growth than the foregoing 
species. With wood rather lighter, but quite as valuable for cabinet-work — for fuel not quite so 
good. The young trees bear transplanting even better than other maples. Though highly orna- 
mental, this tree hardly equals the first-named species. It puts forth, in early spring, its scarlet 
blossoms before a leaf has yet appeared. Well adapted to street-planting. 

Mountain Maple — A. Spicatum. — Is a small branching tree, or rather shrub, found grow- 
ing in clumps. Not worthy of much attention. 

Silver Maple — A. Dasycarpum. — This is a common tree growing on the banks of streams, 
especially in the western part of the state, grown largely for ornament, yet for the purpose it is 
the least valuable of the maples. The branches are long and straggling, and so brittle that they 
are liable to be injured by winds. 

Box Maple — Negundo Aceroides. — This tree is frequently called box elder. It is of a rapid 
growth and quite ornamental. The wood is not much used in the arts, but is good fuel. Should 
be cultivated. It grows on Sugar and Rock rivers. 

White Elm — Ulmus Americana. — This large and graceful tree stands confessedly at the 
head of the list of ornamental deciduous trees. Its wide-spreading branches and long, pendu- 
lous branchlets form a beautiful and conspicuous head. It grows rapidly, is free from disease 
and the destructive attacks of insects, will thrive on most soils, and for planting along streets, in 
public grounds or lawns, is unsurpassed by any American tree. The wood is but little used in 
the arts; makes good firewood ; should be planted along all the roads and streets, near every 
dwelling, and on all public grounds. 



130 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Slippery Elm — V. Fulva. — This smaller and less ornamental species is also common. 1 he 
wood, however, is much more valuable than the white elm, being durable and splitting readily. 
It makes excellent rails, and is much used for the framework of buildings; valuable for fuel; 
should be cultivated. 

Wild Black Cherry — Cerasus Serotina. — This large and beautiful species of cherry is one 
of the most valuable of American trees. The wood is compact, fine-grained, and of a brilliant 
reddish color, not liable to warp, or shrink and swell with atmospheric changes ; extensively cm- 
ployed by cabinet-makers for every species of furnishing. It is exceedingly durable, hence is 
valuable for fencing, building, etc. Richly deserves a place in the lawn or timber plantation. 

Bird Cherry — C. Pennsylvaniea. — Is a small northern species, common in the state and 
worthy of cultivation for ornament. 

Choke Cherry ~C. Virginiana. — This diminutive tree is of little value, not worth the trouble 
of cultivation. 

Wild Plum — Primus Americana. — The common wild plum when in full bloom is one of the 
most ornamental of small flowering trees, and as such should not be neglected. The fruit is 
rather agreeable, but not to be compared to fine cultivated varieties, which may be engrafted on 
the wild stock to the very best advantage. It is best to select small trees, and work them on the 
roots. The grafts should be inserted about the middle of April. 

Hackberry — Celiis Occidentalis. — This is an ornamental tree of medium size ; wood hard, 
close-grained and elastic ; makes the best of hoops, whip-stalks, and thills for carriages. The 
Indians formerly made great use of the hackbeiry wood for their bows. A tree worthy ol a lim- 
ited share of attention. 

American Linden or Basswood — Tilia Americana. — Is one of the finest ornamental trees for 
public grounds, parks, etc., but will not thrive where the roots are exposed to bruises; for this 
reason it is not adapted to planting along the streets of populous towns. The wood is light and 
tough, susceptible of being bent to almost any curve ; durable if kept from the weather; takes 
paint well, and is considerably used in the arts; for fuel it is of little value. This tree will 
flourish in almost any moderately rich, damp soil ; bears transplanting well ; can be propagated 
readily from layers. 

White Thorn — Crataegus Coccinea, and Dotted Thorn — C. Punctata. — These two species 
of thorn are found everywhere on the rich bottom lands. When in bloom they are beautiful, and 
should be cultivated for ornament. The wood is remarkably compact and hard, and were it not 
for the small size of the tree, would be valuable. 

Crai: Apple — Pyrus Coronal ta. — This common small tree is attractive when covered with 
its highly fragrant rose-colored blossoms. Wood 1 . fine, compact grain, but the tree is too 
small for the wood to be of much practical value. W ell worthy of a place in extensive grounds. 

Mountain Ash — /'. Americana. — This popular ornament to our yards is found growing in 
the northern part of the state and as far south as 43 . The wood is useless. 

White Ash — Fraxi/.us Acuminata. — Is a large, interesting tree, which combines utility with 
beauty in an eminent degree. The wood possesses strength, suppleness and elasticity, which 
renders it valuable for a great variety of uses. It is extensively employed in carriage manufact- 
uring; for various agricultural implements ; is esteemed superior to any other wood for oars; 
excellent fur fuel. The white ash grows rapidly, and in open ground forms one of the most 
lovely trees that is to be found. The foliage is clean and handsome, and in autumn turns from 
its bright grcei, to a violet purple hue, which adds materially 10 the beauty of our autumnal syl- 
van scenery. It is richly deserving our especial care and protection, and will amply repay all 
labor and expense bestowed on its cultivation. 



TREES, SHRUBS AND VINES. 131 

Black Ash — F Sambucifolia. — This is another tall, graceful and well-known species of ash. 
The wood is used for making baskets, hoops, etc.; when thoroughly dry, affords a good article of 
fuel. Deserves to be cultivated in low, rich, swampy situations, where more useful trees will not 
thrive. 

Black Walnut — Juglans Nigra. — This giant of the rich alluvial bottom lands claims 
special attention for its valuable timber. It is among the most durable and beautiful of Ameri- 
can woods ; susceptible of a fine polish ; not liable to shrink and swell by heat and moisture. 
It is extensively employed by the cabinet-makers for every variety of furniture. Walnut forks, 
are frequently found which rival in richness and beauty the far-famed mahogany. This tree, 
in favorable situations, grows rapidly ; is highly ornamental, and produces annually an abundant 
crop of nuts. 

Butternut — J. Cinerea. — This species of walnut is not as valuable as the above, yet for its 
beauty, and the durability of its wood, it should claim a small portion of attention. The wood 
is rather soft for most purposes to which it otherwise might be applied. When grown near 
streams, or on moist side-hills, it produces regularly an ample crop of excellent nuts. It grows 
rapidly. 

Shell-Bark Hickory — Carya Alba. — This, the largest and finest of American hickories, 
grows abundantly throughout the state. Hickory wood possesses probably the greatest strength 
and tenacity of any of our indigenous trees, and is used for a variety of purposes, but, 
unfortunately, it is liable to be eaten by worms, and lacks durability. For fuel, the shell-bark 
hickory stands unrivaled. The tree is ornamental and produces every alternate year an ample 
crop of the best of nuts. 

Shag-Bark Hickory — C. Inclata. — Is a magnificent tree, the wood of which is nearly as 
valuable as the above. The nuts are large, thick-shelled and coarse, not to be compared to the 
C. alba. A rare tree in Wisconsin ; abundant further south. 

Pignut Hickory — C. Glabra.— T\\\% species possesses all the bad and but few of the good 
qualities of the shell-bark. The nuts are smaller and not so good. The tree should be pre- 
served and cultivated in common with the shell-bark. Not abundant. 

Bitternut — -C. Amara — Is an abundant tree, valuable for fuel, but lacking the strength and 
elasticity of the preceding species. It is, however, quite as ornamental as any of the hickories. 

Red Beech — Fagus Ferruginea. — This is a common tree, with brilliant, shining light-green 
leaves, and long, flexible branches. It is highly ornamental, and should be cultivated for this 
purpose, as well as for its useful wood, which is tough, close-grained and compact. It is much 
used for plane-stocks, tool handles, etc., and as an article of fuel is nearly equal to maple. 

Water Beech — Carpinus Americana. — Is a small tree, called hornbeam by many. The 
wood is exceedingly hard and compact, but the small size of the tree renders it almost 
useless. 

Iron Wood — Ostrya Virginica. — This small tree is found disseminated throughout most of 
our woodlands. It is, to a considerable degree, ornamental, but of remarkably slow growth. The 
wood possesses valuable properties, being heavy and strong, as the name would indicate ; yet, 
from its small size, it is of but little use. 

Balsam Poplar — Populus Candicans. — This tree is of medium size, and is known by sev- 
eral names: Wild balm of Gilead, cottonwood, etc. It grows in moist, sandy soil, on river bot- 
toms. It has broad, heart-shaped leaves, which turn a fine yellow after the autumn frosts. It 
grows more rapidly than any other of our trees ; can be transplanted with entire success when 
eight or nine inches in diameter, and makes a beatiful shade tree — the most ornamental of pop- 
lars. The wood is soft, spongy, and nearly useless. 



132 HISTORY iH" Wisconsin. 

Quaking Aspen — P. Tremuloides. — Is a well-known, small tree. It is rather ornamental, 
but scarcely worth cultivating. 

Large Aspen — P. Giandidentata. — Is the largest of our poplars. It frequently grows to 
the height of sixty or seventy feet, with a diameter of two and one-half feet. The wood is soft, 
easily split, and used for frame buildings. It is the most durable of our poplars. 

Cotton Wood — P. Monolifera. — This is the largest of all the poplars ; abundant on the 
Mississippi river. Used largely for fuel on the steamboa-ts. The timber is of but little use in 
the arts. 

Sycamore or Buttonwoud — Platanus Oeeide/italis.— This, the largest and most majestic 
of our trees, is found growing only on the rich alluvial river bottoms. The tree is readily 
known, even at a considerable distance, by its whitish smooth branches. The foliage is large 
and beautiful, and the tree one of the most ornamental known. The wood speedily decays, and 
when sawed into lumber warps badly; on these accounts it is but little used, although susceptible 
of a fine finish. As an article of fuel it is of inferior merit. 

( Axoi: Birch — Betula Papyracea. — Is a rather elegant and interesting tree. It grows abund- 
antly in nearly every part of the state. The wood is of a fine glossy grai , susceptible of a good 
finish, but lacks durability and strength, and, therefore, is but little used in the mechanical arts. 
For fuel it is justly prized. It bears transplanting without difficulty. The Indians manufacture 
their celebrated bark canoes from the bark of this tree. 

Cherry Birch — B. Lenta. — This is a rather large, handsome tree, growing along streams. 
Leaves and bark fragrant. Wood, fine-grained, rose-colored ; used largely by the cabinet- 
makers. 

Yellow Birch — B. Lutea. — This beautiful tree occasionally attains a large size. It is 
highly ornamental, and is of value for fuel; but is less prized than the preceding species for cab- 
inet work. 

Kentucky Coffee Tree — Gymnocladus Canadensis. — This singularly beautiful tree is only 
found sparingly, and on rich alluvial lands. I met with it growing near the Peccatonica, in 
Green county. The wood is fine-grained, and of a rosy hue ; is exceedingly durable, and well 
worth cultivating. 

June Berry — Ainelanchier Canadensis. — Is a small tree which adds materially to the beauty 
of our woods in early spring, at which time it is in full bloom. The wood is of no particular 
value, and the tree interesting only when covered with its white blossoms. 

W-mrE Pine — Pinus Stro'us. — This is the largest and most valuable of our indigenous pines. 
The wood is soft, free from resin, and works easily. It is extensively employed in the mechan- 
ical arts. It is found in great profusion in the northern parts of the state. This species is 
readily known by the leaves being in fives. It is highly ornamental, but in common with all 
pines, will hardly bear transplanting. Only small plants should be moved. 

Norway ok Red Pine — P. Resinosa, and Yellow Pine — P. Mitts. — These are two large 
trees, but little inferior in size to the white pine. The wood contains more resin, and is conse- 
quently more durable. The leaves of both these species are in twos. Vast quantities of lumber 
are yearly manufactured from these two varieties and the white pine. The extensive pineries 
of the state are rapidly diminishing. 

Shrub I'ine — P. Banksuina. — Is a small, low tree; only worthy of notice here for the orna- 
mental shade it produces. It is found in the northern sections of the slate. 

Balsam Fir — Abies Balsamea — This beautiful evergreen is multiplied to a great extent on 
the shores of Lake Superior, where it grows forty or fifty feet in height. The wood is of but 



TEEES, SHRUBS AND YIXES. 133 

little value The balsam of fir, or Canadian balsam, is obtained from this tree. 

Double Spruce—^/. Nigra. — This grows in the same localities with the balsam fir, and 
assumes the same pyramidal form, but is considerably larger. The wood is light and possesses 
considerable strength and elasticity, which renders it one of the best materials for yard's and top- 
masts for shipping. It is extensively cultivated for ornament. 

Hemlock — A. Canadensis. — The hemlock is the largest of the genus. It is gracefully orna- 
mental, but the wood is of little value. The baik is extensively employed in tanning. 

Tamarack — Larix Americana. — This beautiful tree grows abundantly in swampy situations, 
throughout the state. It is not quite an evergreen It drops its leaves in winter, but quickly- 
recovers them in early spring. The wood is remarkably durable and valuable for a variety of 
uses. The tree grows rapidly, and can be successfully cultivated in peaty situations, where other 
trees would not thrive. 

Arbor Vitje — Thuja Occidentals. — This tree is called the white or flat cedar. It grows 
abundantly in many parts of the state. The wood is durable, furnishing better fence posts than 
any other tree, excepting the red cedar. Shingles and staves of a superior quality are obtained 
from Jiese trees. A beautiful evergreen hedge is made from the young plants, which bear trans- 
planting better than most evergreens. It will grow on most soils if sufficiently damp. 

Red Cedar — Juniper us Virginiana. — Is a well known tree that furnishes those celebrated 
fence posts that " last forever." The wood is highly fragrant, of a rich r^cl color, and fine 
grained ; hence it is valuable for a variety of uses. It should be extensively cultivated. 

Dwarf Juniper- — J. Sabina. — This is a low trailing shrub. Is conside-ably prized foi. 
ornament. Especially worthy of cultivation in large grounds. 

Sassafras — Sassajras officinale. — Is a small tree of fine appearance, with fragrant leaves- 
bark. Grows in Kenosha county. Should be cultivated. 

Willows. — -There are many species of willows growing in every part of the state, several of 
which are worthy of cultivation near streams and ponds. 

White Willow — Salix alba. — Is a fine tree, often reaching sixty feet in height. The wood 
is soft, and makes the best charcoal for the manufacture of gun-powder. Grows rapidly. 

Black Willow — .S. Nigra. — This is also a fine tree, but not quite so large as the foregoing,. 
It is used for similar purposes. 

There are many shrubs and vines indigenous to the state worthy of note. I shall, however., 
call attention to only a few of the best. 

Dogwoods. — There are several species found in our forests and thickets. All are ornamen- 
tal when covered with a profusion of white blossoms. I would especially recommend : corns- 
sericea, C. stolonifera, C. paniculata, and C. alternifolia. All these will repay the labor of trans- 
planting to ornamental grounds. 

Viburnums. — These are very beautiful. We have viburnum lenlago, V.prunifolium, V.nndum y 
V. deniatum, V. pubescens, V. acerifolium, V. paucijiorum, and V. opulus. The last is known as 
the cranberry tree, and is a most beautiful shrub when in bloom, and also when covered with its 
red, acid fruit. The common snow-ball tree is a cultivated variety of the V. opulus. 

Witch Hazel — Hamamelis Virginica. — Is an interesting, tall shrub that flowers late in 
autumn, when the leaves are falling, and matures the fruit the next summer. It deserves more- 
attention than it receives. 

Burning Bush — Euonymus atropurpureus. — -This fine shrub is called the American straw- 
berry, and is exceedingly beautiful when covered with its load of crimson fruit, which remains, 
during winter. 



134 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN". 

Sumach — Rhus typhina. — Is a tall shrub, 11 known, but seldom cultivated. When well 
grown it is ornamental and well adapted for planting in clumps. 

Hop Tree — Ptclea trifoliata. — This is a showy shrub with shining leaves, which should be 
cultivated. Common in rich, alluvial ground. 

Bladder Nut — Staphylca trifolia. — Is a fine, upright, showy shrub, found sparingly all over 
the state. Is ornamental, with greenish striped branches and showy leaves. 

Vines. 

Virginia Creeper — Ampdopsis quinquefolia. — This is a noble vine, climbing extensively by 
disc-bearing tendrils, so well known as to require no eulogy. Especially beautiful in its fall 
colors. 

Bitter Sweet — Celastrus scandens. — Is a stout twining vine, which would be an ornament to 
any grounds. In the fall and early winter it is noticeable for its bright fruit. Common. 

Yellow Honeysuckle — Lonicera flava. — Is a fine native vine, which is found climbing over 
tall shrubs and trees. Ornamental. There are several other species of honeysuckle; none, how- 
ever, worthy of special mention. 

Frost Grape — Vita cordifolia. — This tall-growing vine has deliciously sweet blossoms, 
which perfume the air for a great distance around, jor use as a screen, this hardy species will 
be found highly satisfactory. 



FAUNA OF WISCONSIN. 

By P. R. HOY, M.D. 
FISH AND FISH CULTURE. 

Fish are cold blooded aquatic vertebrates, having fins as organs of progression. They have 
a two-chambered heart ; their bodies are mostly covered with scales, yet a few are entirely naked, 
like catfish and eels; others again are covered with curious plates, such as the sturgeon. Fish 
inhabit both salt and fresh water. It is admitted by all authority that fresh-water fish are more 
Lniversally edible than those inhabiting the ocean. Marine fish are said to be more highly 
fla"ored than those inhabiting fresh waters; an assertion I am by no means prepared to admit. 
A.S a rule, fish are better the colder and purer the water in which they are found, and where can 
you find those ccnditions more favorable than in the cold depths of our great lakes ? We have 
tasted, under the most favorable conditions, about every one of the celebrated salt-water fish, and 
can say that whoever eats a whitefish just taken from the pure, cold water of Lake Michigan will 
have no reason to be envious of the dwellers by the sea. 

Fish are inconceivably prolific; a single female deposits at one spawn from one thousand to 
one million eggs, varying according to species. 

Fish afford a valuable article of food for man, being highly nutritious and easy of digestion ; 
they abound in phosphates, hence are valuable as affording nutrition to the osseous and nervous sys- 
tem, hence they have been termed, not inappropriately, brain food — certainly a very desirable article 
of diet for some people. They are more savory, nutritious and easy of digestion when just taken 
from the water ; in fact, the sooner they are cooked after being caught the better. No fish should 
be more than a few hours from its watery element before being placed upon the table. For con- 
venience, I will group our fish into families as a basis for what I shall offer. Our bony fish. 



FAUNA OF WISCONSIN. 185 

having spine rays and covered with comb-like scales, belong to the perch family — a valuable 
family ; all take the hook, are gamey, and spawn in the summer. 

The yellow perch and at least four species of black or striped bass have a wide range, being 
found in all the rivers and lakes in the state. There is a large species of fish known as Wall- 
eyed pike (Leucoperca americana) belonging to this family, which is found sparingly in most of our 
rivers and lakes. The pike is an active and most rapacious animal, devouring fish of consider- 
able size. The flesh is firm and of good flavor. It would probably be economical to propagate 
it to a moderate extent. 

The six-spined bass (Pomoxys hexacanthus, Agas.) is one of the most desirable of the spine- 
rayed fish found in the State. The flesh is fine flavored, and as the fish is hardy and takes the 
hook with avidity, it should be protected during the spawning season and artificially propagated. 
I have examined the stomachs of a large number of these fish and in every instance found small 
crawfish, furnishing an additional evidence in its favor. Prof. J. P. Kirtland, the veteran ichthy- 
ologist of Ohio, says that this so-callea " grass bass" is the fish for the million. 

The white bass (Roccus chrysops) is a species rather rare even in the larger bodies of water, 
but ought to be introduced into every small lake in the State, where I am certain they would 
flourish. It is an excellent fish, possessing many of the good qualities and as few of the bad as 
any that belong to the family. There is another branch of this family, the sunfish, Pomotis, 
which numbers at least six species found in Wisconsin. They are beautiful fish, and afford 
abundant sport for the boys; none of them, however, are worth domesticating (unless it be in the 
aquarium) as there are so many better. 

The carp family (Cyprinida) are soft finned fish without maxillary teeth. They include by 
far the greater number of fresh-water fish. Some specimens are not more than one inch, while 
others are nearly two feet in length. Our chubs, silversides and suckers are the principal mem- 
bers of this family. Dace are good pan-fish, yet their small size is objectionable; they are the 
children's game fish. The Cyprinida all spawn in the spring, and might be profitably propa- 
gated as food for the larger and more valuable fish. 

There are six or seven species of suckers found in our lakes and rivers. The red horse, 
found every where, and at least one species of the buffalo, inhabiting the Mississippi and its trib- 
utaries, are the best of the genus Catastomus. Suckers are bony, and apt to taste suspiciously of 
mud ; they are only to be tolerated in the absence of better. The carp (Cyprenius carpo) has been 
successfully introduced into the Hudsonriver. 

The trout family (Stdmonidas) are soft-finned fish wi n an extra dorsal adipose fin without 
rays. They inhabit northern countries, spawning in the latter part of fall and winter. Their 
flesh is universally esteemed. The trout family embrace by far the most valuable of our fish, 
including, as it does, trout and whitefish. The famous speckled trout (Sal mo fontiualis) is a 
small and beautiful species which is found in nearly every stream in the northern half of the 
State. Wherever there is a spring run or lake, the temperature of which does not rise higher than 
sixty-five or seventy in the summer, there trout can be propagated in abundance. The great 
salmon trout (Sal. amethystus) of the great lakes is a magnificent fish weighing from ten to sixty 
pounds. The Siscowit salmo siscoiuit of Lake Superior is about the same size, but not quite so 
good a fish, being too fat and oily. They will, no doubt, flourish in the larger of the inland 
lakes. 

The genus Coregonus includes the true whitefish, or lake shad. In this genus, as now 
restricted, the. nose is square and the under jaw short, and when first caught they have the 
fragrance of fresh cucumbers. There are at least three species found in Lake Michigan. In iny 



136 HISTORY OP WISCONSIN". 

opinion these fish are more delicately flavored than the celebrated Potomac shad ; but I doubt 
whether they will thrive in the small lakes, owing to the absence of the small crustace • • which 
they subsist. The closely allied genus Argyrosomus includes seven known species inhabi mg the 
larger lakes, and one, the Argyrosomus sis^o, which is found in several of the lesser lakes. The 
larger species are but little inferior to the true whitefish, with which they are commonly 
confounded. The nose is pointed, the under jaw long, and they take the hook at certain seasons 
with activity. They eat small fish as well as insects and crustaceans. 

Of the pickerel family, we have three or four closely allied species of the genus Esox, armed 
with prodigious jaws filled with cruel teeth. They lie motionles eady to dart, swift as an 
arrow, upon their prey. They are the sharks of the fresh water. The pickerel are so rapacious 
that they spare not their own species. Sometimes they attempt to swallow a fish nearly as large 
as themselves, and perish in consequence. Their flesh is moderately good, and as they are game 
to the backbone, it might be desirable to propagate them to a moderate extent under peculiar 
circumstances. 

The catfish {Siluridce) have soft fins, protected by sharp spines, and curious fleshy barbels 
floating from their lips, without scales, covered only with a slimy coat of mucus. The 
genus Pimlodns are scavengers among fish, as vultures among birds. They are filthy in habit 
and food. There is one interesting trait of the catfish — the vigilant and watchful motherly 
care of the young by the male. He defends them with great spirit, and herds them together 
when they straggle. Even the mother is driven far off; for he knows full well that she would 
•nol scruple to make a full meal off her little black tadpoie-like progeny. There are four species 
known to inhabit this State — one peculiar to the great lakes, and two found in the numerous 
affluents of the Mississippi. One of these, the great yellow catfish, sometimes weighs over one 
hundred pounds. When in good condition, stuffed and well baked, they are a fair table fish. 
The small bull-head is universally distributed. 

The sturgeons are large sluggish fish, covered with plates instead of scales. There 
are at least three species of the genus Acipenser found in the waters of Wisconsin. Being so 
large and without bones, they afford a sufficiently cheap article of food; unfortunately, however, 
the quality is decidedly bid Sturgeons deposit an enormous quantity of eggs; the roe not 
■unfrequently weighs one fourth as much as the entire body, and numbers, it is said, many 
millions. The principal commercial value of sturgeons is found in the roe and swimming 
bladder. The much prized caviare is manufactured from the former, and from the latter the best 
of isinglass is obtained. 

The gar-pikes (Lt-pidosteus) are represented by at least three species of this singular fish. 
They have long serpentine bodies, with jaws prolonged into a regular bill, which is well provided 
-with teeth. The scales are composed of bone covered on the outside with enamel, like teeth. 
The alligator gar, confined to the depths of the Mississippi, is a large fish, and the more common 
species, Lepidosteus bison, attains to a considerable size. The Lepidostcous, now only found in 
North America, once had representatives all over the globe. Fossils of the same family of which 
the gar-pike is the type, have been found all over Europe, in the oldest fossiliferous beds, in the 
strata of the age of coal, in the new red sandstone, in oolitic deposits, and in the chalk and 
tertiary formations — being one of the many living evidences that North America was the first 
country above the water. For all practical purposes, we should not regret to have the gar-pikes 
follow in the footsteps of their aged and illustrious predecessors. They could well be spared. 

There is a fish {Lota maculose) which belongs to the cod-fish family, < ailed by the fishermen 
the "lawyers." for what reason I am not able to say — at any rate, the fish is worthless. There 
are a great number of small fish, interesting only to the naturalist, which I shall omit to men- 
tion here. 



FAUNA OF WISCONSIN. 137 

Fish of the northern countries are the most valuable, for the reason that the water is colder 
and purer. Wisconsin, situated between forty-two thirty, and forty-seven degrees of latitude, 
bounded on the east and north by the largest lakes in the world, on the west by the " Great river," 
traversed by numerous fine and rapid streams, and sprinkled all over with beautiful and pictu 
resque lakes, has physical conditions certainly the most favorable, perhaps of any State, for an 
abundant and never-failing supply of the best fish. Few persons have any idea of the importance 
of the fisheries of Lake Michigan. It is difficult to collect adequate data to form a correct 
knowledge of the capital invested and the amount of fish taken; enough, however, has been 
ascertained to enable me to state that at Milwaukee alone $100,000 are invested, and not less 
than two hundred and eighty tons of dressed fish taken annually. At Racine, during the entire 
season of nine months, there are, on an average, one thousand pounds of whitefish and trout, 
each, caught and sold daily, amounting to not less than $16,000. It is well known that, since the 
adoption of the gill-net system, the fishermen are enabled to pursue their calling ten months of 
the year. 

When the fish retire to the deep water, they are followed with miles of nets, and the poor 
fish are entangled on every side. There is a marked falling off in the number and size of white- 
fish and trout taken, when compared with early years. When fish were only captured with seines, 
they had abundant chance to escape and multiply so as to keep an even balance in number. 
Only by artificial propagation and well enforced laws protecting them during the spawning 
season, can we hope now to restore the balance. In order to give some idea of the valuable 
labors of the state fish commissioners, I will state briefly that they have purchased for the 
state a piece of property, situated three miles from Madison, known as the Nine Springs, 
including forty acres of land, on which they have erected a dwelling-house, barn and hatchery, 
also constructed several ponds, in which can be seen many valuable fish in the enjoyment of 
perfect health and vigor. As equipped, it is, undoubtedly, one of the best, if not the best, hatchery 
in the states. In this permanent establishment the commission design to hatch and distribute 
to the small lakes and rivers of the interior the most valuable of our indigenous fish, such as 
bass, pike, trout, etc., etc., as well as many valuable foreign varieties. During the past season, 
many fish have been distributed from this state hatchery. At the Milwaukee Water Works, the 
commission have equipped a hatchery on a large scale, using the water as pumped directly from 
the lake. During the past season there was a prodigious multitude of young trout and whitefish 
distributed from this point. The success of Superintendent Welcher in hatching whitefish at 
Milwaukee has been the best yet gained, nearly ninety per cent, of the eggs "laid down" 
being hatched. Pisciculturists will appreciate this wonderful success, as they well know how 
difficult it is to manage the spawn of the whitefish. 

I append the following statistics of the number of fish hatched and distributed from the 
Milwaukee hatchery previous to 1878 : 

Total number of fish hatched, 8,000,000 — whitefish, 6,300,000; salmon trout, 1,700,000. 

They were distributed as follows, in the month of May, 1877 : Whitefish planted in Lake 
Michigan, at Racine, 1,000,000; at Milwaukee, 3,260,000; between Manitowoc and Two Rivers 
1,000,000 ; in Green bay, 1,000,000 ; in Elkhart lake, 40,000. 

Salmon trout were turned out as follows : Lake Michigan, near Milwaukee, 600,000 ; 
Brown's lake, Racine county, 40,000 ; Delavan lake, Walworth county, 40,000 ; Troy lake, Wal- 
worth county, 40,000 ; Pleasant lake, Walworth county, 40,000 ; Lansdale lake, Walworth 
county, 40,000; Ella lake, Milwaukee county, 16,000; Cedar lake, Washington county, 40,000; 
Elkhart lake, Sheboygan county, 40,000; Clear lake, Rock county, 40,000; Ripley lake, 



138 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Jefferson county, 40,000; Mendota lake, Dane county, 100,000 ; Fox lake, Dodge county, 
40,000 ; Swan and Silver lakes, Columbia county, 40,000 ; Little Green lake, Green Lake 
county, 40,000; Big Green lake, Green Lake county, 100,000; Bass lake, St. Croix county, 
40,000; Twin lakes, St. Croix county, 40,000; Long lake, Chippewa county, 40,000; Oconomo- 
woc lake, Waukesha county, 100,000; Pine lake, Waukesha county, 40,000; Pewaukee lake, 
Waukesha county, 100,000; North lake, Waukesha county, 40,000 ; Nagawicka lake, Waukesha 
county, 40,000; Okanche lake, Waukesha county, 40,000. 

LARGE ANIMALS.— TIME OF THEIR DISAPPEARANCE. 

Fifty years ago, the territory now included in the state of Wisconsin, was nearly in a state 
of nature, all the large wild animals were then abundant. Now, all has changed. The ax and 
plow, gun and dog, railway and telegraph, have metamorphosed the face of nature. Most of 
the large quadrupeds have been either exterminated, or have hid themselves away in the wilder- 
ness. In a short time, all of these will have disappeared from the state. The date and order 
in which animals become extinct within the boundaries of the state, is a subject of great interest. 
There was a time when the antelope, the woodland caribou, the buffalo, and the wild turkey, 
were abundant, but are now no longer to be found. 

The Antelope, Anlilocarpa Americana, now confined to the Western plains, did, two hun- 
dred years ago, inhabit Wisconsin as far east as Michigan. In October, 1679, Father Hennepin, 
with La Salle and party, in four canoes, coasted along the Western shore of Lake Michigan. In 
Hennepin's narrative, he says; " The oldest of them " (the Indians) " came to us the next morn- 
ing with their calumet of peace, and brought some wild goals." This was somewhere north of 
Milwaukee. "Being in sore distress, we saw upon the coast a great many ravens and eagles " 
(turkey vultures), " from whence we conjectured there was some prey, and having landed upon 
that place, we found above the half of a fat wild goat, which the wolves had strangled. This 
provision was very acceptable to us, and the rudest of our men could not but praise the Divine 
Providence which took so particular care of us." This must have been somewhere near Racine. 
"On the 16th" (October, 1679), " we met with abundance of game. A savage we had with us, 
killed several stags (deer) and wild goats, and our men a great many turkeys, very fat and big." 
This must have been south of Racine. These goals were undoubtedly antelopes. Schoolcraft 
mentions antelopes as occupying the Northwest territory. 

When the last buffalo crossed the Mississippi is not precisely known. It is certain they 
lingered in Wisconsin in 1825. It is said there was a buffalo shot on the St. Croix river as late 
as 1832, so Wisconsin claims the last buffalo. The woodland caribou — Rangifer caribou — were 
never numerous within the limits of the state. A few were seen not far from La Pointe in 1045. 
The last wild turkey in the eastern portion of the state, was in 1846. On the Mississippi, one 
was killed in 1856. I am told by Dr. Walcott, that turkeys were abundant in Wisconsin previous 
to the hard winter of 1842-3, when snow was yet two feet deep in March, with a stout crust, so 
that the turkeys could not get to the ground. They became so poor and weak, that they could 
not fly, and thus became an easy prey to the wolves, foxes, wild cats, minks, etc., which exter- 
minated almost the entire race. The Doctor savs lie saw but oik- single individual the next 
winter. Elk were on Hay river in 1863, and I have little doubt a few yet remain. Moose are 
not numerous, a few yet remain in the northwestern part of the state. I saw moose tracks on 
the Montreal river, near Lake Superior, in the summer of 1845. A few panthers may still 
inhabit the wilderness of Wisconsin. Benjamin Bones, of Racine, shot one on the headwaters of 



FAUNA OF WISCONSIN. 139 

Black river, December, 1863. Badgers are now nearly gone, and in a few years more, the only 
badgers found within the state, will be two legged ones. Beavers are yet numerous in the 
small lakes in the northern regions. Wolverines are occasionally met with in the northern 
forests. Bears, wolves, and deer, will continue to flourish in the northern and central counties, 
where underbrush, timber, and small lakes abound. 

All large animals will soon be driven by civilization out of Wisconsin. The railroad and 
improved firearms will do the work, and thus we lose the primitive denizens of the forest and 
prairies. 

PECULIARITIES OF THE BIRD FAUNA. 

The facts recorded in this paper, were obtained by personal observations within fifteen 
miles of Racine, Wisconsin, latitude 42 46' north, longitude 87 48' west. This city is situated 
on the western shore of Lake Michigan, at the extreme southern point of the heavy lumbered 
district, the base of which rests on Lake Superior. Racine extends six miles further into the 
lake than Milwaukee, and two miles further than Kenosha. At this point the great prairie 
approaches near the lake from the west. The extreme rise of the mercury in summer, is from 
90 to ioo° Fahrenheit. The isothermal line comes further north in summer, and, retires further 
south in winter than it does east of the great lakes, which physical condition will sufficiently 
explain the remarkable peculiarities of its animal life, the overlapping, as it were, of two distinct 
faunas. More especially is this true of birds, that are enabled to change their locality with the 
greatest facility. Within the past thirty years, I have collected and observed over three hundred 
species of birds, nearly half of all birds found in North America. Many species, considered 
rare in other sections, are found here in the greatest abundance. A striking peculiarity of the 
ornithological fauna of this section, is that southern birds go farther north in summer, while 
northern species go farther south in winter than they do east of the lakes. Of summer birds 
that visit us, I will ennumerate a few of the many that belong to a more southern latitude in the 
Atlantic States. Nearly all nest with us, or, at least, did some years ago. 

Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virdis ; mocking bird, Mimus pollyglottus ; great Carolina wren, 
Thriothorus ludoviciatms ; prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea; summer red bird, Pxrangia 
ces-tiva; wood ibis, Tantalus loeulator. 

Among Arctic birds that visit us in winter are : 

Snowy owl, Nyctea nivca ; great gray owl, Syrnium cinerus; hawk owl, Surnia ulula; Arctic 
three-toed woodpecker, Picoides arciicusj banded three-toed woodpecker, Picoides hirsulits ; mag- 
pie, Pica hudsonica; Canada jay, Perisorius canadensis ; evening grosbeak, Hesperiphona vesper- 
Una; Hudson titmouse, Parus hudsonicus ; king eder, Somateria spectabilis; black-throated diver, 
Colymbus at elicits; glaucus gull, Laurus glaucus. 

These examples are sufficient to indicate the rich avi fauna of Wisconsin. It is doubtful if 
there is another locality where the Canada jay and its associates visit in winter where the mock- 
ing bird nests in summer, or where the hawk owl flies silently over the spot occupied during 
the warmer days by the summer red bird and the yellow-breasted chat. But the ax has already 
leveled much of the great woods, so that there is now a great falling off in numbers of our old 
familiar feathered friends. It is now extremely doubtful if such a collection can ever again be 
madr within the boundaries of this state, or indeed, of any other. 



EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 

By Prof. EDWARD SEARING, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

From the time of the earliest advent of the families of French traders into the region now 
known as Wisconsin, to the year 1S1S, when that region became part of Michigan territory, 
education was mostly confined to private instruction, or was sought by the children of the 
wealthier in the distant cities of Quebec, Montreal, and Detroit. The early Jesuit missionaries, 
and — subsequently to i3i6, when it came under the military control of the United States — 
representatives of various other religious denominations, sought to teach the Indian tribes of 
this section. In 1823, Rev. Eleazar Williams, well known for his subsequent claim to be the 
Dauphin of France, and who was in the employ of the Episcopal Missionary Society, started a 
school of white and half-breed children on the west side of Fox river, opposite " Shanty-Town." 
A Catholic mission school for Indians was organized by an Italian priest near Green Bay, in 
1S30. A clause of the treaty with the Winnebago Indians, in 1832, bound th United States to 
maintain a school for their children near Prairie du Chien for a period of twenty-seven years. 

The Original School Cope. 

From 1S18 to 1S36, Wisconsin formed part of Michigan territory. In the year 1837, Michi- 
gan was admitted into the Union as a state, and Wisconsin, embracing what is now Minnesota, 
Iowa, and a considerable region still further westward, was, by act of congress approved April 
20th of the year previous, established as a separate territory. The act provided that the existing 
laws of the territory of Michigan should be extended over the new territory so far as compatible 
with the provisions of the act, subject to alteration or repeal by the new government created. 
Thus with the other statutes, the school code of Michigan became the original code of Wiscon- 
sin, and it was soon formally adopted, with almost no change, by the first territorial legislature, 
which met at Belmont. Although modified in some of its provisions almost every year, this 
imperfect code continued in force until the adoption of the state constitution in 1848. The 
first material changes in the code were made by the territorial legislature at its second session, 
in 1837, by the passage of a bill " to regulate the sale of school lands, and to provide for organ- 
izing, regulating, and perfecting common schools." It was provided in this act that as soon as 
twenty electc/rs should reside in a surveyed township, the) should elect a board of three com- 
missioners, holding office three years, to lay off districts, to apply the proceeds 0!' the leases of 
school lands to the payment of teachers' wages, and to call school meetings. It was also pro- 
vided that each district should elect a board of three directors, holding office one year, to locate 
school-houses, hire teachers for at least three months in the year, and levy taxes for the support 
oi schools. It was further provided that a third board of live inspectors should be elected 
annually in each town to examine and license teachers and inspect the schools. Two years 
subsequently (1839) the law was revised ami the family, instead of the electors, was made the 
basis of the town organization. Every town with not less than ten families was made a school 
district and required to provide a competent teacher. More populous towns were divided into 
two or more distrii t-.. I he office of town < ommissioner was abolished, its duties with certain 
others being transferred to the inspectors. The rate-bill system of taxation, previously in 
existence, was repealed, and 1 tax on the whole county for building school-houses and surjport- 



EDUCATIONAL HISTOEY. 141 

ing schools was provided for. One or two years later the office of town commissioners was 
restored, and the duties of the inspectors were assigned to the same. Other somewhat important 
amendments were made at the same time. 

In 1840, a memorial to congress from the legislature represented that the people were 
anxious to establish a common-school system, with suitable resources for its support. From 
lack of sufficient funds many of the schools were poorly organized. The rate-bill tax or private 
subscription was often necessary to supplement the scanty results of county taxation. Until a 
state government should be organized, the fund accruing from the sale of school lands could not 
be available. Congress had made to Wisconsin, as to other new states, for educational purposes, 
a donation of lands. These lands embraced the sixteenth section in every township in the state, 
the 500,000 acres to which the state was entitled by the provisions of an act of congress passed 
i-i 1841, and any grant of lands from the United States, the purposes of which were not speci- 
fied. To obtain the benefits of this large fund was a leading object in forming the state con- 
stitution. 

Agitation for Free Schools. 

Shortly before the admission of the state the subject of free schools began to be quite 
widely discussed. In February, 1845, Col. M. Frank, of Kenosha, a member of the territorial 
legislature, introduced a bill, which became a law, authorizing the legal voters of his own town 
to vote taxes on all the assessed property Jor the full support of its schools. A provision of the 
act required its submission to the people of the town before it could take effect. It met with 
strenuous opposition, but after many public meetings and lectures held in the interests of public 
enlightenment, the act was ratified by a small majority in the fall of 1845, and thus the first free school 
in the state was legally organized. Subsequently, in the legislature, in the two constitutional con- 
ventions, and in educational assemblies, the question of a free-school system for the new state 
soon to be organized provoked much interest and discussion. In the constitution framed by the 
■convention of 1846, was provided the basis of a free-school system similar to that in our present 
constitution. The question of establishing the office of state superintendent, more than any 
other feature of the proposed school system, elicited discussion in that body. The necessity of 
this office, and the advantages of free schools supported by taxation, were ably presented to the 
convention by Hon. Henry Barnard, of Connecticut, in an evening address. He afterward pre- 
pared, by request, a draft of a free-school system, with a state superintendent at its head, which 
was accepted and subsequently embodied in the constitution and the school law. In the second 
constitutional convention, in 1848. the same questions again received careful attention, and the 
article on education previously prepared, was, after a few changes, brought into the shape in 
which we now find it. Immediately after the ratification by the people, of the constitution pre- 
pared by the second convention, three commissioners were appointed to revise the statutes. To 
one of these, Col. Frank, the needed revision of the school laws was assigned. The work was 
acceptably performed, and the new school code of 1849, largely the same as the present one, 
went into operation May first of that year. 

The School System under the State Government. 

In the state constitution was laid the broad foundation of our present school system. The 
four corner stones were: (1) The guaranteed freedom of the schools; (2) the school fund 
created; (3) the system of supervision; (4) a state university for higher instruction. The 
school fund has five distinct sources for its creation indicated in the constitution: (1) Proceeds 
from the sale of lands granted to the state by the United States for educational purposes; (2) 



142 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN'. 



all moneys accruing from forfeiture or escheat; (3) all fines collected in the several counties for 
breach of the penal laws ; (4) all moneys paid for exemption from military duty; (5) five per cent, 
of the sale of government lands within the state. In addition to these constitutional sources of 
the school fund, another and sixth source was open from 1856 to 1S70. By an act of the state 
legislature in the former year, three-fourths of the net proceeds of the sales of the swamp and 
overflowed lands, granted to the state by congress, Sept. 28, 1850, were added to the common- 
school fund, the other fourth going into a fund for drainage, under certain circumstances ; but if 
not paid over to any town for that purpose within two years, to become a part of the school 
fund- The following year one of these fourths was converted into the normal-school fund, 
leaving one-half for the common-school fund. In 1858, another fourth was given to the drainage 
fund, thus providing for the latter one-half the income from the sales, and leaving for the school 
fund, until the year 1865, only the remaining one-fourth. In the latter year this was transferred 
to the normal-school fund, with the provision, however, that one-fourth of the income of this 
fund should be transferred to the common-school fund until the annual income of the latter 
fund should reach $200,000. In 1870 this provision was repealed, and the whole income of the 
normal fund left applicable to the support of normal schools and teachers' institutes. 

At the first session of the state legislature in 1848, several acts were passed which carried 
out in some degree the educational provisions of the constitution. A law was enacted to pro- 
vide for the election, and to define the duties, of a state superintendent of public instruction. A 
district board was created, consisting of a moderator, director, and treasurer; the office of town 
superintendent was established, and provision was made for the creation of town libraries, and 
for the distribution of the school fund. The present school code of Wisconsin is substantially 
that passed by the legislature of 1848, and which went into operation May 1, 1849. The most 
important change since made was the abolition of the office of town superintendent, and the 
substitution therefor of the county superintendency. This change took effect January 1, 1862. 

The School-Fund Income. 

The first annual report of the state superintendent, for the year 1849, gives the income of 
the school fund for that year as $5SS, or eight and three-tenth mills per child. Milwaukee 
county received the largest amount, $69.63, and St. Croix county the smallest, twenty-four cenis. 
The average in the state was furty-seven cents per district. The following table will show at a 
glance the quinquennial increase in the income of the fund, the corresponding increase in the 
number of school children, and the apportionment per child, from 1849 to 1875, inclusive; also, 
the last published apportionment, that for 1S78. It will be seen that since 1855 the increase of 
the fund has not kept pace with the increase of school population : 



Year. 


NO. 1 IIII.IIREN 
OK SCHOOL-AGE. 


INCOME OF 
51 HOOL FUND 


RATE PER 
CHILD. 


Year. 


NO. CHILDREN 
OK SCHOOL-AGE. 


IN( OME OF 
SCHOOl FUND 


ra 1 1 
CHILD. 


1849.. 
1850.. 

1855-- 
1860 . 


70,457 

92,105 

186,085 

288,984 


$588 OO 
47,716 00 
125,906 02 
1- I 149 76 


$0.0083 
.518 
•67 
.64 


1S65-- 
1870.. 

1875-- 
1878.. 


335.582 
4I2,48l 
450.304 
478,692 


151,816 34 
159,271 3S 
1S4624 !>( 
i8s,546 01 


.46 
■40 
•41 
■39 



The amount of productive school fund reported September 30, 1878, was $2,680,703.27. 
The portion of the fund not invested at that date, was $58,823.70. 



EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 143 

The State University. 

In his message to the first territorial legislature, in 1836, Governor Dodge recommended 
asking from congress aid for the establishment of a state educational institution, to be governed 
by the legislature. This was the first official action looking to the establishment of a state 
university. The same legislature passed an act to establish and locate the Wisconsin univer- 
sity at Belmont, in the county of Iowa. At its second session, the following year, the legislature 
passed an act, which was approved January 19, 1838, establishing "at or near Madison, the seat 
of government, a university for the purpose of educating youth, the name whereof shall be ' The 
University of the Territory of Wisconsin. " A resolution was passed at the same session, direct- 
ing the territorial delegate in congress to ask of that body an appropriation of $20,000 for the 
erection of the buildings ot said university, and also to appropriate two townships of vacant land 
for its endowment. Congress accordingly appropriated, in 1838, seventy-two sections, or two 
townships, for the support of a "seminary of learning in the territory of Wisconsin," and this 
was afterward confirmed to the state for the use of the university. No effectual provision, how- 
ever, was made for the establishment of the university until ten years later, when the state was 
organized. Congress, as has been said, had made a donation of lands to the territory for the 
support of such an institution, but these lands could not be made available for that purpose until 
the territory should become a state. The state constitution, adopted in 1S48, declared that pro- 
vision should be made for the establishment of a state university, and that the proceeds of all 
lands donated by the United States to the state for the support of a university should remain a 
perpetual fund, the interest of which should be appropriated to its support 

The state legislature, at its first session, passed an act, approved July 26, 1848, establishing 
the University of Wisconsin, defining its location, its government, and its various departments, 
and authorizing the regents to purchase a suitable site for the buildings, and to proceed to the 
erection of the same, after having obtained from the legislature the approval of plans. This act 
repealed the previous act of 1838. The regents were soon after appointed, and their first annual 
report was presented to the legislature, January 30, 1849. This report announced the selection 
of a site, subject to the approval of the legislature, announced the organization of a preparatory 
department, and the election of a chancellor or president. The university was thus organized, 
with John H. Lathrop, president of the University of Missouri, as its first chancellor, and John 
W. Sterling as principal of the preparatory department, which was opened February 5, 1849. 
Chancellor Lathrop was not formally inaugurated until January 16, 1850. 

Owing to the short-sighted policy of the state in locating without due care, and in apprais- 
ing and selling so low the lands of the original grant, the fund produced was entirely inadequate 
to the support of the institution. Congress, therefore, made, in 1854, an additional grant of 
seventy-two sections of land for its use. These, however, were located and sold in the same 
inconsiderate and unfortunate manner, for so low a price as to be a means of inducing immigra- 
tion, indeed, but not of producing a fund adequate for the support of a successful state univer- 
sity. Of the Q2, 160 acres comprised in the two grants, there had been sold prior to September 
30, 1866, 74,178 acres for the sum of $264,570.13, or at an average price of but little more than 
$3.50 per acre.* Besides this, the state had allowed the university to anticipate its income to the 
extent of over $100,000 for the erection of buildings. By a law of 1862 the sum of $104,339.43 
was taken from its fund (already too small) to pay for these buildings. The resulting embar- 
rassment made necessary the re-organization of 1866, which added to the slender resources of 
the institution the agricultural college fund, arising from the sale of lands donated to the state by 
the congressional act of 1862. 

•Compare the price obtained for the lands of the University of Michigan. The first sale of those lands averaged 
$22.85 per acre, and brought in a single year (1837) $150,447.90. Sales were made in succeeding years at $15, $17. 
and $iq per acre. 



144 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

The first university building erected was the north dormitory, which was completed in 1851. 
This is no feet in length by 40 in breadth, and four stories in height. The south dormitory, of 
the same size, was completed in 1855. The main central edifice, known as University Hall, was 
finished in 1859. The Ladies' College was completed in 1872. This latter was built with an 
appropriation of $50,000, made by the legislature in 1870 — the first actual donation the univer- 
sity had ever received from the state. The legislature of 1875 appropriated $80,000 for the 
erection of Science Hall, a building to be devoted to instruction in the physical sciences. This 
was completed and ready for occupancy at the opening of the fall term of 1877. 

The growth of this institution during the past fourteen years, and especially since its re- 
organization in 1866, has been rapid and substantial. Its productive fund on the 30th day of 
September, 1877, aside from the agricultural college fund, was $223,240 32. The combined uni- 
rersity and agricultural funds amounted, at the same date, to $464,032 22. An act of the legis- 
lature in 1867 appropriated to the university income for that year, and annually for the next ten 
years, the sum of $7,303.76, being the interest upon the sum taken from the university fund by 
the law of 1862 for the erection of buildings, as before mentioned. Chapter 100 of the general 
laws of 1S72 also provided for an annual state tax of $10,000 to increase the income of the uni- 
versity. Chapter 119 of the laws of 1876 provides for an annual state tax of one-tenth of one 
mill on the taxable property of the state for the increase of the university fund income, this tax 
to be "in lieu of all other appropriations before provided for the benefit of said fund income,"' 
and to be "deemed a full compensation for all deficiencies in said income arising from the dis- 
position of the lands donated to the state by congress, in trust, for the benefit of said income." 
The entire income of the university from all sources, including this tax (which was $42,359.62), 
was, for the year ending September 30, 1878, $.81,442.63. The university has a faculty of over 
thirty professors and instructors, and during the past year — 1S77-8 — it had in its various depart- 
ments 388 students. The law department, organized in 1868, has since been in successful opera- 
ation. Ladies are admitted into all the departments and classes of the university. 

Agricultural College. 

The agricultural college fund, granted to the state by the congressional act of 1862, was 
by a subsequent legislative enactment (1866) applied to the support, not of a separate agricultural 
college, but of a department of agriculture in the existing university, thus rendering it unneces- 
sary for the state to erect separate buildings elsewhere. Under the provisions of chapter 114, 
laws of 1866, the county of Dane issued to the state, for the purpose of purchasing an experi- 
mental farm, bonds to the amount of $40,000. A farm of about 200 acres, adjoining the univer- 
sity grounds, was purchased, and a four years' course of study provided, designed to be thorough 
and extensive in the branches that relate to agriculture, in connection witli 1 is practical application 
upon the experimental farm. 

The productive agricultural college fund has increased from $8,061.86, in i860, 10 (244,263, 18, 
in 187S. 

Normal Schools. 

The propriety of making some special provision for the instruction of teachers was 
acknowledged in the very organization of the state, a provision for normal schools having been 
embodied in the constitution itself, which ordains that after the support and n.aintcnance of the 



EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 145 

common schools is insured, the residue of the school fund shall be appropriated to academies and 
normal schools. The state legislature, in its first session in 1S4S, in the act establishing the Uni- 
versity of Wisconsin, declared that one of the four departments thereof should be a department 
of the theory and practice of elementary instruction. The first institution ever chartered in 
the state as a normal school was incorporated by the legislature at its second session — 1849 — 
under the title of the " Jefferson County Normal School." This, however, was never organized. 

The regents, when organizing the university, at their meeting in 1849, ordained the estab- 
lishment of a normal professorship, and declared that in organizing the normal department it 
was their fixed intention " to make the University of Wisconsin subsidiary to the great cause of 
popular education, by making it, through its normal department, the nursery of the educators of 
the popular mind, and the central point of union and harmony to the educational interests of the 
commonwealth." They declared that instruction in the normal department should be free to all 
suitable candidates. Little was accomplished, however, in this direction during the next ten 
years. In 1857 an act was passed by the legislature appropriating twenty-five per cent, of the 
income of the swamp-land fund " to normal institutes and academies under the supervision and 
direction of a board of regents of normal schools," who were to be appointed in accordance 
with the provisions of the act. Distribution of this income was made to such colleges, acade- 
mies, and high schools as maintained a normal class, in proportion to the number of pupils pass- 
ing a successful examination conducted by an agent of the board. In 1859, Dr. Henry Barnard, 
who had become chancellor of the university, was made agent of the normal regents. He 
inaugurated a system of teachers' institutes, and gave fresh vigor to the normal work throughout 
the state. Resigning, however, on account of ill-health, within two years, Professor Chas. H. 
Allen, who had been conducting institutes under his direction, succeeded him as agent of the 
normal regents, and was elected principal of the normal department of the university, entering 
upon his work as the latter in March, 1864. He managed the department with signal ability and 
success, but at the end of one or two years resigned. Meantime the educational sentiment of 
the state had manifested itself for the establishment of separate normal schools. 

In 1865, the legislature passed an act repealing that of two years before, and providing 
instead that one-half of the swamp-land fund should be set apart as a normal-school fund, the 
income of which should be applied to establishing and supporting normal schools under the 
direction and management of the board of normal regents, with a proviso, however, that one- 
fourth of such income should be annually transferred to the common-school fund income, until 
the latter should amount annually to $200,000. This proviso was repealed by the legislature of 
1870, and the entire income of one-half the swamp-land fund has since been devoted to normal- 
school purposes. During the same year proposals were invited for aid in the establishment of a 
normal school, in money, land, or buildings, and propositions from various places were received 
and considered. In 1866, the board of regents was incorporated by the legislature. In the 
same year Platteville was conditionally selected as the site of a school, and as there was already 
a productive fund of about $600,000, with an income of over $30,000, and a prospect of a steady 
increase as the lands were sold, the board decided upon the policy of establishing several schools, 
located in different parts of the state. In pursuance of this policy, there have already been 
completed, and are now in very successful operation, the Platteville Normal School, opened 
October 9, 1866; the Whitewater Normal School, opened April 21, 186S ; the Oshkosh Normal 
School, opened September 19, 1871, and the River Falls Normal School, opened September 
2, 1875. Each assembly district in the state is entitled to eight representatives in the 
normal schools. These are nominated by county and city superintendents. Tuition is 
free to all normal students. There are in the normal schools two courses of study — an 



146 HISTORY ()F WISCONSIN. 

elementary course of two years, and an advanced course of four years. The student completing 
the former, receives a certificate ; the one completing the latter, a diploma. The certificate, when 
the holder has successfully taught one year after graduation, may be countersigned by the sup- 
erintendent of public instruction, when it becomes equivalent to a five-years' state certificate. 
The diploma, when thus countersigned, after a like interval, is equivalent 1> n permanent state 
certificate. 

It is believed that the normal-school system of Wisconsin rests upon a broader and more 
secure basis than the corresponding system of any other state. That basis is an independent 
and permanent fund, which has already reached a million dollars. The precise amount of this 
securely invested and productive fund, September 30, 187S, was §1,004,907.67, and the sum of 
$33,290.88 remained uninvested. ► 

Teachers' Institutes. 

In addition to the work of the normal schools, the board of regents is authorized to expend 
$5,000 annually to defray the expenses of teachers' institutes. A law of 1871, amended in 1876, 
provides for normal institutes, which shall be held for not less than two consecutive weeks, and 
appropriates from the state treasury a sum not exceeding $2,000 per annum for their support. 
There were held in the State, in 1878, sixty-six institutes, varying in length from one to two 
weeks. The total number of persons enrolled as attendants was 4,944 

G;;aded Schools. 

Including those in the cities, the graded schools of the State number about four hundred. 
The annual report of the State superintendent for 187S gives the number with two departments 
as 207, and the number with three or more as 225. 

A law of March, 1872, provided that "all graduates of any graded school of the state, who 
shall have passed an examination at such graded school satisfactory to the faculty of the univer- 
sity for admission into the sub-freshman class and colletze (lasses of the university, shall be at 
once and at all times entitled to free tuition in all the colleges of the university." A consider- 
able number of graduates of graded schools entered the university under this law during the 
next four years, but it being deemed an unwise discrimination in favor of this class of students, 
in 1876, in the same act which provided for the tax of one tenth of one mill, the legislature pro- 
vided that from and after the 4th of July of that year no student, except students in law and 
those taking extra studies, should be required to pay any fees for tuition. Few graded schools 
of the state are able as yet to fully prepare students for entrance into the regular classes of the 
classic.il department of the university. The larger number prepared by them still enter the 
scientific department or the sub-freshman class. 

Tiik Township System. 

In 1869 the legislature passed a law authorizing towns to adopt by vote the " township sys- 
tem of school government." Under this system each town becomes one school district, and the 
several school districts already existing become sub-districts. Each sub-district elects a clerk, 
and these clerks constitute a body corporate under the name of the " board of school directors," and 
are invested with the title and custody of all school houses, school-house sites, and other prop- 
erty belonging to the sub-districts, with power to control them for the best interests of the 
schools of the town. The law provides for an executive committee to execute the orders of the 



EDUCATIONAL HISTOEY. 147 

board, employ teachers, etc., and for a secretary to record proceedings of the board, have imme- 
diate charge and supervision of the schools, and perform other specified duties. But few towns 
ha\e as yet made trial of this system, although it is in successful operation in Pensylvania, Mas- 
sachusetts, and some other states, and where fully and fairly tried in our own, has proved entirely 
satisfactory. It is the general belief of our enlightened educational men that the plan has sucr 
merits as ought to secure its voluntary adoption by the people of the state. 

Free High Schools. 

In 1875 the legislature enacted that any town, incorporated village, or city, may establish 
and maintain not more than two free high schools, and provided for an annual appropriation of 
not to exceed $25,000, to refund one-half of the actual cost of instruction in such schools, but 
no school to draw in any one year more than $500. At the session of 1877 the benefits of the 
act were extended to such high schools already established as shall show by a proper report that 
they have conformed to the requirements of the law. If towns decline to establish such a 
school, one or more adjoining districts in the same have the privilege of doing so. The law has 
met with much favor. For the school year ending August 31, 1876 (the first year in which it was 
in operation), twenty such schools reported, and to these the sum of $7,466.50 was paid, being 
an average of $373.32 per school. For the year ending August 31, 1878, eighty-five schools 
reported and received a pro rata division of the maximum appropriation. The high school law 
was primarily designed to bring to rural neighborhoods the twofold advantages of (1) a higher 
instruction than the common district schools afford, and (2) a better class of teachers for these 
schools. It was anticipated, however, from the first that the im7>iediate results of the law would 
be chiefly the improvement of existing graded schools in the larger villages and in cities. 

School Officers. 
The school officers of Wisconsin are, a state superintendent of public instruction, sixty-four 
county superintendents, twenty-eight city superintendents, and a school board in each district, 
consisting of a director, treasurer, and clerk. The state and county superintendents hold office 
two years, the district officers three years. In each independent city there is a board of educa- 
tion, and the larger cities have each a city superintendent, who in some cases is also principal of 
the high school. He is appointed for one year. The county board of supervisors determine, 
within certain limits, the amount of money to be raised annually in each 1 >wn and ward of their 
county for school purposes, levy an additional amount for the salary of the county superintend- 
ents, may authorize a special school tax, and may under certain circumstances determine that 
there shall be two superintendents for their county. The town board of supervisors have authority 
to form and alter school districts, to issue notice for first meeting, to form union districts for high 
school purposes, and appoint first boards for the same, to locate and establish school-house sites 
under certain circumstances, to extinguish districts that have neglected to maintain school for 
two years, and to dispose of the property of the same. The district clerks report annually to the 
town clerks, the town clerks to the county superintendents, and the county and city superintend- 
ents to the state superintendent, who in turn makes an annual report to the governor. 

State Teachers' Certificates. 

The state superintendent is authorized by law "to issue state certificates of high grade to 
teachers of eminent qualifications.'' Two grades of these are given, one unlimited, and the 
other good for five years. The examination is conducted by a board of three examiners, 
appointed annually by the state superintendent, and acting under rules and regulations prescribed 
bv him. 



148 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Teachers' Associations. 

Besides the Wisconsin State Teachers' Association, holding its annual session in the summer 
and a semi-annual or " executive " session in the winter, there are, in several parts of the state. 
county or district associations, holding stated meetings. The number of such associations is 
annually increasing. 

Libraries. 

The utility of public libraries as a part of the means of popular enlightenment, was early 
recognized in this state. The constitution, as set forth in 1S4S, required that a portion of the 
income of the school fund should be applied to the " purchase of suitable libraries and appa- 
ratus " for the common schools. The same year the legislature of the state, at its first session, 
enacted that as soon as this income should amount to $60,000 a year (afterwards changed to 
$30,000), each town superintendent might devote one tenth of the portion of this income received 
by his town annually, to town library purposes, the libraries thus formed to be distributed among 
the districts, in sections, and in rotation, once in three months. Distrii ts were also empowered 
to raise money for library books. The operation of this discretionary and voluntary system was 
not successful. In ten years (iS58)only about one third of the districts (1,121) had libraries, 
embracing in all but 38,755 volumes, and the state superintendent, Hon. Lyman C. Draper, urged 
upon the legislature a better system, of " town libraries," and a state tax for their creation and 
maintenance. In 1857, the legislature enacted that ten per cent, of the yearly income of the 
school fund should be applied to the purchase of town school libraries, and that an annual tax of 
one tenth of one mill should be levied for the same purpose. The law was left incomplete, how- 
ever, and in 1S62, before the system had been perfected, the exigencies of the civil war led to 
the repeal of the law, and the library fund which had accumulated from the ten per cent, of the 
school fund income, and from the library tax, amounting in all to $88,784.78, was transferred to 
the general fund. This may be considered a debt to the educational interests of the slate that 
should be repaid. Meanwhile the single district library system languishes and yearly grows 
weaker. The re-enacting of a town library system, in which local effort and expenditure shall 
be stimulated and supplemented by State aid, has been recommended by the State Teachers' 
Association, and will, it is hoped, be secured, at no distant day, as a part of a complete town 
system of schools and of public education. 

List of Stati Superintendents. 

The act creating the office was passed at the first session of the state legislature, in 1848. 
The incumbents up to the present time have been as follows : 

NAME OK INCUMBENT. DURATION OF INCUMBENCY. 

Hon. E. Root Three years — 1849-50-51. 

Hon. A. P. Ladd Two years — 1852-53. 

Hon. H. A. Wright* One year and five months — 1854-55. 

Hon. A. C. Barry Two years and seven months — 1855-56-57. 

Hon. L. C. Draper Two years — 1S58-59. 

Hon. J. L. Pickardf Three years and nine months — 1860-61-02-63. 

Hon. J. G. McMynn Four years and three months — 1863-64-65-66-67. 

Hon. A. J. CraigJ Two years and six months — 1868-69-70. 

Hon. Samuel Fallows ..Three years and six months — I S70-7 1-72-73. 

Hon. Edward Searing Four years — 1874-75-76-77. 

Hon. W. C. Whitford Two years— 1878-79. 

* Died, May 29, 1845. + Resigned, October 1, 1863. J Died, July 3, 1870. 



EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 149 

Sketches of Colleges in Wisconsin.* 

Beloit College was founded in 1847, at Beloit, under the auspices of the Congregational and 
Presbyterian churches of Wisconsin and northern Illinois. In 1S48, Rev. Joseph Emerson and 
Rev. J. J. Bushnell were appointed professors, and in 1849, Rev. A. L. Chapin was appointed 
president, and has continued such until the present time The institution has had a steady 
growth, has maintained a high standard of scholarship and done excellent work, both in its pre- 
paratory and college departments. Two hundred and thirty-six young men have graduated. 
Its lands and buildings are valued at $78,000, and its endowments and funds amount to about 
$122,000. 

Lawrence University, at Appleton, under the patronage of the Methodist church, was 
organized as a college in 1850, having been an " institute " or academy for three years previous, 
under the Rev. W. H. Sampson. The first president was Rev. Edward Cook; the second, R. 
Z. Mason ; the present one is the Rev. George M. Steele, I). D. It is open to both sexes, and 
has graduated 130 young men, and 68 young women. It still maintains a preparatory depart- 
ment. It has been an institution of great benefit in a new region of country, in the northeastern 
part of the state. Receiving a liberal donation at the outset from the Hon. Amos A. Lawrence, 
of Boston, it has land and buildings valued at $47,000, at Appleton, and fund:, and endowments 
amounting to $60,000. 

Milton College, an institution under the care of the Seventh Day Baptists, ,.as opened as a 
college ,in 1867, having been conducted as an academy since 1844. Rev. W. C. Whitford, the 
president, was for many years the principal of the academy The institution has done much 
valuable work, particularly in preparing teachers for our public schools. The college has gradu- 
ated 38 young men and women, having previously graduated 93 academic students. It has lands, 
buildings and endowments to the amount of about $50,000. 

Ripon College, which was known till 1864 as Brockway College, was organized in 1853, at 
Ripon, and is supported by the Congregational church. Since its re-organization, in 1863, it has 
graduated 77 students (of both sexes) in the college courses, and has always maintained a large 
and flourishing preparatory department. Under its present efficient head, the Rev. E. H. Mer- 
rell, A. M.,it is meeting with continued success. Its property amounts to about $125,000. 

Racine College was founded by the Episcopal Church, at Racine, in 1852, under the Rev. 
Roswell Park, D. D., as its first President. It was for a long time under the efficient administra- 
tion of Rev. James De Koven, D. D., now deceased, who was succeeded by Rev. D. Stevens 
Parker. It maintains a large boys' school also, and a preparatory department. It was designed, 
in part, to train young men for the Nashotah Theological Seminary. It has property, including 
five buildings, to the amount of about S180, 000, and has graduated ninety-nine young men. Its 
principal work, in which it has had great success, is that of a boys' school, modeled somewhat 
after the English schools. 

The Seminary of St. Francis of Sales, an ecclesiastical school, was established at St. Fran- 
cis Station, near Milwaukee, chiefly by the combined efforts of two learned and zealous priests, 
the Rev. Michael Heiss, now bishop of La Crosse, and the Rev. Joseph Salzmann. It was 
opened in January, 1S56, with Rev. M. Heiss as rector, and with 25 students. Rev. Joseph 
1 alzmann was rector from September, 1868, to the time of his death, January 17, 1874, since 
which time Rev. C. Wapelhorst has held the rectorship. The latter is now assisted by twelve 
professors, and the students number 267, of whom 105 are theologians, 31 students of philosophy, 
and the rest classical students. 

Pio Nono College is a Roman Catholic institution, at St. Francis Station, in the immediate 
neighborhood of the Seminary of St. Francis. It was founded in i87i,by Rev. Joseph Salzmann, 
* The statistics ; r_ this division were obtained in 1S77. and are for the previous vear. 



150 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

who was the first rector. He was succeeded in 1874 by the present rector, Rev. Thomas Brue- 
ner, who is assisted by a corps of seven professors. Besides the college proper, there is a nor- 
mal department, in which, in addition to the education that qualifies for teaching in common and 
higher schools, particular attention is given to church music. There is also, under the same 
management, but in an adjoining building, an institution for the instruction of the deaf and dumb. 
The pupils in the latter, both boys and girls, numbering about 30, aje taught to speak by sounds, 
and it is said with the best success. 

An institution was organized in 1865, at Prairie du Chien. under the name of Prairie du 
Chien College, and under the care of J. T. Lovewell, as principal. In the course of two or three 
years it passed into the hands of the Roman Catholic church, and is now known as St. John's 
College. It has so far performed principally preparatory work. 

Sinsinawa Mound College, a Roman Catholic institution, was founded in 1848, through the 
labors of Father Mazzuchelli, but after doing a successful work, was closed in 1863, and in 1867 
the St. Clara academy was opened in the same buildings. 

The Northwestern University, which is under the Lutheran church, was organized in 1865, 
at Watertown, under Rev. August F. Ernst, as president. It has graduated 21 young men, and 
has a preparatory department. Its property is valued at $50,000. 

Galesville University was organized in 1859, under the patronage of the Methodist church 
at Galesville, in the northwest part of the state. The first president was the Rev. Samuel Fal- 
lows, since state superintendent. It has graduated ten young men and eight young women, its 
work hitherto having been mostly preparatory. It is now under the patronage of the Presby- 
terian denomination, with J. W. McLaury, A. M., as president. It has property valued at 
$30,000, and an endowment of about $50,000. 

Carroll College was established at Waukesha, by the Presbyterian church, in 1846. Prof. J. 
W. Sterling, now of the state university, taught its primary classes that year. Under President 
John A. Savage, D.D., with an able corps of professors, it took a high rank and graduated 
classes; but for several years past it has confined its work principally to academic studies. 
Under W. L. Rankin, A. M.,the present principal, the school is doing good service. 

Wayland University was established as a college, by the Baptists, at Beaver Dam, in 1854, 
but never performed much college work. For three years past, it has been working under a new 
charter as an academy and preparatory school, and is now known as Wayland Institute. 

In 1841, the Protestant Episcopal church established a mission in the wilds of Waukesha 
county, and, at an early day, steps were taken to establish in connection therewith an institution 
of learning. This was incorporated in 1847, by the name of Nashotah House. In 1852 the 
classical school was located at Racine, and Nashotah House became distinctively a theological 
seminary. It has an endowment of one professorship, the faculty and students being otherwise 

lined by voluntary contributions. It has a faculty of five protessors, with Rev. A. 1). 
Cole, D.D., as president, buildings pleasantly situated, and has graduated 1S5 theological students. 

Female Collegi 

Two institutions have been known under this designation. The Milwaukee Female College 
was founded in 1852, and ably conducted for several years, under the principalship of Miss Mary 
Mortimer, now deceased. It furnished an advanced grade of secondary instruction. The Wis- 
consin Female College, located at Fox Lake, was first incorporated in 1855, and re-organized in 
1863. It has never reached a collegiate course, is now known as Fox Lake Seminary, and 
admits both sexes. Rev. A. O. Wright, A. M., is the present principal. 



AGRICULTURE. 151 



Academies and Seminaries. 

The following institutions of academic grade, are now in operation: Albion Academy ; 
Benton Academy ; Big Foot, Academy; Elroy Seminary ; Fox Lake Seminary ; two German and 
English academies in Milwaukee ; Janesville Academy; Kemper Hall, Kenosha ; Lake Geneva 
Seminary, Geneva; Lakeside Seminary, Oconomowoc; Marshall Academy, Marshall; Merrill 
Institute, Fond du Lac ; Milwaukee Academy ; Racine Academy ; River Falls Institute ; 
Rochester Seminary; St. Catherine's Academy, Racine; St. Clara Academy; Sinsinawa 
Mound; St. Mary's Institute, Milwaukee; Sharon Academy; and Wayland Institute, Beaver 
Dam. Similar institutions formerly in operation but suspended or merged in other institu- 
tions, were : Allen's Grove Academy ; Appleton Collegiate Institute ; Baraboo Collegiate Insti- 
tute; Beloit Female Seminary; Beloit Seminary; Brunson Institute, Mount Hope; Evansville Sem- 
inary ; Janesville Academy (merged in the high school) ; Kilbourn Institute ; Lancaster Institute \ 
Milton Academy; Platteville Academy ; Southport Academy (Kenosha); Waterloo Academy \ 
Waukesha Seminary ; Wesleyan Seminary, Eau Claire ; and Patch Grove Academy. The 
most important of these were the Milton and Platteville Academies, the former merged in Mil- 
ton College, the latter in the Platteville Normal School. Of the others, several were superseded 
by the establishment of public high schools in the same localities. 

Commercial Schools. 

Schools of this character, aiming to furnish what is called a business education, exist in Mil- 
waukee, Janesville, Madison, LaCrosse, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. The oldest and 
largest is in Milwaukee, under the care of Prof. R. C. Spencer, and enrolls from two to three 
hundred students annually. 



AGRICULTURE. 

By W. W. DANIELLS, M.S., Prof, of Chemistry and Agriculture at the University 

of Wisconsin. 

The trend of the earliest industries of a country, is the result of the circumstances under 
which those industries are developed. The attention of pioneers is confined to supplying the 
immediate wants of food, shelter, and clothing. Hence, the firs tsettlers of a country are farm- 
ers, miners, trappers, or fishermen, according as they can most readily secure the means of pres- 
ent sustenance for themselves and their families. In the early history of Wisconsin this law is 
well exemplified. The southern part of the state, consisting of alternations of prairie and tim- 
ber, was first settled by farmers. As the country has developed, wealth accumulated, and means 
of transportation have been furnished, farming has ceased to be the sole interest. Manufactories 
have been built along the rivers, and the mining industry of the southwestern part of the state has 
grown to one of considerable importance. The shore of Lake Michigan was first mainly settled 
tied by fishermen, but the later growth of agriculture and manufactures has nearly overshadowed 
the fishing interest; as has the production of lumber, in the north half of the state, eclipsed the 
trapping and fur interests of the first settlers. That the most important industry of Wisconsin 
is farming, may be seen from the following statistics of the occupation of the people as given by 
the United States census. Out of each one hundred inhabitants, of all occupations, 68 were 



152 



HISTORY <)[■ WISCOXSIX. 



farmers, in 1840; 52 in 1850; 54 in i860; 55 in 1S70. The rapid growth of the agriculture oi 
the state is illustrated by the increase in the number of acres of improved land in farms, and in 
the value of farms and of farm implements and machinery, as shown by the following table, com- 
piled from the United States census: 





ACRES IMPROVED LAND 
IN FARMS. 


VALI I OF FARMS, 
INI I 1 DING IMPROV- 
ED AND UNIMPROV- 
ED LA 


— f 

VALI'] "I I AIM 
IMPLEMENTS 




TOTAL. 


TO EACH 
INHAB. 


AND 
MACHINERY. 


1850 
IS60 
IS70 


1,045,499 
3.746,167 
5.899,343 


3-4 
4-8 

5.6 


S 28,528,563 

I3i.li7.l64 
300,414,064 


S 1.641,568 

5.758,847 

14.239.364 



Farming, at the present time, is almost entirely confined to the south half oi* the state, the 
northern half being still largely covered by forests. A notable exception to this statement is 
found in the counties on the western border, which are well settled by farmers much farther north. 
The surface of the agricultural portion of the state is for the most part gently undulating, afford- 
ing ready drainage, without being so abruptly broken as to render cultivation difficult. The soil 
is varied in character, and mostly very fertile. The southern portion of the state consists of 
undulating prairies of variable size — the largest being Rock prairie— alternating with oak openings. 
The prairies have the rich alluvial soil so characteristic of the western prairies, and are easily 
worked. The soil of the "openings " land is usually a sandy loam, readily tilled, fertile, but not 
as "strong" as soils having more clay. The proportion of timber to prairie increases passing north 
from the southern boundary of the state, and forests of maple, basswood and elm, replace, to 
some extent, the oak lands. In these localities, the soil is more clayey, is strong and fertile, not 
as easily tilled, and not as cpiickly exhausted as are the more sandy soils of the oak lands. In 
that portion of the state known geologically as the " driftless " region, the soil is invariably good 
where the surface rock is limestone. In some of the valleys, however, where the lime-rock has 
been removed by erosion, leaving the underlying sandstone as the surface rock, the soil is sandy 
and unproductive, except in those localities where a large amount of alluvial matter has been 
deposited by the streams. The soils of the pine lands of the north of the state, are generally 
sandy and but slightly fertile. However, where pine is replaced by maple, oak, birch, elm and 
basswood, the soil is "heavier " and very fertile, even to the shores of Lake Superior. 

The same natural conditions that make Wisconsin an agricultural state, determined that 
during its earlier years the main interest should be grain-growing. The fertile prairies covering 
large portions of the southern part of the state had but to be plowed and sowed with grain to 
produce an abundant yield. From the raising of cereals the pioneer farmer could get the 
quickest returns for his labor. Heme in 1.H50, two years after its admission to the Union, Wis- 
consin was the ninth state in order in the production of wheat, while in i860 this rank was raised 
to third, Illinois and Indiana only raising more. The true rank of the state is not shown by 
these figures. Were the number of inhabitants and the number of acres of land in actual culti- 
vation taken into account in the comparison, the state would stand still higher in rank than is 
here indicated. There is the same struggle for existence, and the same desire for gain the world 
over, and hence the various phases of development of the same industry in different civilized 
countries is mainly the result of the widely varying economical conditions imposed upon that 
industry. Land is thoroughly cultivated in Europe, not because t he Europeans have any 
inherent love for good cultivation, but because there land is scarce and costly, while labor is 
superabundant and cheap. In America, on the other hand, and especially in the newer states, 



AGRICULTURE. 153 

land is abundant and cheap, while labor is scarce and costly. In its productive industries each 
country is alike economical in the use of the costly element in production, and more lavish in 
the use of that which is cheaper. Each is, alike economically wise in following such a course 
when it is not carried to too great extremes. With each the end sought is the greatest return for 
the expenditure of a given amount of capital. In accordance with this law of economy, the 
early agriculture of Wisconsin was mere land-skimming. Good cultivation of the soil was never 
thought of. The same land was planted successively to one crop, as long as it yielded enough 
to pay for cultivation. The economical principle above suited was carried to an extreme. Farm- 
ing as then practiced was a quick method of land exhaustion. It was always taking out of the 
purse, and never putting in. No attention was paid to sustaining the soil's fertility. The only 
aim was to secure the largest crop for the smallest outlay of capital, without regard to the future. 
Manures were never used, and such as unavoidably accumulated was regarded as a great nuis- 
ance, often rendering necessary the removal of stables and outbuildings. Straw-stacks were 
invariably burned as the most convenient means of disposing of them. Wheat, the principal 
product, brought a low price, often not more than fifty cents a bushel, and had to be marketed 
by teams at some point from which it could be carried by water, as this was, at an early dav, the 
only means of transportation. On account of the sparse settlement of the country, roads were 
poor, and the farmer, after raising and threshing his wheat, had to spend, with a team, from two 
to five days, marketing the few bushels that a team could draw. So that the farmer had every 
obstacle to contend with except cheap and very fertile land, that with the poorest of cultivation 
gave a comparatively abundant yield of grain. Better tillage, accompanied with the use of 
manures and other fertilizers, would not, upon the virgin soils, have added sufficiently to the 
yield to pay the cost of applying them. Hence, to the first farmers of the state, poor farming was 
the only profitable farming, and consequently the only good farming, an agriculturo-economical 
paradox from which there was no escape. Notwithstanding the fact that farmers could economi- 
cally follow no other system than that of land-exhaustion, as described, such a course was none 
the less injurious to the state, as it was undermining its foundation of future wealth, by destroy- 
ing the fertility of the soil, that upon which the permanent wealth and prosperity of every agri- 
cultural community is first dependent. Besides this evil, and together with it, came the habit of 
loose and slovenly farming acquired by pioneers, which continued after the conditions making 
that method a necessity had passed away. With the rapid growth of the northwest came better 
home markets and increased facilities for transportation to foreign markets, bringing with them 
higher prices for all products of the farm. As a consequence of these better conditions, land in 
farms in the state increased rapidly in value, from $9.58 per acre in 1850, to $16.61 in i860, an 
increase of 62 per cent., while the total number of acres in farms increased during the 
same time from 2,976,658 acres to 7,893,587 acres, or 265 per cent. With this increase in the 
value of land, and the higher prices paid for grain, should have come an improved system of hus- 
bandry which would prevent the soil from deteriorating in fertility. This could have been 
accomplished either by returning to the soil, in manures and fertilizers, those ingredients of which 
it was being rapidly drained by continued grain-growing, or by the adoption of a system of mixed 
husbandry, which should include the raising of stock and a judicious rotation of crops. Such a 
system is sure to come. Indeed, it is now slowly coming. Great progress upon the earlier 
methods of farming have already been made. But so radical and thorough a change in the 
habits of any class of people as that from the tanning of pioneers to a rational method that will 
preserve the soil's fertility and pay for the labor it demands, requires many years for its full 
accomplishment. It will not even keep pace with changes in those economical conditions which 



154 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



favor it. In the rapid settlement of the northwestern states this change has come most rapidly 
with the replacement of the pioneer farmers by immigrants accustomed to better methods of 
culture. In such cases the pioneers usually ' go west ' again, to begin anew their frontier farming 
upon virgin soil, as their peculiar method of cultivation fails to give them a livelihood. In Wis- 
consin as rapid progress is being made in the system of agriculture as, all things considered, 
could reasonably be expected. This change for the better has been quite rapid for the past ten 
years, and is gaining in velocity and momentum each year. It is partly the result of increased 
intelligence relating to farming, and partly the result of necessity caused by the unprofitableness 
of the old method. 

The estimated value of all agricultural products of the state, including that of orchards, 
market gardens, and betterments, was, in 1870, as given in the census of that year, $79,072,967, 
which places Wisconsin twelfth in rank among the agricultural states of the Union. In 1875, 
according to the " Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture," the value of the principal farm 
crops in this state was §58,957,050. According to this estimation the state ranks ninth in agri- 
cultural importance. As has been before stated, Wisconsin is essentially a grain-growing state. 
This interest has been the principal one, not because the soil is better adapted to grain-growing 
than to general, stock, or dairy farming, but rather because this course, which was at an early 
day most immediately profitable, has been since persistently followed from force of habit, even 
after it had failed to be remunerative. 

The following table shows the bushels of the different grains raised in the state for the years 
indicated : 



Year. 


WHEAT. 


RYE. 


CORN. 


OATS. BARLEY. 


BUCK- 
WHEAT. 


1850 

i860 

1870 ... 
1875*--. 


4.286,131 

15.657.458 
25,606.344 

25,200,000 


81,253 

88S044 

1,325,294 
1,340,000 


I,98S,979 

7.5>7.3oo 

15,033,988 

15,200,000 


3,414,672 209,672 
11,059,260 707,307 
20,l8o,Ol6 1,645,019 
26,6oO,O0O 2.200,000 


79,878 

3S.9S7 

408,897 

275,000 



From these statistics it will be seen that the increase in the production of grain was very 
rapid up to 1870, while since that time it has been very slight. This rapid increase in grain 
raising is first attributable to the ease with which this branch of farming was carried on upon the 
new and very rich soils of the state, while in the older states this branch of husbandry has been 
growing more difficult and expensive, and also to the fact that the war in our own country so 
increased the demand for grain from 1861 to 1866 as to make this course the most immediately 
profitable. But with the close of the war came a diminished demand. Farmers were slow to 
recognize this fact, and change the character of their productions to accord with the wants of 
the market, but rather continued to produce the cereals in excess of the demand. The chinch 
bug and an occasional poor season seriously injured the crops, leaving those who relied princi- 
pally upon the production of grain little or nothing for their support. Hard times resulted from 
these poor crops. More wheat and corn was the farmer's usual remedy for hard times. So that 
more wheat and corn were planted. More crop failures with low prices brought harder times, 
until gradually the farmers of the state have opened their eyes to the truth that they can succeed 
in other branches of agriculture than grain growing, and to the necessity of catering to the 

♦Estimated in report of commissioner of agriculture. 



AGRICULTURE. 155 

demands of the market. The value in 1869 of all farm products and betterments of the state 
was $79,072,967. There were raised of wheat the same year 25,606,344 bushels, which at $1.03 
per bushel, the mean price reported by the Milwaukee board of trade, for No. 2 wheat (the lead- 
ing grade), for the year ending July 31, 1870, amounts to $26,374,524, or one third the value of 
all agricultural products and betterments. The average production per acre, as estimated by the 
commissioner of agriculture, was 14 bushels. Hence there were 1,829,024 acres of land devoted to 
this one crop, nearly one third of all the improved land in the state. Of the wheat crop of 1869 
24,375,435 bushels were spring wheat, and 1,230,909 bushels were winter wheat, which is 19. S 
bushels of spring to 1 bushel of winter wheat. The latter is scarcely sown at all on the prairies, 
or upon light opening soils. In some of the timbered regions hardy varieties do well, but it is 
not a certain crop, as it is not able to withstand the winters, unless covered by snow or litter. It 
is not injured as seriously by the hard freezing, as by the alternate freezing and thawing of Feb- 
ruary and March. 

The continued cropping of land with grain is a certain means of exhausting the soil of the 
phosphates, and of those nitrogenous compounds that are essential to the production of grain, and 
yet are present even in the most fertile soils in but small quantities. To the diminished yield, 
partly attributable to the overcropping of the land, and partially to poor seasons and chinch bu^s, 
and to the decline in prices soon after the war, owing to an over production of wheat, may largely 
be attributed the hard times experienced by the grain growing farmers of Wisconsin from 1872 to 
1877. The continued raising of wheat upon the same land, alternated, if any alternation 
occurred, with barley, oats, or corn, has produced its sure results. The lesson has cost the 
farmers of the state dearly, but it has not been altogether lost. A better condition of affairs has 
already begun. Wheat is gradually losing its prestige as the farmers' sole dependence, while 
stock, dairy, and mixed farming are rapidly increasing. The number of bushels of wheat 
raised to each inhabitant in the state was in 1850 fourteen, in i860 twenty-three and eight tenths, 
in 1870 twenty-four, and in 1875 twenty and four tenths. These figures do not indicate a dimin- 
ished productiveness of the state, but show, with the greatly increased production in other 
branches of husbandry, that farmers are changing their system to one more diversified and 
rational. Straw stacks are no longer burned, and manure heaps are not looked upon as altogether 
useless. Much more attention is now paid to the use of fertilizers. Clover with plaster is looked 
upon with constantly increasing favor, and there is a greater seeking for light upon the more 
difficult problems of a profitable agriculture 

Corn is raised to a large extent, although Wisconsin has never ranked as high in corn, as in 
wheat growing. Sixteen states raised more corn in 1870 than this state, and in 1875, seventeen 
states raised more. Corn requires a rich, moist soil, with a long extended season of warm sun- 
shine. While this crop can be raised with great ease in the larger portion of the state, it will 
always succeed better farther south, both on account of the longer summers and the greater 
amount of rainfall. According to the statistics of the commissioner of agriculture, the average 
yield per acre for a period of ten years, is about 30 bushels. Corn is an important crop in the 
economy of the farmer, as from it he obtains much food for his stock, and it is his principal 
dependence for fattening pork. On these accounts it will, without doubt, retain its place in the 
husbandry of the state, even when stock and dairy farming are followed to a much greater extent 
than at present. Barley is cultivated largely throughout the state, but five states produced more 
in 1870, than Wisconsin. The great quantity of beer brewed here, furnishes a good home market 
for this grain. Barley succeeds best in a rather moist climate, having a long growing season. 
The dry, short summers of Wisconsin, are not well adapted to its growth. Hence the average 



156 - HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

yield is but a medium one, and the quality of the grain is only fair. According to the returns 
furnished the commissioner of agriculture, the average yield for a period of ten years, is 22 
bushels per acre. 

Next to wheat, more bushels of oats are raised than of any other grain. Wisconsin was, in 
i860, fifth in rank among the oat-growing states; in 1870, sixth. The rich soils of the state 
raise an abundant crop of oats with but little labor, and hence their growth in large quantities is 
not necessarily an indication of good husbandry. They will bear poor cultivation better than 
corn and are frequently grown upon land too weedy to produce that grain. It is a favorite 
"rain for feeding, especially to horses. With the best farmers, oats are looked upon with less 
favor than corn, because it is apt to leave land well seeded with weeds which are difficult to 
exterminate. In the production of rye, Wisconsin ranked seventh in i860, and fourth in 1S70. 
It is a much surer crop in this state than winter wheat, as it is less easily winter-killed when not 
protected by snow, than is that grain. Besides, it ripens so early as not to be seriously injured 
by drouth in summer, and succeeds well even upon the poorer soils. The average yield per acre 
is about 16 bushels. 

But few hops were grown in Wisconsin, up to i860, when owing to an increased demand by 
the breweries 1 f the state, there was a gradual but healthful increase in hop culture. A few 
years later the advent of the hop louse, and other causes of failure at the east, so raised the price 
of hops as to make them a very profitable crop to grow. Many acres were planted in this state 
from 1S63 to 1865, when the total product was valued at nearly $350,000. The success of those 
engaged in this new branch of farming, encouraged others to adopt it. The profits were large. 
Wheat growing had not for several years been remunerative, and in 1S67 and 186S, the " hop 
fever" became an epidemic, almost a plague. The crop of Sauk county alone was estimated at 
over 4,000,000 pounds, worth over $2,000,000. The quality of the crop was excellent, the yield 
1 ir r e, and the price unusually high. The secretary of the State Agricultural society says, in his 
•port for that year, " Cases are numerous in which the first crop has paid for the land and all 
the improvements." To many farmers hop raising appeared to offer a sure and speedy course to 
wealth. But a change came quickly. The hop louse ruined the crop, and low prices caused by 
over production, aided in bringing ruin to many farmers. In 1867, the price of hops was from 
40 to 55 cents per pound, while in 1869 it was from 10 to 15 cents, some of poor quality selling 
as low as 3 cents. Many hop yards were plowed up during 1S69 and 1S70. The area under 
cultivation to this crop in 1S75, was, according to the " Report ol the Secretary of State," 10,932 

acres. 

The production of tobacco has greatly increased since i860, when there were raised in the 
state 87,340 pounds. In 1870, the product was 960,813 pounds. As is well known, the quality 
of tobacco grown in the northern states is greatly inferior for chewing and smoking, to that grown 
in the south, although varieties having a large, tough leaf, suitable for cigar wrappers, do well 
here. The variety principally grown is the Connecticut seed leaf Tobacco can only he grown 
successfully on rich, fertile soils, and it is very exhausting to the land. Of the amount produced 

70, there were raised in Rock county 645,40s pounds, and in Dane county, 229,568 pounds; 
the entire remaining portion of the state raised hut 85,737 pounds. According to the report of 
the secretary of state, the whole number of acres planted to tobacco in [875, was 3,296. Of this 
amount Rock county planted 1,676 acres, and Dane county, i,454 acres, leaving for the remain- 
der of the state but 166 acres. While the crop has been fairly productive and profitable, these 
statistics show that up to the present time tobacco-raising has been a merely local interest. 

The production of flax is another merely local industry, it being confined principally to the 






AGRICULTURE. 157 

counties of Kenosha, Grant, Iowa and LaFayette. Of flax fibre, Kenosha county raised in 1869, 
nearly four fifths of the entire amount grown in the state, the total being 497,398 pounds. With 
the high price of labor and the low price of cotton now ruling, it is scarcely possible to make the 
raising of flax fibre profitable. Flax seed is raised to a small extent in the other counties men- 
tioned. The present price of oil makes this a fairly profitable crop. If farmers fully appreciated 
that in addition to the oil, the oil cake is of great value as a food for cattle and sheep, and also 
th.it the manure made by the animals eating it, is of three times the value of that made by ani- 
mals fed upon corn, doubtless much more flax seed would be raised than is at present. Ameri- 
can oil-cake finds a ready market in England, at prices which pay well for its exportation. If 
English farmers can afford to carry food for their stock so far, American farmers may well strive 
to ascertain if they can afford to allow the exportation of so valuable food. When greater atten- 
tion is paid in our own country to the quality of the manure made by our stock, more oil-cake 
will be fed at home, and a much smaller proportion of that made here will be exported. 

The amount of maple sugar produced diminishes as the settlement of the state increases, 
and is now scarcely sufficient in amount to be an item in the state's productions. The increase 
in the price of sugar from 1S61 to 1S68 caused many farmers to try sorghum raising. But the 
present low prices of this staple has caused an abandonment of the enterprise. Two attempts 
have been made in Wisconsin to manufacture beet-root sugar, the first at Fond du Lac in 1867 
the second at Black Hawk, Sauk county, in 1870. The Fond du Lac company removed their 
works to California in 1S69, not having been successful in their efforts. The Black Hawk com- 
pany made, in 1871, more than 134,000 pounds of sugar, but have since abandoned the business. 
Both these failures may be attributed to several causes, first of which was the want of sufficient 
capital to build and carry on a factory sufficiently large to enable the work to be done economi- 
cally ; secondly, the difficulty of sufficiently interesting farmers in the business to induce them 
to raise beets on so large a scale as to warrant the building of such a factory; and, thirdly, the high 
price of labor and the low price of sugar. The quality of beets raised was good, the polarization 
test showing in many instances as high as sixteen per cent, of sugar. The larger proportion of 
Iiay made in the state is from the natural meadows, the low lands or marshes, where wild grasses 
grow in abundance, and hay only costs the cutting and curing. Cultivated grasses do well 
throughout the state, and " tame hay " can be made as easily here as elsewhere The limestone 
soils, where timber originally grew, are of the uplands, most natural to grass, and, consequently, 
furnish the richest meadows, and yield the best pasturage. Ye e only soils where grasses do 
not readily grow, are those which are so sandy and dry as to be nearly barrens. Clover grows 
throughout the state in the greatest luxuriance. There is occasionally a season so dry as to make 
" seeding down " a failure, and upon light soils clover, when not covered with snow, is apt to win- 
ter-kill. Yet it is gaining in favor with farmers, both on account of the valuable pasturage and 
hay it affords, and on account of its value as a soil renovator. In wheat-growing regions, clover 
is now recognized to be of the greatest value in a " rotation," on account of its ameliorating 
influence upon the soil. Throughout the stock and dairy regions, clover is depended upon to a 
large extent for pasturage, and to a less extent for hay. 

There has been a growing interest in stock raising for the past ten years, although the 
increase has not been a rapid one. Many of the herds of pure-blood cattle in the state rank 
high for their great excellence. The improvement of horses has been less rapid than that of cattle, 
sheep, and swine ; yet this important branch of stock farming is improving each year. The most 
attention is given to the improvement of draught and farm horses, while roadsters and fast horses 
are not altogether neglected. There are now owned in the state a large number of horses of the 
heavier English and French breeds, which are imparting to their progeny their own characteristics 



158 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



of excellence, the effects of which are already visible in many of the older regions of the state. 
Of the different breeds of cattle, the Short-horns, the Ayrshires, the Devons, and the Jerseys are 
well represented. The Short-horns have met with most favor with the general farmer, the grades 
of this breed being large, and possessing in a high degree the quiet habits and readiness to fat- 
ten, so characteristic of the full-bloods. Without doubt, the grade Short-horns will continue in 
the high favor in which they are now held, as stock-raising becomes a more important branch of 
the husbandry of the state. Of pure blood Short-horns there are many herds, some of which 
are of the very highest excellence. At the public sales of herds from this state, the prices 
have ranked high universally, and in a few cases have reached the highest of " fancy " prices, 
showing the estimate placed by professional breeders upon the herds of Wisconsin. The Ayr- 
shires are increasing in numbers, and are held in high esteem by many dairymen. They are not 
yet, however, as generally disseminated over the state, as their great merit as a milking breed 
would warrant. The rapid growth of the dairy interest will doubtless increase their numbers 
greatly, at least as grades, in the dairying region. Of pure bred Devons and Jerseys, there are 
fewer than of the former breeds. The latter are principally kept in towns and cities to furnish 
milk for a single family. The following table shows the relative importance of stock raising in 
the state for the years mentioned. The figures are an additional proof to those already given, 
that the grain industry has held sway in Wisconsin to the detriment of other branches of farming, 
as well as to the state's greatest increase in wealth. 



YEAR. 


WHOLE NUM- 
BER OF NEAT 
CATTLE. 


NO. TO EACH 

lOO ACRES OF 

IMPROVED 

LAND. 


WHOLE NUM- 
BER OF SHEEP. 


NUMBER TO 
EACH IOO 
ACRES OF 
IMPROVED 
LAND. 


POUNDS OF 
WOOL PRO- 
DUCED. 


POUNDS 

OF WOOL 

PER 

HEAD. 


1850 

i860 

1870 

IS75* 


183,433 
52I,86o 
693,294 
922,900 


17 
14 
12 
II 


I24,8g6 

332.954 

1,069,282 

1,162.800 


12 

9 

18 

14 


253,963 
I.OII.933 
4,090,670 
(?) 


2.03 

3.04 

3.82 

(?) 



* Estimated in report of commissioner of agriculture. 

The growth and present condition of sheep husbandry, compare much more favorably with 
the general development of the state than does that of cattle raising. In a large degree this 
may be accounted for by the impetus given to wool raising during our civil war by the scarcity 
of cotton, and the necessary substitution to a great extent, of woolen for cotton goods. This 
great demand for wool for manufacturing purposes produced a rapid rise in the price of this 
staple, making its production a very profitable branch of farming. With the close of the war 
came a lessened demand, and consequently lower prices. Yet at no time has the price of wool 
fallen below that at which it could be profitably produced. This is the more notably true when 
the value of sheep in keeping up the fertility and productiveness of land, is taken into account. 
The foregoing table shows the improvement in this branch of husbandry since 1850 

Although many more sheep might profitably be kept in the state, the above figures show that 
the wool interest is fairly developed, and the average weight of fleece is an assurance of more 
than ordinarily good stock. The fine-wooled sheep and their grades predominate, although 
there are in the state some excellent stock of long-wools — mostly Cotswold — and of South- 
downs. 

( )f all the agricultural interests of the state, no other has made as rapid growth during the 
last ten years, as has that of dairying. With the failure of hop-growing, began the growth .' 
the factory system of butter and cheese making, and the downfall of the one was scarcely more- 
rapid than has been the upbuilding of the other. The following statistics of the production of 
butter and cheese illustrate this rapid progress. It will be remembered that for the years 1850. 



AGRICULTURE. 



159 



1S60, and 1870 the statistics are from the U. S. census, and hence include all the butter and 
cheese made in the state, while for the remaining years, only that made by factories and pro- 
fessional dairymen as reported to the secretary of the State Dairymen's Association, is included 
It has been found impossible to obtain the statistics of butter, except for the census years. 



YEAR. 


BUTTER. 


CHEKSE. 


1S5O 

1S60 -. 

1870 

1374 - ---- 

1875- 

1876 .- 


lbs. 

3.633.750 
13,611,328 
22,473.036 


lbs. 

400,283 
1,104.300 
I,59l.7g8 

13,000,000 
15,000,000 
17,000,000 









The quality of Wisconsin dairy products is excellent, as may be judged by the fact that, at 
the Centennial Exhibition, Wisconsin cheese received twenty awards, a larger number than was 
given to any other state except New York, and for butter Wisconsin received five awards. No 
state received more, and only New York and Illinois received as many. Wisconsin received one 
award for each fourteen cheeses on exhibition No other state received so large a proportion. 
New York received the largest number of awards, viz., twenty-one, but only secured one award 
for each thirty cheeses on exhibition. The number of cheese and butter factories is increasing 
each year, and there is being made in the better grazing regions of the state, as rapid a transition 
from grain to dairy-farming as is consistent with a healthful growth. This interest, which is now 
an important one in the state's industrial economy, has before it a promising future, both in its 
own development, and in its indirect influence upon the improvement of the agriculture of the 
state. 

The history of the earlier attempts in fruit raising in Wisconsin would be little more than a 
record of failures. The pioneers planted apple, peach, plum, and cherry trees, but they gathered 
little or no fruit. As was natural, they planted those varieties that were known to do well in the 
older states of the same latitude. Little was known of the climate, and there was no apparent 
reason why those varieties should not do well here. The first orchards died The same varie- 
ties were replanted, and again the orchards died. Gradually, through the costly school of 
experience, it was learned that the climate was different from that of the eastern states, and that 
to succeed here varieties of fruit must be such as were adapted to the peculiar climate of this 
state. These peculiarities are hot, and for the most part, dry summers, cold and dry winters. 
The dryness of the climate has been the greatest obstacle to success, as this is indirectly the cause 
of the great extremes of temperature experienced here. The summers are often so dry that the 
growth of the trees is not completed, and the wood sufficiently well ripened to enable it to with- 
stand the rigors of winter. And the clear, dry atmosphere of winter allows the sun's rays to 
pass through it so unobstructedly as to warm the body of the tree upon the sunny side, above 
the freezing point, even though the temperature of the air is much lower. The alternate thawing 
and freezing ruptures the tender cells connecting the bark and wood, producing a complete sepa- 
ration of these parts, and often besides bursts the bark. The separation of bark and wood 
destroys the circulation of the sap upon that side of the tree, thus enfeebling the entire 
plant. The tree is not able to form new bark over the ruptured part, and a diseased spQt 
results. Such a plant makes but a feeble growth of poorly ripened wood, and soon dies 



160 HISTORY OF "WISCONSIN. 

altogether. Besides the above cause, the extreme cold weather occasionally experienced will kill 
healthy trees of all varieties not extremely hardy. Notwithstanding these natural obstacles, a 
good degree of success has been attained in the raising of apples and grapes. This success has 
been the result of persevering effort upon the part of the horticulturists of the state, who have 
sought the causes of failure in order that they might be removed or avoided. It is thus by intel- 
ligent observation that the fruit growers have gained the experience which brings with it a 
creditable success. The first requisite to success is the planting of varieties sufficiently hardy 
to withstand our severe winters. This has been accomplished by selecting the hardiest of the 
old varieties, and by raising seedlings, having besides hardiness, qualities sufficiently valuable to 
make them worthy of cultivation. The second requisite to success is in the selection of a situa- 
tion having suitable soil and exposure, and thirdly, proper care after planting. Among the 
hardy varieties of apples regarded with greatest favor are Tetofski, Red Astrachan, and Duchess 
of Oldenberg, all Russian varieties, and Fameuse from Canada. Besides these there are a few 
American varieties so hardy as to prove reliable in the south half of the state. Among these 
are a few seedlings that have originated in Wisconsin. Apple trees are less apt to be injured by 
the winter upon a site sloping to the northeast or north, where they are less directly exposed to 
the rays of the winter's sun. High ground is much better than low, and a good, strong, not too 
rich soil is best. Apples do better upon soils where timber originally grew than on the prairies, 
and they are grown more easily along the border of Lake Michigan than in the interior of the 
state. Pears are raised to but a slight extent, as only a few of the hardiest varieties will succeed 
at all, and these only in favorable situations. Grapes are grown in great abundance, .*nd in 
great perfection, although not of the more tender varieties. The Concord, on account of its 
hardiness and excellent bearing qualities, is cultivated most generally. Next to this comes the 
Delaware, while many other varieties, both excellent and prolific, are raised with great ease. The 
season is seldom too short to ripen the fruit well, and the only precaution necessary to protect 
the vjnes during the winter is a covering of earth or litter. Cranberries grow spontaneously 
upon many marshes in the interior of the state. Within a' few years considerable attention has 
been given to improving these marshes, and to the cultivation of this most excellent fruit. 
Doubtless within a few years the cranberry crop will be an important one among the fruit pro- 
ductions of the state. All of the small fruits adapted to this latitude are cultivated in abundance, 
and very successfully, the yield being often times exceedingly large. Altogether, the horticul- 
tural interests of the state are improving, and there is a bright prospect that in the near future 
fruit growing will not be looked upon with the disfavor with which it lias been regarded here- 
tofore. 

Of the associations for advancing the agricultural interests of the state, the first organized 
was the " State Agricultural Society." The earliest efforts to establish such an organization were 
made at Madison in December, 1846, during the session of the first constitutional convention of 
the territory. A constitution was adopted, but nothing further was done. In February, 184^ 
another meeting was held in Madison, at which it was " Resolved, That in view of the great 
importance of agriculture in the west, it is expedient to form a state agricultural society in 
Wisconsin." Another constitution was adopted, and officers were elected, but no effectual 
organization resulted from this second attempt. The "Wisconsin State Agricultural Society" — 
the present organization — had its inception in a meeting held at Madison, March 8, 1851, at 
which a committee was appointed to report a constitution and by-laws, and to nominate persons 
to fill the various offices of said society. At its organization, the society was composed of annual 
members, who paid one dollar dues each year, and of life members, who, upon the payment of 
ten dollars, were exempt from the annual contribution. The annual membership was afterward 



AGRICULTURE 161 

abolished, and in 1869 the fee constituting one a life member was raised to twenty dollars. The 
first annual fair of the society was held in Janesville, in October, 1851 Fairs have been held 
annually since, except during the years 1S61, 1862 and 1863. In 1851 premiums were paid to 
the amount of only $140, while at the present time they amount to nearly $10,000. In 1851 
there were five life members. At the present time there are over seven hundred, representing all 
the various industries of the state. The fairs held under the auspices of this society have been 
of excellent character, and have been fruitful of good to all the industries of the state, but more 
especially to the farmers. The state has been generous in aid of this society, having furnished 
commodious rooms for its use in the capitol building, printed the annual report of the secretary, 
a volume of about 500 pages, and donated annually, for many years, $2,000 toward its support. 
Besides its annual fairs, for the past five years there has been held an annual convention, under 
the auspices of this society, for the reading and discussing of papers upon topics of interest to 
farmers, and for a general interchange of ideas relating to farming. These conventions are held 
in high esteem by the better class of farmers, and have added greatly to the usefulness of the 
society. The " Wisconsin State Horticultural Society" wae originally the "Wisconsin State 
Fruit Growers' Association," which was organized in December, 1853, at Whitewater. Its 
avowed object was "the collecting, arranging, and disseminatingfacts interesting to those engaged 
in the culture of fruits, and to embody for their use the results ol the practice and experiments 
of fruit growers in all parts of the state." Exhibitions and conventions of the association were 
held annually up to 1S60, after which the society was disorganized, owing to the breaking out of 
the war of the rebellion A volume of " Transactions " was published by the association in 
1855. In 1S59 its transactions were published with those of the state agricultural society. From 
i860 to 1865 no state horticultural association was in existence. In September of the latter 
year the " Wisconsin Fruit Growers' Association " was reorganized as the "Wisconsin State Hor- 
ticultural Society."' The legislature had previously provided for the publication of the proceedings 
of suc'i a society, in connection with those of the State Agricultural Society. The new society has 
held annual exhibitions, usually in connection with those of the State Agricultural Society, and 
annual conventions for the reading of papers upon, and the discussion of, horticultural subjects. In 
187 1 an act was passed by the legislature incorporating the society, and providing for the separate 
printing of 2,000 copies annually of its transactions, of which there are now seven volumes. The 
most active, intelligent, and persevering of the horticulturists of the state are members of this 
association, and to their careful observation, to their enthusiasm and determined persistence in 
seeking means to overcome great natural difficulties, the state is largely indebted for the success 
already attained in horticulture. Besides these state associations, there are many local agricul- 
tural and horticultural societies, all of which have been useful in aiding the cause for whieh they 
were organized. Farmers' clubs and granges of the " Patrons of Husbandry " have also 
done much, both directly and indirectly, to promote the industrial interests of the state. By theiv 
frequent meetings, at which discussions are held, views compared, and experiences related, much 
valuable intelligence is gained, thought is stimulated, and the profession of farming advanced. 
As agriculture, like all kindred professions, depends upon intelligence to direct its advancement, 
all means intended to stimulate thought among farmers will, if wisely directed, aid in advancing 
this most complex of all industries. To those above named, and to other like associations, 
is in a large degree to be attributed the present favorable condition of the agriculture of 
the state. 

Wisconsin is yet, comparatively, a new State. It was mainly settled by men who had little 
moneyed capital. Markets were distant, and means of transportation poor. The early settlers had 
consequently tostruggle for a livelihood in the face of the greatest difficulties. When these opposing 



162 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

circumstances are taken into account, and the improvement in methods of culture, and changes 
from grain to stock and dairy-farming that are now being made, are given their due weight, it 
must be acknowledged that the present condition of the agriculture of the state is excellent and 
that the future of this most important industry is rich in promise of a steady, healthful growth, 
toward a completer development of all the agricultural resources of the state. 



MINERAL RESOURCES. 

By ROLAND D. IRVING, Professor of Geology, etc., at the University of 

Wisconsin. 

The useful mineral materials that occur within the limits of the state of Wisconsin, come 
under both of the two grand classes of such substances : the metallic ores, from which the 
metals ordinarily used in the arts are extracted ; and the non-metallic substances, which are used in 
the arts for the most part without any preliminary treatment, or at least undergo only a very 
partial alteration before being utilized. Of the first class are found in Wisconsin the ores of 
lead, zinc, iron and copper, besides minute traces of the precious metals; of the second class, the 
principal substances found are brick-clay, kaolin, cement-rock, limestone for burning into quick-lime, 
limestone for flux, glass sand, peat and building stone. 

LEAD AND ZINC. 

These metals are considered together because they are found occurring together in the same 
region and under exactly the same circumstances, being even obtained from the same openings. 
Lead has for many years been the most important metallic production of Wisconsin, and, together 
with zinc, whose ores have been utilized only since i860, still holds this prominent position, 
although the production is not so great as formerly. Small quantities of lead and zinc ores have 
been found in the crystalline (Archaean) rocks of the northern part of the state and in the copper- 
bearing rocks of the Lake Superior country, but there are no indications at present that these 
regions will ever produce in quantity. All of the lead and zinc obtained in Wisconsin corner 
then from that portion of the southwestern part of the state which lies west of Sugar river and 
south of the nearly east and west ridge that forms the southern side of the valley of the Wis- 
consin, from the head of Sugar river westward. This district is commonly known in Wisconsin 
as the " Lead Region,'' and forms the larger, part of the " Lead Region of the Upper Missis- 
sippi," which includes also smaller portions of Iowa and Illinois. 

Whit European first became acquainted with the deposits of lead in the uppei portion of 
valley of the Mississippi is a matter of some doubt. Charlevoix (Histoire de la Nouvelle France, 
III, 397, 398.) attributes the discovery to Nicolas Perrot, about 1692 ; and stutes that in r72i 
the deposits still bore Perrol's name. Perrot himself, however, in the only one of his writings 
that remains, makes no mention of the matter. The itinerary of Le Sueur's voyage up the 
Mississippi, 1700-1701, given in La Harpe's History of Louisiana, which was written early in 
the 18th century, shows that the former found lead on the banks of the Mississippi, not far from 



MINERAL RESOURCES. 



163 



the present southern boundary of Wisconsin, August 25, 1700. Captain Jonathan Carver, 
1766, found lead in abundance at the Blue Mounds, and found the Indians in all the country 
around in possession of masses of galena, which they had obtained as " float mineral," and 
which they were incapable of putting to any use. There is no evidence of any one mining 
before Julien Dubuque, who, 1788 to 1809, mined in the vicinity of the flourishing city which 
now bears his name. After his death in 1809 nothing more was done until 1821, when the 
attention of American citizens was first drawn to the rich lead deposits of this region. By 1827, 
the mining had become quite general and has continued to the 'present time, the maximum 
production having been reached, however, between the years 1845 and 1847. 

The following table, prepared by the late Moses Strong, shows the mineral production of 
southwestern Wisconsin for the years i860 to 1873 in pounds: 



YEARS. 


GALENA. 


SMITHSONITE. 


YEAR. 


GALENA. 


SMITHSONITE. 


BLENDE. 


i860 
lS6l 




320,000 
266,000 

1,120,000 
3.173.333 

4,igS,200 
7.373.333 


1867 
1868 
1S69 
1870 
1871 
1872 
1873 


I3S20.784 
13,869,619 
13,426,721 

13.754.159 

l3.4S4.2iO 

11,622.668 

9.9I9.734 


5.l8l,445 
4,302,383 
4.547.97I 
4.429. 585 

16,618,160 
27,021,383 
18,528,906 


841,310 

3,078.435 
6,252,420 
7,414,022 
9,303.625 
16,256,970 
15,074,664 


1862 
1863 
1864 
I865 
1866 


17,037,912 

15,105.577 
13.014,210 
14.337,895 
14,029,192 



Until within the last decade the lead mines of the Mississippi valley, including now both 
the " Upper " and the " Lower " regions — the latter one of which lies wholly within the limits of 
the state of Missouri — have far eclipsed the rest of the United States in the production of lead, 
the district being in fact one of the most important of the lead districts in the world. Of late 
years, however, these mines are far surpassed in production by the " silver-lead " mines of Utah 
and other Rocky Mountain regions, which, though worked especially for their silver, produce 
incidentally a very large amount of lead. Nevertheless, the mines of the Mississippi valley will 
long continue to be a very important source of this metal. The lead ore of the Wisconsin lead 
region is of one kind only, the sulphide known as galena, or galenite. This ore, when free from 
mechanically mingled impurities, contains 86.6 per cent, of lead, the balance being sulphur. 
Small quantities of other lead ores are occasionally found in the uppermost portions of the deposits, 
having been produced by the oxidizing influence of the atmosphere. The chief one of these 
oxidation products is the earthy carbonate known as cerussite. Galena almost always contains 
some silver, commonly enough to pay for its extraction. The Wisconsin galenas, however, are 
unusually free from silver, of which they contain only the merest trace. 

The zinc ores are of two kinds, the most abundant being the ferruginous sulphide, or the 
"black-jack " of the miners. The pure sulphide, sphalerite, contains 67 per cent, of zinc, but the 
iron-bearing variety, known minerallogically as marmatite, generally contains 10 per cent, or 
more of iron. A ferruginous variety of the carbonate, smithsonite, also occurs in abundance, and 
is known to the miners as "dry-bone," the name being suggested by the peculiar structure of the 
ore. 

Both lead and zinc ores occur in limited deposits in a series of limestone beds belonging to 
the Lower Silurian series. The lead region is underlaid by a nearly horizontal series of strata, 
with an aggregate thickness of 2,000 feet, which lie upon an irregular surface of ancient crystal- 
line rocks (gneiss, granite, etc.). The names and order of succession of the several strata are 
indicated in the following scheme, the last named being the lowest in the series : 



164 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN". 



Formation, Thlcintss. 

Niagara dolomitic limestone 300 — 300 feet. 

Cincinnati shales _ 60 — 100 " 

1 Galena dolomitic limestone 25O7- 275 " 

Lead Horizon -, Blue limestone .. __ 50 — 75 " 

I Buff dolomitic limestone . 15 — 20 " 

Lower Magnesian 1 dolomitic) limestone 250 " 

Potsdam sandstone series 800 — 1000 " 



The first two of these layers, in the Wisconsin part of the lead region, are met with onlv in a 
few isolated peaks and ridges. The prevailing surface rock is the Galena limestone, through 
which, however, the numerous streams cut in deep and narrow valleys which not unfrequently 
are carved all the way into the Lower Magnesian. 

The lead and zinc ores are entirely confined to the Galena, Blu<> ind Buff limestones, an 
aggregate vertical thickness of some 350 to 375 feet. The upper and lower strata of the series 
are entirely barren. Zinc and lead ores are found in the same kind of deposits, and often 
together, by far the larger part of the zinc ores, however, come from tne Blue and Buff limestones, 
and the lowest layers of the Galena, whilst the lead ores, though obtained throughout the whole 
thickness of the mining ground, are especially abundant in the middle and upper layers of the 
Galena beds. 

The ore deposits are of two general kinds, which may be distinguished as vertical crevices 
and flat crevices, the former being much the most common. The simplest form of the vertical 
crevice is a narrow crack in the rock, having a width of a few inches, an extension laterally from 
a few yards to several hundred feet, and a vertical height of 20 to 40 feet, thinning out to noth- 
ing in all directions, and filled from side to side with highly crystalline, brilliant, large-surfaced 
galena, which has no accompanying metallic mineral, or gangue matter. Occasionally the vertical 
extension exceeds a hundred feet, and sometimes a number of these sheets are close together 
and can be mined as one. Much more commonly the vertical crevice shows irregular expan- 
sions, which are sometimes large caves, or openings in certain layers, the crevice between retain- 
ing its normal character, while in other cases the expansion affects the whole crevice, occasion- 
ally widening it throughout into one large opening. These openings are rarely entirely filled, 
and commonly contain a loose, disintegrated rock, in which the galena lies loose in large masses, 
though often adhering to the sides of the cavity in large stalactites, or in cubical crystals. The 
vertical crevices show a very distinct arrangement parallel with one another, there being two 
systems, which roughly trend east and west, and north and south. The east and west crevices are 
far the most abundant and most productive of ore. The vertical crevices are confined nearly 
altogether to the upper and middle portions of the Galena, and are not productive of zinc ores. 
They are evidently merely the parallel joint cracks which affect every great rock formation, filled 
by chemical action with the lead ore. The crevices with openings have evidently been enlarged 
by the solvent power of atmospheric water carrying carbonic acid, and from the way in which the 
ore occurs loose in the cavities, it is evident that this solving action has often been subsequent 
to the first deposition of lead ore in the crevice. 

The "flat crevices,"" flat sheets," and "flat openings." are analogous to the deposits just 
described, but have, as indicated by the names, a horizontal position, being characteristic of 
certain layers, which have evidently been more susceptible to chemical action than otiiers, the 
dissolving waters having, moreover, been directed along them by less pervious layers above and 
below. The flat openings differ from the vertical crevices also, in having associated with the 



MINERAL RESOURCES. 165 

galena much of either the black-jack or dry-bone zinc ores, or both, the galena not unfrequently 
being entirely wanting. Cleavable calcite also accompanies the ores in these openings in large 
quantities, and the same is true of the sulphide of iron, which ii the variety known as marcasite. 
These materials have sometimes a symmetrical arrangement on the bottom and top of the open- 
ing, the central portion being empty. The flat openings characterize the Blue and Buff and 
lower Galena beds, and from them nearly all the zinc ore is obtained. 

It is not possible, in the limits of this short papei, even to mention the various mining 
districts. It may merely be said that the amount of galena raised from single crevices has often 
been several hundred thousand, or even over a million pounds, and that one of the principal 
mining districts is in the vicinity of .Mineral Point, where there are two furnaces constantly 
engaged in smelting. Between the years 1S62 and 1873, these two establishments have produced 
23,903,260 pounds of metallic lead, or an average of 1,991,938 pounds, the maximum being, in 
1869, 2,532,710 pounds, the minimum, in 1873, i,5iS,S8S pounds. 

The zinc ores were formerly rejected as useless, and have only been utilized since i860. An 
attempt to smelt them at Mineral Point was not successful, because the amount needed of fuel 
and clav. both of which have to come from a distance, exceeding even the amount of ore used, 
caused a very heavy expense for transportation. The ores are therefore now taken altogether to 
LaSalle, Illinois, where they meet the fuel and clay, and the industry at that place has become 
a flourishing one. The amount of zinc ore in the Wisconsin lead region is, beyond doubt, very 
great, and will be a source of wealth for a long time to come. 

Since the ores of zinc and lead in this region are confined to such a small thickness of strata 
greatly eroded by the atmospheric waters, the entire thickness having frequently been removed, 
it becomes a matter of great importance to know how much of the mining ground remains at 
every point throughout the district. The very excellent topographico-geological maps of the 
region, made by Mr. Moses Strong, and since published by the State in the Report of the 
Geological Survey, make this knowledge accessible to all. 

IRON. 

Iron mining in Wisconsin is yet in its infancy, although some important deposits are 
producing a considerable quantity of ore. A number of blast furnaces have sprung up in the 
eastern part of the state, but these smelt Michigan ores almost entirely. Much remains yet to 
be done in the way of exploration, for the most promising iron fields are in the heavily timbered 
and unsettled regions of the north part of the state, and are as yet imperfectly known. It 
appears probable, however, that iron ores will, in the near future, be the most important mineral 
production of Wisconsin. The several ores will be noted in the order of their present im- 
portance. 

Red Hematites. 

The iron in these ores exists as an anhydrous sesquioxide, which is, however, in an earthy 
condition, and entirely without the brilliant metallic luster that characterizes the specular hema- 
tites. Pure hematite contains seventy per cent, of metallic iron, but the red hematites, as mined, 
are always so largely mingled with mechanical impurities that they rarely contain more than fifty 
per cent. The most important red hematite mined in Wisconsin is that known as the Clinton iron 
ore, the name coming from the formation in which the ore occurs. This formation is a member 
of the Upper Silurian series, and is named from a locality in Oneida county, New York, where it 
was first recognized. Associated with its rocks, which are limestones and shales, is con- 
stantly found a peculiar red hematite, which is so persistent in its characters, both physical and 



16(3 HISTORY <>K WISCONSIN. 

and chemical, that one familiar with it from any one locality can hardly fail to recognize it when 
coming from others. The iron produced from it is always '"cold-short," on account of the large 
content of phosphorus; but, mingled with siliceous ores free from phosphorus, it yields always 
a most excellent foundry iron. It is mined at numerous points from New York to Tennessee, 
and at some points reaches a very great total thickness. In Wisconsin the Clinton rocks merge 
into the great Niagara limestone series of the eastern part of the state, but at the bottom of the 
series, in a few places, the Clinton ore is found immediately overlying the Cincinnati shales. The 
most important locality is that known as Iron Ridge, on sections twelve and thirteen in the town 
of Hubbard, in Dodge county. Here a north-and-south ledge of Niagara limestone overlooks lower 
land to the west. Underneath, at the foot of the ridge, is the ore bed, fifteen to eighteen feet in 
thickness, consisting of horizontally bedded ore, in layers three to fourteen inches thick. The 
ore has a concretionary structure, being composed of lenticular grains, one twenty-fifth of an inch 
in diameter, but the top layer is without this structure, having a dark purplish color, and in places 
a slight metallic appearance. Much of the lower ore is somewhat hydrated. Three quarters of 
a mile north of Iron Ridge, at Mayville, there is a total thickness of as much as forty feet. 
According to Mr. E. T. Sweet, the percentages of the several constituents of the Iron Ridge ore 
are as follows: iron peroxide, 66.38; carbonate of lime, 10.42; carbonate of magnesia, 2.79; 
silica, 4.72; alumina, 5.54; manganese oxide, 0.44; sulphur, 0.23 ; phosphoric acid, 0.73; water, 
•8.75 = 100: metallic iron, 46.66. 

Two small charcoal furnaces at Mayville and Iron Ridge smelt a considerable quantity of 
these ores alone, producing an iron very rich in phosphorus. An analysis of the Mayville pig 
iron, also by Mr. Sweet, shows the following composition: iron, 95.784 per cent; phosphorus, 
1.675 : carbon, 0.849; silicon, 0.108 = 100.286. The average furnace yield of the ore is forty- 
five per cent. By far the larger part of the ore, however, is sent away to mingle with other ores. 
It goes to Chicago, Joliet and Springfield, III., St. Louis, Mo., Wyandotte and Jackson, Mich., 
and Appleton, Green Hay and Milwaukee, Wis. In 1872, the Iron Ridge mines yielded 82,371 
tons. The Clinton ore is found at other places farther north along the outcrop of the base of 
the Niagara formation in Wisconsin, but no one of these appears to promise any great quantity 
of good ore. Red hematite is found at numerous places in Wisconsin, highly charging certain 
layers of the Potsdam sandstone series, the lowest one of the horizontal Wisconsin formations. 
In the eastern part of the town of Westfield, Sauk county, the iron ore excludes the sandstone, 
forming an excellent ore. No developments have been made in this district, so that the size of 
the deposit is not definitely known. 

Brown Hematites. 

These ores contain their iron as the hydrated, or brown, sesquioxide, which, when pure, 
has about sixty per cent, of the metal ; the ordinary brown hematites, however, seldom 
contain over forty per cent. Bog iron ore, a porous brown hematite that forms by deposi- 
tion from the water of bogs, occurs somewhat widely scattered underneath the large marshes of 
Portage, Wood and Juneau counties. Very excellent bog ore, containing nearly 50 per cent, of 
iron, is found near Necedah, Juneau county, and near Grand Rapids, Wood county, but the 
amount obtainable is not definitely known. The Necedah ore contains: silica, 8.52 ; alumina, 
3.77; iron peroxide, 71.40; manganese oxide, 0.27; lime, 0.58; magnesia, trace; phosphoric 
acid, 0.21; sulphur, 0.02; organic matter, 1.62; water, 13.46=99.85, metallic iron, 49.98 — 
according to Mr. E. T. Sweet's analysis. An ore from section 34, tup. 23, range 6 east, Wood 
county, yielded, to Mr. Oliver Matthews, silica, 4.81 ; alumina, 1.00; iron peroxide, 73.23 ; lime, 
0.1 1, magnesia, 0.25; sulphuric acid, 0.07 ; phosphoric acid, o. 10 ; organic matter, 5.88; water, 



MINERAL RESOURCES. 167 

14.24; =99.69: metallic iron, 51.26. 

Brown hematite, mingled with more or less red ore, occurs also in some quantity filling cracks 
and irregular cavities in certain portions of the Potsdam series in northwestern Sauk county and 
the adjoining portion of Richland. A small charcoal furnace has been in operation on this ore 
at Ironton, Sauk county, for a number of years, and recently another one has been erected at 
Cazenovia in the same district. * 

Magnetic Ores and Specular Hematites. 

These are taken together here, because their geological occurrence is the same, the two ores 
occurring not only in the same group of rocks, but even intimately mingled with one another. 
These ores are not now produced in Wisconsin; but it is quite probable that they may before 
many years become its principal mineral production. In magnetic iron ore, the iron is in the 
shape of the mineral magnetite, an oxide of iron containing 72 4 per cent of iron when pure, and 
this is the highest percentage of iron that any ore can ever have. Specular hematite is the same 
as red hematite, but is crystalline, has a bright, metallic luster, and a considerable hardness. As 
mined the richest magnetic and specular ores rarely run over 65 per cent., while in most regions 
where they are mined they commonly do not reach 50 per cent. The amount of rich ores of this 
kind in the northern peninsula of Michigan is so great, however, that an ore with less than 50 per 
cent, finds no sale; and the same must be true in the adjoining states. So largely does this mat- 
ter of richness affect the value of an ore, that an owner of a mine of 45 per cent. " hard " ore in Wis- 
consin would find it cheaper to import and smelt Michigan 65 per cent, ore, than to smelt his own, 
even if his furnace and mine were side by side. 

The specular and magnetic ores of Wisconsin occur in two districts — the Penokee iron dis- 
trict, ten to twenty miles south of Lake Superior, in Bayfield, Ashland and Lincoln counties, and 
the Menomonee iron district, near the head waters of the Menomonee river, in township 40,. 
ranges 17 and 18 east, Oconto county. Specular iron in veins and nests is found in small quan- 
tities with the quartz rocks of the Baraboo valley, Sauk county, and Necedah, Juneau county; 
and very large quantities of a peculiar quartz-schist, charged with more or less of the magnetic 
and specular iron oxides, occur in the vicinity of Black River Falls, Jackson county ; but in none 
of these places is there any promise of the existence of valuable ore. 

In the Penokee and Menomonee regions, the iron ores occur in a series of slaty and 
quartzose rocks known to geologists as the Haronian series. The rocks of these districts are 
really the extensions westward of a great rock series, which in the northern Michigan peninsula 
contains the rich iron ores that have made that region so famous. In position, this rock series 
may be likened to a great elongated parabola, the head of which is in the Marquette iron district 
and the two ends in the Penokee and Menomonee regions of Wisconsin. In all of its extent, this 
rock series holds great beds of lean magnetic and specular ores. These contain large quantities 
of quartz, which, from its great hardness, renders them very resistant to the action of atmospheric 
erosion. As a result, these lean ores are found forming high and bold ridges. Such ridges of 
lean ores have deceived many explorers, and not a few geologists. In the same rock series, for 
the most part occupying portions of a higher layer, are found, however, ores of extraordinary 
richness and purity, which, from their comparative softness, very rarely outcrop. The existence 
in quantity of these very rich ores in the Menomonee region has been definitely proven. One 
deposit, laid open during the Summer of 1877, shows a width of over 150 feet of first class 
specular ore ; and exceeding in size the greatest of the famous deposits of Michigan. In the 
Penokee region, however, though the indications are favorable, the existence of the richer 
-ores is as yet an inference only. The Penokee range itself is a wonderful development of 



168 HISTOBYOF WISCONSIN. 

lean ore, which forms a continuous belt several hundred feet in width and over thirty miles in 
length. Occasionally portions of this belt are richer than the rest, and become almost merchant- 
able ores. The probability is, however, that the rich ores of this region will be found in the 
lower country immediately north of the Penokee range, where the rocks are buried beneath 
heavy accumulations of drift material. 

Copper. 

The only copper ore at present raised in Wisconsin is obtained near Mineral Point, in the 
lead region of the southwestern part of the state, where small quantities of chalcopy rite, the yellow 
sulphide of copper and iron, are obtained from pockets and limited crevices in the Galena lime- 
stone. Copper pyrites is known to occur in this way throughout the lead region, but it does not 
appear that the quantity at any point is sufficient to warrant exploration. 

Copper occurs also in the northernmost portions of Wisconsin; where it is found under alto- 
gether different circumstances. The great copper-bearing series of rocks of Keweenaw point and 
Isle Royale stretch southwestward into and entirely across the state of Wisconsin, in two parallel 
belts. One of these belts enters Wisconsin at the mouth of the Montreal river, and immediately 
leaving the shore of Lake Superior, crosses Ashland and Bayfield counties, and then widening 
greatly, occupies a large area in Douglas, St. Croix, Barron and Chippewa counties. The other 
belt forms the backbone of the Bayfield peninsula, and crosses the northern part of Douglas 
county, forming a bold ridge, to the Minnesota line. The rocks of this great series appear to 
be for the most part of igneous origin, but they are distinctly bedded, and even interstratified 
with sandstone, shales, and coarse boulder-conglomerate, the whole series having generally a 
tilted position. In veins crossing the rock-beds, and scattered also promiscuously through the 
layers of both conglomerates and igneous rocks, pure metallic copper in fine flakes is often 
found. Mining on a small scale has been attempted at numbers of points where the rivers 
Rowing northward into Lake Superior make gorges across the rock series, but at none of them 
has sufficient work been done to prove or disprove the existence of copper in paying quantity. 

Colu am> Silver. 

Small traces of gold have been detected by the writer in quartz from the crystalline rocks 
of Clark county, but there is no probability that any quantity of this metal will ever be found in 
the state. Traces of silver have also been found in certain layers of the copper series in Ash- 
land county. Judging from the occurrence of silver in the same series not far to the east in 
Michigan, it seems not improbable that this metal may be found also in Wisconsin. 

Brick ('lavs. 

These constitute a very important resource in Wisconsin. Extending inland for many miles 
the shores of Lakes Michigan and Superior are stratified beds of clay of lacustrine origin, 
having been deposited by the lakes when greatly expanded beyond their present sizes. All of 
these clays are characterized by the presence of a large amount of carbonate of lime. Along 
i - rior they have not yet been utilized, but all through the belt of country bordering 

Lake Michigan they are dug and burned, fully 50,000,000 bricks being made annually in this 
\ large proportion of these bricks are white or cream-colored, and these are widely 
known under the name of '' Milwaukee brick," though by no means altogether made at Mil- 
waukee < itlurs are ordinary red brick. The difference between the light-colored and red 
bricks is ordinarily attributed to the greater amount of iron in the clay from whii h the latter are 



MIXERAL RESOURCES. 



109 



burned, but it has been shown by Mr. E. T Sweet that the white bricks are burned from clay 
which often contains more iron than that from which the red bricks are made, but which also 
contains a very large amont of carbonate of lime. The following analyses show (i) the compo- 
sition of the clay from which cream-colored brick are burned at Milwaukee, (2) the composition 
of a red-brick clay from near Madison, and (3) the composition of the unutilized clay from 
Ashland, Lake Superior. Nos. 1 and 2 are by Mr. E. T. Sweet, No. 3 by Professor W. W. 
Daniells : 





(1) 


(2) 


(3) 




(1) 


(2) 


(3) 




3S-22 

975 

2.84 

1. 16 

16.23 

7-54 
18.50 


75.80 

11.07 

3-53 
0.31 I 

1.S4 [ 
.08 ) 
1.09 


5S.0S 

25.38 

4-44 

8.30 


Potash 


2.16 
0.65 
0-95 
1.85 


1-74 
0.40 

1-54 
2.16 










Iron peroxide 

Iron protoxide. .- 




[ 4-og 


Moisture 

Totals 


Magnesia. 


99-85 


99-56 


100.19 









At Milwaukee 24,000,000 cream-colored brick are made annually; at Racine, 3,500,000 ; at 
Appleton and Menasha, 1,800,000 each; at Neenah, 1,600,000; at Clifton, 1,700,000; at Wat- 
erloo, 1,600,000; and in smaller quantities at Jefferson, Ft. Atkinson, Edgerton, Whitewater, 
Geneva, Ozaukee, Sheboygan Falls, Manitowoc, Kewaunee, and other places. In most cases the 
cream-colored bricks are made from a bright-red clay, although occasionally the clay is light- 
colored. At Whitewater and other places tile and pottery are also made from this clay. 

Although these lacustrine clays are much the most important in Wisconsin, excellent brick 
clays are also found in the interior of the state. In numbers of places along the Yahara valley, 
in Dane county, an excellent stratified clay occurs. At Madison this is burned to a red brick ; at 
Stoughton and Oregon to a fine cream-colored brick. At Platteville, Lancaster, and other points 
in the southwestern part of the state, red bricks are made from clays found in the vicinity. 



Kaolin (Porcelain -Clay — Fire - Clay). 

The word "kaolin*" is applied by geologists to a clay-like material which is used in making 
chinaware in this country and in Europe. The word is of Chinese origin, and is applied by the 
Chinese to the substance from which the famous porcelain of China is made. Its application to 
the European porcelain-c/dr was made under the mistaken idea — one which has prevailed among 
scientists until very recently — that the Chinese material is the same as the European. This we 
now know to be an error, the Chinese and Japanese wares being both made altogether from a 
solid rock. 

True kaolin, using the word in its European sense, is unlike other ordinary clays, in being 
the result of the disintegration of felspathic crystalline rocks "in place,"' that is without being 
removed from the place of its first formation. The base of kaolin is a mineral known as kaolinite, a 
compound of silica, alumina and water, which results from a change or decay of the felspar of 
felspar-bearing rocks. Felspar contains silica, aliimina, and soda or potash, or both. By perco- 
lation through the rocks of surface water carrying carbonic acid, the potash and soda are 
removed and kaolinite results. Mingled with the kaolinite are, however, always the other ingre- 
dients of the rock, quartz, mica, etc., and also always some undecomposed, or only partly decom- 
posed felspar. These foreign ingredients can all, however, be more or less perfectly removed by 
a system of levigation, when a pure white clay results, composed almost wholly of the scales of 



170 



JIISToKY OF WISCONSIN. 



the mineral kaolinite. Prepared in this way the kaolin has a high value as a refractory material, 
and for forming the base of fine porcelain wares. 

The crystalline rocks, which, by decomposition, would produce a kaolin, are widely spread 
over the northern part of Wisconsin ; but over the most of the region occupied by them there is no 
sign of the existence of kaolin, the softened rock having apparently been removed by glacial 
action. In a belt of country, however, which extends from Grand Rapids on the Wisconsin, 
westward to Black river, in Jackson county, the drift is insignificant or entirely absent; the glacial 
forces have not acted, and the crystalline rocks are, or once were, overlaid by sandstone, along 
whose line of junction with the underlying formation numerous water-courses have existed, the 
result being an unusual amount of disintegration. Here we find, in the beds of the Wisconsin, 
Yellow, and Black rivers, large exposures of crystalline rocks, which between the rivers 
are overlaid by sandstone. The crystalline rocks are in distinct layers, tilted at high angles, 
and in numerous places decomposed into a soft white kaolin. Inasmuch as these layers 
strike across the country in long, straight lines, patches of kaolin are found ranging 
themselves into similar lines. The kaolin patches are most abundant on the Wisconsin 
in the vicinity of the city of Grand Rapids, in Wood county. They vary greatly in size, 
one deposit even varying from a fraction of an inch to a number of feet in thickness. 
The kaolin varies, also, greatly in character, some being quite impure and easily fusible 
from a large content of iron oxide or from partial decomposition only, while much of it is very 
pure and refractory. There is no doubt, however, that a large amount of kaolin exists in this 
region, and that by selection and levigation an excellent material may be obtained, which, by 
mingling with powdered quartz, may be made to yield a fire-brick of unusual refractoriness, and 
which may even be employed in making fine porcelain ware. 

The following table gives the composition of the raw clay, the fine clay obtained from it by 
levigation, and the coarse residue from the same operation, the sample having been taken from 
the opening on the land of Mr. C. B. Garrison, section 5, town 22, range 6 east, Wood county : 





RAW CLAY. 


LI VIGATION PRODUCTS. 




RAW CLAY. 


LEVIG ITION PRODUCTS 




iini CLAY. 


COARSE 
RESIDUE. 


1 INK CLAY. 


< - - \K--F. 

RESIDUE. 




78.83 

13-43 
0.74 
0.64 
0.07 
0.37 


4994 

3680 

O.72 

trace 

O.51 


92.86 

'208 

0-74 
O.96 

0.10 ; 

0.28 


Soda . . ... 

Carbonic Acid 

Water 

Totals 


0.0.7 
OOI 

5-45 


O.08 

II.62 


O.05 




Iron peroxide 


»-S3 


99.60 


99.67 


99.60 


Potash 







Cement - !<•» k. 



Certain layers of the Lower Magnesian limestone, as at Ripon, and other points in the east- 
ern part of the state, are known to produce a lime which has in some degree the hydraulic 
property, and the same is true of certain layers of the Blue limestone of the Trenton group, in 
the southwestern part of the state ; the most valuable material of this kind, however, that is as yet 
known to exist in Wisconsin, is found near Milwaukee, and lias become very recently somewhat 
widely known as the " Milwaukee " < ement-rock. This rock belongs to the Hamilton formation, 
and is found near the Washington street bridge, at Brown Deer, on the lake shore at Whitefish 



MINERAL RESOURCES. 



171 



bay, and at other points in the immediate vicinity of Milwaukee. The quantity attainable is 
large, and a very elaborate series of tests by D. J. Whittemore, chief engineer of the Milwau- 
kee and St. Paul railroad, shows that the cement made from it exceeds all native and foreign 
cements in strength, except the famous English " Portland " cement. The following are 
three analyses of the rock from different points, and they show that it has a very constant 
composition : 





I. 


2. 


3- 




45-54 
32.46 
17.56 . 

I.41 

3-03 

100.00 


4S.29 

29.19 

17.36 

1.40 

224 


. 

41.34 

34.88 

16.99 

5.00 


Carbonate of Magnesia 






1.79 




Totals 


9S.68 


100.00 







Limestone for Making Quick -lime. 

I 

Quick-lime is made from all of the great limestone formations of Wisconsin, but more is 
burnt from the Lower Magnesian and Niagara formations, than from the others. The Lower 
Magnesian yields a very strong mortar, but the lime burned from it is not very white. It is burned 
largely in the region about Madison, one of the largest quarries being on the south line of section 
33 of that town, where some 20,000 bushels are produced annually, in two kilns. The lime from 
this place has a considerable local reputation under the name of "Madison lime." The Trenton 
limestone is burned at a few points, but yields an inferior lime. The Galena is not very generally 
burned, but yields a better lime than the Trenton. In the region about Watertown and White- 
water, some 40,000 to 50,000 barrels are made annually from this formation. 

The Niagara, however, is the great lime furnisher of the northwest. From its purity it is 
adapted to the making of a most admirable lime. It is burned on a large scale at numbers of 
points in the eastern part of the state, among which may be mentioned, Pellon's kilns, Pewau- 
kee, where 12,000 barrels are made weekly and shipped to Chicago, Grand Haven, Des Moines, 
etc.; and Holick & Son's kilns, Racine, which yield 60,000 to 75,000 barrels annually. A total 
ot about 400,000 barrels is annually made from the Niagara formation in eastern Wisconsin. 



Limestone for Flux in Iron Smelting. 

The limestones of Wisconsin are rarely used as a flux, because of their prevalent magnesian 
character. The stone from Schoonmaker's quarry, near Milwaukee, is used at the Bay View 
iron works, and is one of the few cases. TheTe are certain layers, however, in the Trenton lime- 
stone, widely spread over the southern part of the state, which are non-magnesian, and frequently 
sufficiently free from earthy impurities to be used as a flux. These layers deserve the attention 
of the iron masters of the state. 

Glass Sand. 

Much of the St. Peter's sandstone is a purely siliceous, loose, white sand, well adapted to 
the making of glass. It is now being put to this use at points in the eastern part of the state. 



17:2 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN 



Peat. 

Peat exists in large quantities and of good quality underneath the numerous marshes of the 
eastern and central parts of the state. Whether it can be utilized in the future as a fuel, will 
depend altogether upon the cost of its preparation, which will have to be very low in order that 
it may compete with superior fuels. As a fertilizer, peat has always a great value, and requires 
no •irelimmaiy treatment. 

Building Stones. 

All the rocky formations of Wisconsin are used in building, and even the briefest synopsis 
of the subject of the building stones of the state, would exceed the limits of this paper. A few 
of the more prominent kinds only are mentioned. 

Granite occurs in protruding masses, and also grading into gneiss, in the northern portions 
of the state, at numerous points. In many places on the Wisconsin, Yellow, and Black rivers, 
and especially at Big Bull Falls, Yellow river, red granites of extraordinary beauty and value 
occur. These are not yet utilized, but will in the future have a high value. 

The handsomest and most valuable sandstone found in Wisconsin, is that which extends 
along the shore of Lake Superior, from the Michigan to the Minnesota iine, and which forms the 
basement rock of the Apostle islands. On one of these islands a very large quarry is opened, 
from which are taken masses of almost any size, of a very close-grained, uniform, dark brown 
stone, which has been shipped largely to Chicago and Milwaukee. At the latter place, the well 
known court house is built of this stone. An equally good stone can be obtained from the neigh- 
boring islands, and from points on the mainland. A very good white to brown, indurated sand- 
stone is obtained from the middle portions of the Potsdam series, at Stevens Point, Portage 
county; near,Grand Rapids, Wood county; at Black River Falls, Jackson county; at Packwau- 
kee, Marquette county; near Wautoma, Waushara county ; and at several points in the Baraboo 
valley, Sauk county. A good buff-colored, calcareous sandstone is quarried and used largely in 
the vicinity of Madison, from the uppermost layers of the Potsdam series. 

All of the limestone formations of the state are quarried for building stone. A layer known 
locally as the " Mendota" limestone, included in the upper layers of the Potsdam series, yields a 
very evenly bedded, yellow, fine-grained rock, which is largely quarried along the valley of the 
lower Wisconsin, and also in the country about Madison. In the town of Westport, Dane 
county, a handsome, fine-grained, cream-colored limestone is obtained from the Lower Magne- 
sian. The Trenton limestone yields an evenly bedded, thin stone, which is frequently used for 
laying in wall. The Galena and Niagara are also utilized, and the latter is capable, in much of 
the eastern part of the state, of furnishing a durable, easily dressed, compact, white stone. 

In preparing this paper, I have made use of Professor Whitney's " Metallic Wealth of the 
United States." and " Report on the Geology of the Lead Region;" of the advance sheets of 
Volume II of the Reports of the State Geological Survey, including Professor T. C. Chamberlin's 
Report on the Geology of Eastern Wisconsin, my own Report on the Geology of Central Wisconsin, 
and Mr. Strong's Report on the Geology of the Lead Region ; Mr. E. T. Sweet's account of the 
mineral exhibit of the state at the Centennial Exposition. ; and of my unpublished reports on the 
geology of the counties bordering Lake Superior. 



WISCONSIN RAILROADS. 

By Hon. H. H. GILES. 

The territory of Wisconsin offered great advantages to emigrants. Explorers had published 
accounts of the wonderful fertility of its soil, the wealth of its broad prairies and forest openings, 
and the beauty of its lakes and rivers. Being reached from the older states by way of the lakes 
and easily accessible by a long line of lake coast, the hardships incident to weeks of land travel 
were avoided. Previous to 1S36 but few settlements had been made in that part of the 
then territory of Michigan, that year organized into the territory of Wisconsin, except 
as mining camps in the southwestern part, and scattered settlers in the vicinity of the 
trading posts and military stations. From that time on, with the hope of improving their condi- 
tion, thousands of the enterprising yeomanry of New England, New York and Ohio started for 
the land of promise. Germans, Scandinavians and other nationalities, attracted by the glowing 
accounts sent abroad, crossed the ocean on their way to the new world; steamers and sail-craft 
laden with families, and their household goods left Buffalo and other lake ports, all bound for 
the new Eldorado. It may be doubted if in the history of the world any country was ever peo- 
pled with the rapidity of southern and eastern Wisconsin. Its population in 1840 was 30,749; 
in 1850,304,756; in i860, 773,693; in 1S70, 1,051,351; in 1S75, 1,236,729. With the develop- 
ment of the agricultural resources of the new territory, grain raising became the most prominent 
interest, and as the settlements extended back from the lake shore the difficulties of transporta- 
tion of the products of the soil were seriously felt. The expense incurred in moving a load of 
produce seventy or eighty miles to a market town on the lake shore frequently exceeded the gross 
sum obtained for the same. All goods, wares and merchandise, and most of the lumber used 
must also be hauled by teams from Lake Michigan. Many of our early settlers still retain 
vivid recollections of trying experiences in the Milwaukee woods and other sections bordering 
on the lake shore, from the south line of the state to Manitowoc and Sheboygan. To meet the 
great want — better facilities for transportation — a valuable land grant was obtained from 
congress, in 1838, to aid in building a canal from Milwaukee to Rock river The company which 
was organized to construct it, built a dam across Milwaukee river and a short section of the canal ; 
then the work stopped and the plan was finally abandoned. It was early seen that to satisfy the 
requirements of the people, railroads, as the most feasable means of communication within 
their reach, were an indispensable necessity. 

Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 

Between the years 1838 and 1841, the territorial legislature of Wisconsin chartered several 
railroad companies, but with the exception of the "Milwaukee & Waukesha Railroad Company,'' 
incorporated in 1847, none of the corporations thus created took any particular shape. The 
commissioners named in its charter met November 23, 1847, and elected a president, Dr. L. W. 
Weeks, and a secretary, A. W. Randall (afterward governor of Wisconsin). On the first Monday 
of February, 1848, they opened books of subscription. The charter of the company provided 



174 HISTORY OF Wiscoxsix. 

that $100,000 should be subscribed and five percent, thereof paid in before the company should 
fullv organize as a corporation. The country was new. There were plenty of active, energetic 
men, but money to build railroads was scarce, and not until April 5, 1849, was the necessary 
subscription raised and percentage paid. A board of directors was elected on the 10th day of 
May, and Byron Kilbourn chosen president. The charter had been previously amended, in 1848, 
authorizing the company to build a road to the Mississippi river, in Grant county, and in 1850, 
its name was changed to the " Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad Company." After the company 
was fully organized, active measures were taken to push the enterprise forward to completion. 
The city of Milwaukee loaned its credit, and in 185 1 the pioneer Wisconsin railroad reached 
Waukesha, twenty miles out from Milwaukee. In the spring of 1S52, Edward H. Broadhead, a 
prominent engineer, from from the state of New York, was put in charge of the work as chief 
engineer and superintendent. Under his able and energetic administration the road was pushed 
forward in 1852 to Milton, in 1853 to Stoughton, in 1854 to Madison, and in 1856 to the Mis- 
sissippi river, at Prairie du Chien. In 185 1 John Catlin of Madison, was elected president 
in place of Kilbourn. 

The proposed length of this article will not admit of any detailed statement of the trials, 
struggles and triumphs of the men who projected, and finally carried across the state, from the 
lake to the river, this first Wisconsin railroad. Mitchell, Kilbourn, Holton, Tweedy, Catlin, 
Walker, Broadhead, Crocker and many others, deserve to be remembered by our people as bene- 
factors of the state. In 1859 and 1S60, the company defaulted in the payment of the interest on 
its bonds. A foreclosure was made and a new company, called the " Milwaukee & Prairie du 
Chien," took its place, succeeding to all its rights and property. 

The "Southern Wisconsin Railway Company" was chartered in 1S52, and authorized to build 
a road from Milton to the Mississippi river. When the Milwaukee and Mississippi road reached 
Milton in 1852, it was not authorized by its charter to go to Janesville, but, under the charter of 
the Southern Wisconsin, a company was organized that built the eight miles to Janesville in 1853. 
Under a subsequent amendment to the charter, the Milwaukee and Mississippi company was 
authorized to build from Milton to the Mississippi river. The Janesville branch was then 
purchased and extended to Monroe, a distance of about thirty-four miles, or forty-two miles west 
of Milton. Surveys were made and a line located west of Monroe to the river. The people of 
La Fayette and Grant counties have often been encouraged to expect a direct railroad communi- 
cation with the city of Milwaukee. Other and more important interests, at least so considered 
by the railroad company, have delayed the execution of the original plan, and the road through 
the counties mentioned still remains unbuilt. 

The " LaCrosse & Milwaukee Railroad Company " was chartered in 1852, to construct a road 
from LaCrosse to Milwaukee. During the year in which the charter was obtained, the company 
was organized, and the first meeting of the commissioners held at LaCrosse. Among its pro- 
jectors were Byron Kilbourn and Moses M. Strong. Kilbourn was elected its first president. 
No work was done upon this line until after its consolidation with the " Milwaukee, Fond du Lac 
& Green Bay Railroad Company" in 1854. The latter company was chartered in 1853, to build a 
road from Milwaukee via West Bend to Fond du Lac and Green Bay. It organized in the spring of 
1853, and at once commenced active operations under the supervision of James Kneeland, its 
first president. The city of Milwaukee loaned its credit for $200,000, and gave city bonds. The 
company secured depot grounds in Milwaukee, and did considerable grading for the first twenty- 
five miles out. Becoming embarrassed in January, 1854, the Milwaukee, Fond du Lac & Green 
Bay consolidated with the LaCrosse & Milwaukee company. Work was at once resumed on 
the partially graded line. In 1855 the road was completed to Horicon, fifty miles. 



WISCONSIN RAILROADS. 175 

The Milwaukee & Watertown company was chartered in 1851, to build from Milwaukee to 
Watertown. It soon organized, and began the construction of its line from Brookfield, fourteen 
miles west of Milwaukee, and a point on the Milwaukee & Mississippi road leading through 
Oconomowoc to Watertown. The charter contained a provision that the company might extend 
its road by way of Portage to La Crosse. It reached Watertown in 1856, and was consolidated 
with the LaCrosse & Milwaukee road in the autumn of the same year. 

In the spring of 1856 congress made a grant of land to the state of Wisconsin, to aid in the 
building of a railroad from Madison, or Columbus, via Portage City, to the St. Croix river or 
lake, between townships 25 and 31. and from thence to the west end of Lake Superior, and to 
Bayfield. An adjourned session of the Wisconsin legislature met on September 3 of that year, 
to dispose of the grant. The disposal of this grant had been generally discussed by the press, 
and the public sentiment of the state seemed to tend toward its bestowal upon a new company. 
There is little doubt but that this was also the sentiment of a large majority of the members of 
both houses when the session commenced. When a new company was proposed a joint com- 
mittee of twenty from the senate and assembly was appointed to prepare a bill, conferring the 
grant upon a company to be created by the bill itself. The work of the committee proceeded 
harmoniously until the question of who should be corporators was to be acted upon, when a 
difference of opinion was found to exist, and one that proved difficult to harmonize. In the mean- 
time the LaCrosse and Watertown companies had consolidated, and a sufficient number of the 
members of both houses were "propitiated" by " pecuniary compliments" to induce them to 
pass the bill, conferring the so called St. Croix grant upon the LaCrosse & Milwaukee railroad 
company. The vote in the assembly in the passage of the bill was, ayes 62, noes 7. In the senate 
it stood, ayes 17, noes 7. 

At the session of the legislature of 1858 a committee was raised to investigate the matter, 
and their report demonstrated that bonds were set apart for all who voted for the LaCrosse bill; 
to members of assembly $5,000 each, and members of senate $10,000 each. A few months 
after the close of the legislative sesssion of 1856 the land grant bonds of the LaCrosse road 
became worthless. Neither the LaCrosse company nor its successors ever received any portion 
of the lands granted to the state. During the year 1857 the LaCrosse company completed its 
line of road through Portage City to LaCrosse, and its Watertown line to Columbus. 

The "Milwaukee & Horicon Railroad Company" was chartered in 1852. Between the 
years 1855 and 1857 it built through Waupun and Ripon to Berlin, a distance of forty-two miles. 
It was, in effect, controlled by the LaCrosse & Milwaukee company, although built as a separate 
branch. This line was subsequently merged in the LaCrosse company, and is now a part of the 
northern division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. 

The " Madison, Fond du Lac & Lake Michigan Railroad Company" was chartered in 1855, 
to build a road from Madison via Fond du Lac to Lake Michigan. In 1857 it bought of the 
LaCrosse company that portion of its road acquired by consolidation with the Milwaukee & 
Watertown company. Its name was then changed to " Milwaukee &: Western Railroad Com- 
pany." It owned a line of road from Brookfield to Watertown, and branches from the latter 
place to Columbus and Sun Prairie, in all about eighty miles in length. 

In 1858 and 1859 the La Crosse & Milwaukee and the Milwaukee & Horicon companies 
defaulted in the payment of the interest on their bonded debts. In the same years the bond- 
holders of the two companies instituted foreclosure proceedings on the different trust deeds given to 
secure their bonds. Other suits to enforce the payment of their floating debts were also com- 
menced. Protracted litigation in both the state and federal courts resulted in a final settlement 
in 1868, by a decision of the supreme court of the United States. In the meantime, in 1862 and 



176 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

1863, both roads were sold, and purchased by an association of the bondholders, who organized 
the " Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company." The new company succeeded to all the rights 
of both the La Crosse and Horicon companies, and soon afterward, in 1863, purchased the 
property of the Milwaukee & Western company, thus getting control of the roads from Mil- 
waukee to La Crosse, from Horicon to Berlin, from Brookfield to Watertown, and the branches 
to Columbus and Sun Prairie. In 1S64 it built from Columbus to Portage, from Brookfield to 
Milwaukee, and subsequently extended the Sun Prairie branch to Madison, in 1869. It also 
purchased the Ripon & Wolf River road, which had been built fifteen miles in length, from 
Ripon to Omro, on the Fox river, and extended it to Winneconne on the Wolf river, five miles 
farther, and twenty miles from Ripon. In 1867 the Milwaukee oc St. Paul railway company 
obtained control of the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien railroad. The legislature of 1857 had 
passed an act, authorizing all stock-holders in all incorporated companies to vote on shares of 
stock owned by them. The directors of the Milwaukee & St. Paul company had secured a 
majority of the common stock, and, at the election of 1867, elected themselves a board of 
directors for the Prairie du Chien company. All the rights, property and interests of the 
latter company came under the ownership and control of the former. 

In 1865, Alexander Mitchell, of Milwaukee, was elected president, and S. S. Merrill general 
manager of the Milwaukee & St. Paul railway company. They were retained in their rest; 
positions by the new organization, and still continue to hold these offices, a fact largely owing to 
the able and efficient manner that has characterized their management of the company's affairs. 
The company operates eight hundred and thirty-four miles of road in Wisconsin, and ii all two 
thousand two hundred and seven miles. Its lines extend to St. Paul and Minneapolis in 
Minnesota, and to Algona in Iowa, and over the Western Union to Savanna and Rock Island 
in the State of Illinois. 

The " Oshkosh & Mississippi Railroad Company '' was chartered in 1866 to build a road 
from the city of Oshkosh to the Mississippi river. Its construction to Ripon in 1872 was a 
move on the part of citizens of Oshkosh to connect their town with the Milwaukee & St. Paul 
road. It is twenty miles in length and leased to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul company. 

In 1871 and 1872 the "Wisconsin Union Railroad Company," of which John W. Cary was 
president, built a road from Milwaukee to the state line between Wisconsin and Illinois, to 
connect with a road built from Chicago to the state line of Illinois. This new line between 
Milwaukee and Chicago was built in the interest of, and in fact by, the Milwaukee & St. Paul 
company to afford a connection between its Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota system of roads, 
and the eastern trunk lines centering in Chicago. It runs parallel with the shore of Lake 
Michigan and from three to six miles from it, and is eighty-five miles in length. 

The Chicago & Northwestern Railway. 

The territorial legislature of 1848 chartered the " Madison & Beloit Railroad Company" 
with authority to build a railroad from Beloit to Madison only. In 1850, by an act of the 
legislature, tlie company was authorized to extend the road to the Wisconsin river and La Crosse, 
and to a point on the Mississippi river near St. Paul, and also from Janesville to Fond du Lac. 
Its name was changed, under legislative authority, to the "Rock River Valley Union Railroad 
Company." In 1851, the line from Janesville north not being pushed as the people expected, 
the legislature of Illinois chartered the " Illinois & Wisconsin Railroad Company " with authority 
to consolidate with any road in Wisconsin. In 1855, an act of the Wisconsin legislature consoli- 
dated the Illinois and Wisconsin companies witli the " Rock River Valley Union Railroad Com- 
pany," and the new organization took the name of the "Chicago, St. Paul >V Fond du Lac Rail- 



WISCONSIN RAILROADS. 17? 

road Company." In 1854, and previous to the consolidation, the company had failed and 
passed into the hands of the bondholders, who foreclosed and took stock for their bonds. The 
old management of A. Hyatt Smith and John B. Macy was superseded, and Wm. B. Ogden was 
made president. Chicago was all along deeply interested in reaching the rich grain fields of the 
Rock river valley, as well as the inexhaustible timber and mineral wealth of the northern part 
of Wisconsin and that part of Michigan bordering on Lake Superior, called the Peninsula. It 
also sought a connection with the upper Mississippi region, then being rapidly peopled, by a line 
of railroad to run through Madison to St. Paul, in Minnesota. Its favorite road was started from 
Chicago on the wide (six feet) gauge, and so constructed seventy miles to Sharon on the Wis- 
consin state line. This was changed to the usual (four feet, eight and one-half inches) width v 
and the work was vigorously pushed, reaching Janesville in 1855 and Fond du Lac in 1858. The 
Rock River Valley Union railroad company had, however, built about thirty miles from Fond 
du Lac south toward Minnesota Junction before the consolidation took place. The partially 
graded line on a direct route between Janesville and Madison was abandoned. In 1S52 a new 
charter had been obtained, and the " Beloit & Madison Railroad Company " had been organized 
to build a road from Beloit via Janesville to Madison. A subsequent amendment to this charter 
had left out Janesville as a point, and the Beloit branch was pushed through to Madison, reach- 
ing that city in 1864. 

The "Galena and Chicago L T nion Railroad Company" had built a branch of the Galena 
line from Belvedere to Beloit previous to 1854. In that year, it leased the Beloit & Madison 
road, and from 1856 operated it in connection with the Milwaukee & Mississippi, reaching Janes- 
ville by way of Hanover Junction, a station on its Southern Wisconsin branch, eight miles west 
of Janesville. The consolidation of the Galena & Chicago Union and the Chicago, St. Paul & 
Fond du Lac companies was effected and approved by legislative enactment in 1855, and a new 
organization called the "Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company " took their place. 

The "Green Bay, Milwaukee & Chicago Railroad Company " was chartered in 185 1 to build 
a road from Milwaukee to the state line of Illinois to connect with a road from Chicago, called 
the Chicago & Milwaukee railroad. Both roads were completed in 1855, and run in connection 
until 1863, when they were consolidated under the name of the "Chicago & Milwaukee Railroad 
Company." To prevent its falling into the hands of the Milwaukee & St. Paul, the Chicago & 
Northwestern secured it by perpetual lease, May 2, 1866, and it is now operated as its Chicago 
division. 

The " Kenosha & Beloit Railroad Company " was incorporated in 1853 to build a road from 
Kenosha to Beloit, and was organized soon after its chartenwas obtained. Its name was after- 
ward changed to the " Kenosha, Rockford & Rock Island Railroad Company," and its route 
changed to run to Rockford instead of Beloit. The line starts at Kenosha, and runs through the 
county of Kenosha and crosses the state line near the village of Genoa in the county of Wal- 
worth, a distance of thirty miles in the state of Wisconsin, and there connects with a road in 
Illinois running to Rockford, and with which it consolidated. Kenosha and its citizens were the 
principal subscribers to its capital stock. The company issued its bonds, secured by the usual 
mortgage on its franchises and property. Failing to pay its interest, the mortgage was foreclosed, 
and the road was sold to the Chicago & Northwestern company in 1863, and is now operated by 
it as the Kenosha division. The line was constructed from Kenosha to Genoa in 1S62. 

The "Northwestern Union Railway Company " was organized in 1872, under the general rail- 
road law of the state, to build a line of road from Milwaukee to Fond du Lac, with a branch to 
Lodi. The road was constructed during the years 1872 and 1873 from Milwaukee to Fond du 
Lac. The Chicago & Northwestern company were principally interested in its being built, to 



178 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN". 

shorten its line between Chicago and Green Bay, and now uses it as its main through line between 
the two points. 

The " Baraboo Air-Line Railroad Company" was incorporated in 1870, to build a road from 
Madison, Columbus, or Waterloo via Baraboo, to La Crosse, or any point on the Mississippi 
river. It organized in the interest of the Chicago & Northwestern, with which company it con- 
solidated, and the work of building a connecting line between Madison and Winona Junction 
was vigorously pushed forward. Lodi was reached in 1S70, Baraboo in 1871, and Winona Junc- 
tion in 1874. The ridges between Elroy and Sparta were tunneled at great expense and with 
much difficulty. In 1874 the company reported an expenditure for its three tunnels of 
$476,743.32, and for the 129 1-10 miles between Madison and Winona Junction of $5,342,169.96, 
and a large expenditure yet required to be made' on it. In 1867 the Chicago & Northwestern 
company bought of D. N. Barney & Co. their interest in the Winona & St. Peters railway, a line 
being built westerly from Winona in Minnesota, and of which one hundred and five miles had 
been built. It also bought of the same parties their interest in the La Crosse, Trempealeau & 
Prescott railway, a line being built from Winona Junction, three miles east of La Crosse, to 
Winona, Minn. The latter line was put in operation in 1870, and is twenty-nine miles long. 
With the completion of its Madison branch to Winona junction, in 1873, it had in operation a 
line from Chicago, via Madison and Winona, to Lake Kampeska, Minn., a distance of six hundred 
and twenty-three miles. 

In the year 1856 a valuable grant of land was made by congress to the state of Wisconsin 
to aid in the construction of railroads. The Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac company claimed 
that the grant was obtained through its efforts, and that of right it should have the northeastern 
grant, so-called. At the adjourned session of the legislature of 1856, a contest over the dispo- 
sition of the grant resulted in conferring it upon the " Wisconsin & Superior Railroad Company," 
a corporation chartered for the express purpose of giving it this grant. It was generally believed 
at the time that the new company was organized in the interest of the Chicago, St. Paul & 
Fond du Lac company, and at the subsequent session, in the following year, it was authorized to 
consolidate with the new company, which it did in the spring of that year, and thus obtained the 
grant of 3,840 acres per mile along its entire line, from Fond du Lac northerly to the state line 
between Wisconsin and Michigan. It extended its road to Oshkosh in 1S59, to Appleton in 
i86i,and in 18O2 to Fort Howard, forming a line two hundred and forty-two miles long. The 
line from Fort Howard to Escanaba, one hundred and fourteen miles long, was opened in Decem- 
ber, 1872, and made a connection with the peninsular railroad of Michigan. It nowbecamea part 
of the Chicago & Northwestern, extending from Escanaba to the iron mines, and thence to 
Lake Superior at Marquette. Albert Keep, of Chicago, is president, and Marvin Hughitt, a 
gentleman of great railroad experience, is general superintendent. The company operates five 
hundred and sixty-seven miles of road in Wisconsin, and in all sixteen hundred and sixteen miles. 
Its lines extend into five different states. Over these lines its equipment is run in common, or 
transferred from place to place, as the changes in business may temporarily require. 

Wisconsin Central Railroad. 

The " Milwaukee ..V Northern Railway Company" was incorporated in 1S70, to build a road 
from Milwaukee to some point on the Fox river below Winnebago lake, and thence to Lake 
Superior, with branches. It completed its road to Menasha, one hundred and two miles from 
Milwaukee, with a branch from Hilbert to Green Bay, twenty-seven miles, in 1S73, and in that 
vear leased Us line to the " Wisconsin Central Railroad Company," which is still operating it. In 



WISCONSIN RAILROADS". 179 

1S64 congress made a grant of land to the state of Wisconsin to aid in the construction of a rail- 
road from Berlin, Dory's Island, Fond du Lac, or Portage, by way of Stevens Point, to Bayfield 
or Superior, granting the odd sections within ten miles on each side of the line, with an indem- 
nity limit of twenty miles on each side. The legislature of 1865 failed to dispose of this grant, 
but that of 1S66 provided for the organization of two companies, one to build from Portage City 
by way of Berlin to Stevens Point, and the other from Menasha to the same point, and then 
jointly to Bayfield and Lake Superior. The former was called the "Winnebago and Lake Superior 
Railroad Company," and the latter the " Portage & Superior Railroad Company." In 1869 an act 
was passed consolidating the two companies, which was done under the name of the " Portage, 
Winnebago & Superior Railroad Company." In 187 1 the name of the company was changed to 
the " Wisconsin Central Railroad Company." The Winnebago & Lake Superior company was 
organized' under Hon. George Reed as president, and at once commenced the construction of its 
line of road between Menasha and Stevens Point. In 187 1 the Wisconsin Central consolidated 
with the " Manitowoc & Mississippi Railroad Company." The articles of consolidation provided 
that Gardner Colby, a director of the latter company, should be president, and that George Reed, 
a director of the former, should be vice president of the new organization; with a further provision 
that Gardner Colby, George Reed, and Elijah B. Phillips should be and remain its executive 
committee. 

In 1-871, an act. was passed incorporating the "Phillips and Colby Construction Company," 
which created E. B. Phillips, C. L. Colby, Henry Pratt, and such others as they might associate 
with them, a body corporate, with authority to build railroads and do all manner of things relat- 
ing to railroad construction and operation. Under this act the construction company contracted 
with the Wisconsin Central railroad company, to build its line of road from Menasha to Lake 
Superior. In November, 1873, the Wisconsin Central leased of the Milwaukee & Northern com- 
pany its line of road extending from Schwartzburg to Menasha, and the branch to Green Bay, for 
the term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years, and also acquired the rights of the latter com- 
pany to use the track of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul company between Schwartzburg and 
Milwaukee, and to depot facilities in Milwaukee. The construction of the land grant portion 
of this important line of road was commenced in 1871, and it was completed to Stevens Point in 
November of that year. It was built from Stevens Point north one hundred miles to Worcester 
in 1S72. During 1872 and 1873, it was built from Ashland south to the Penoka iron ridge, a dis- 
tance of thirty miles. The straight line between Portage City and Stevens Point, authorized by 
an act of the legislature of 1S75, was constructed between October 1, 1875, and October, 1876, 
seven y-one miles in length. The gap of forty-two miles between Worcester and Penoka iron 
ridge was closed in June, 1877. E. B. Phillips, of Milwaukee, is president and general manager. 
This line of road passes through a section of our state hitherto unsettled. It has been pushed 
through with energy, and opened up for settlement an immense region of heavily timbered land, 
and thus contributed to the growth and prosperity of the state. 

The Western Union Railroad. 

The " Racine, Janesville & Mississippi Railroad Company" was chartered in 1852,10 build 
a road from Racine to Beloit, and was organized the same year. The city of Racine issued its 
bonds for $300,000 in payment for that amount of stock. The towns of Racine, Elkhorn, Dele- 
van and Beloit gave $190,000, and issued their bonds, and farmers along the line made liberal 
subscriptions and secured the same by mortgages on their farms. The road was built to Burling- 
ton in 1855, to Delavan early in 1856, and to Beloit, sixty-eight miles from Racine, during the 
same year. Failing to meet the interest on its bonds and its floating indebtedness, it was sur- 



180 HISTORY or WISCONSIN. 

rendered by the company to the bond-holders in 1859, who completed it to Freeport during that 
year, and afterward built to the Mississippi river at Savannah, and thence to Rock Island. The 
bond-holders purchased and sold the road in 1866, and a new organization was had as the " West- 
em Union Railroad Company," and it has sinee been operated under that name. In 1869, it 
built a line from Elkhorn to Eagle, seventeen miles, and thus made a connection with Milwau- 
kee over the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul line. The latter company owns a controlling 
interest it its line. Alexander Mitchell is the president of the company, and D. A. Olin, 
general superintendent. 

West Wisconsin Railroad. 

The lands granted by congress in 1856 to aid in the construction of a railroad in Wisconsin. 
from Tomah to Superior and Bayfield, were disposed of as mentioned under the history of the 
Chic.1-0. Milwaukee & St. Paul company. The La Crosse company, as we have seen, prevailed in 
the legislature of 1856, and secured legislation favorable to its interests; but it failed to build the 
line of road provided for, and forfeited its right to lands granted. In 1S63, the " Tomah & Lake 
St. Croix Railroad Company " was incorporated, with authority to cons'. uct a railroad from some 
point in the town of Tomah in Monroe county, to such point on Ljke St. Croix, between town- 
ships 25 and 31 as the directors might determine. To the company, by the act creating it, was 
granted all the interest and estate of this state, to so much of the lands granted by the United 
States to the state of Wisconsin, known as the St. Croix grant, as lay between Tomah and Lake 
St. Croix. A few months after its organization, the company passed substantially into the hands 
of I). A. Baldwin and Jacob Humbird, who afterward built a line of road from Tomah, via Black 
River Falls, and Eau Claire to Hudson, on Lake St. Croix, one hundred and seventy-eight miles. 
Its name was afterward changed to the "West Wisconsin Railroad Company." In 1873, it built 
its road from Warren's Mills ma Camp Douglass, on the St. Paul road to Elroy, and took up its 
track from the first-named place, twelve miles, to Tomah. A law-suit resulted, which went against 
the railroad company, and the matter was finally compromised by the payment of a sum of money 
by the company to the town of Tomah. The road was built through a new and sparsely settled 
country, and its earnings have not been sufficient to enrich its stock-holders. It connects at 
Camp Douglass with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road, and at Elroy with the Chicago & 
Northwestern railway company's line, which gives the latter a through line to St. Paul. It is 
operated in connection with the Chicago & Northwestern railway, and managed in its interest. 
It is now in the hands of Wm. H. Ferry, of Chicago, as receiver; H. H. Potter, of Chicago, as 
president^ and E. W. Winter, of Hudson, superintendent. 

The Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Raii way. 

In 1870, the "Milwaukee, Manitowoc & Green Bay Railroad Company " was chartered to 
build a road from Milwaukee to Green Bay by way of Manitowoc. It built its line from Mil- 
waukee to Manitowoc in 1873, "hen its name was changed to " Milwaukee, Lake Shore & West- 
ern Railroad Company." Under a decree of foreclosure, it was sold Dec. 10, 1875, and its name 
banged to " Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railway Company," by which name it is 
still known. 

In 1866, the " Appleton iS: New London Railroad Company" was incorporated to build a 
road from Appleton to New London, and thence to Lake Superior. A subsequent amendment 
to its charter authorized it to extend its road to Manitowoc. It built most of the line from 
Appleton to that city, and then> under legislative authority, sold this extension to the Milwau- 



WISCONSIN RAILROADS. 181 

kee, Lake Shore & Western railroad company. The last-named company extended it to New- 
London, on the Wolf river, twenty-one miles, in 1S76, where it connects with the Green Ray & 
Minnesota road. It now operates one hundred and forty-six miles of road, extending from Mil- 
waukee to New London, passing through Sheboygan, Manitowoc and Appleton, which includes. 
a branch line six miles in length from Manitowoc to Two Rivers. F. W. Rhinelander, of New- 
York, is its president, and H. G. H. Reed, of Milwaukee, superintendent. 

The Green Bay & Minnesota Railroad. 

The line of road operated by this company extends from Fort Howard to the Mississippi 
river, opposite Winona, Minnesota. R is two hundred and sixteen miles in length, and was. 
built through a sparsely settled and heavily timbered section of the state. It began under most 
discouraging circumstances, yet was pushed through by the energy of a few men at Green Bay 
and along its line. It was originally chartered in 1866 as the "Green Bay & Lake Pepin Rail- 
road Company " to build a road from the mouth of the Fox river near Green Bay to the Missis- 
sippi river opposite Winona. But little was done except the making of preliminary surveys irt 
1870. During 1870 and 187 1, forty miles were constructed and put in operation. In 1872, one 
hundred and fourteen miles were graded, the track laid, and the river reached, sixty-two miles 
farther, in 1873. In 1876, it acquired the right to use the "Winona cut-off " between Winona 
and Onalaska, and built a line from the latter point to La Crosse, seven mil ^, thus connecting its 
road with the chief city of Wisconsin on the Mississippi river. The city of La Crosse aided this, 
extension by subscribing $75,000 and giving its corporation bonds for that amount. Henry 
Ketchum, of New London, is president of the company, and D. M. Kelly, of Green Bay, gen- 
eral manager. 

Wisconsin Valley Road. 

The " Wisconsin Valley Railroad Company " was incorporated in 1871 to build a road front 
a point on or near the line of the Milwaukee & La Crosse railroad, between Kilbourn City and 
the tunnel in said road to the village of Wausau, in the county of Marathon, and the road to pass- 
not more than one mile west of the village of Grand Rapids, in the county of Wood. The road 
was commenced at Tomah, and graded to Centralia in 1872, and opened to that village in 1S73.. 
and during 1874 it was completed to Wausau, ninety miles in its whole length. Boston capitalists, 
furnished the money, and it is controlled in the interest of the Dubuque & Minnesota railroad,, 
through which the equipment was procured. The lumber regions of the Wisconsin river find an 
outlet over it, and its junction with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road at Tomah enables- 
a connection with the railroads of Iowa and Minnesota. It gives the people of Marathon county 
an outlet long needed for a large lumber traffic, and also enables them to receive their goods and 
supplies of various kinds for the lumbering region tributary to Wausau. James F. Joy, of 
Detroit, is president, and F. O. Wyatt, superintendent. 

Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railroad. 

The " Sheboygan & Mississippi Railroad Company " was incorporated in 1S52, to build a 
road from Sheboygan to the Mississippi river. It was completed from Sheboygan to Plymouth 
in 185S, to Glenbeulah in 1S60, to Fond du Lac in 1868, and to Princeton in 1872. The extension 
from Fond du Lac to Princeton was built under authority of an act passed in 1871. 

Under a foreclosure in 1S61 the line from Sheboygan to Fonddu Lac was sold, and the name 
of the company changed to " Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railroad Company." The length of 



182 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN". 

the line is seventy-eight miles, and it passes through a fertile agricultural country. The city of 
Sheboygan, county, city and town of Fond du Lac, and the towns of Riverdale, Ripon, Brooklyn, 
Princeton, and St. Marie, aided in its building to an amount exceeding $25o,ooc. D. L. Wells 
is president, and Geo. P. Lee, superindendent. 

The Mineral Point Railroad. 

The " Mineral Point Railroad Company " was chartered in 1S52, to build a road from Mineral 
Point, in the county of Iowa, to the state line, in township number one, in either the county of 
Green or La Fayette. It was completed to Warren, in the state of Illinois, thirty-two miles, in 
1855, making a connection at that point with the Illinois Central, running from Chicago to Galena. 
Iowa county loaned its credit and issued its bonds to aid in its construction. It was sold under 
foreclosure in 1856. Suits were brought against Iowa county to collect the amount of its bonds, 
and judgment obtained in the federal courts. Much litigation has been had, and ill feeling 
engendered, the supervisors of the county having been arrested for contempt of the decree of 
the court. Geo. W. Cobb, of Mineral Point, is the general manager. 

The Dubuque, Platteville & Milwaukee railroad was completed in July, 1870, and extends 
from Calamine, a point on the Mineral Point railroad, to the village of Platteville, eighteen miles, 
and is operated by the Mineral Point railroad compan\ 

M idison & Portage Railroad. 

The legislature of 1855 chartered the "Sugar River Valley Railroad Company" to build a road 
from a point on the north side of the line of the Southern Wisconsin road, within the limits of 
Green county, to Dayton, on the Sugar river. In 1S57 it was authorized to build south to the state 

and make its northern terminus at Madison. In 1861 it was authorized to build from Madi- 
son to Portage City, and from Columbus to Portage City, and so much of the land grant act of 
as related to the building of the road from Madison, and from Columbus to Portage City, 

.'iinulled and repealed, and the rights and privileges that were conferred upon the LaCrosse 
company were given to the Sugar River Valley railroad company, and the portion of the land 
grant, applicable to the lines mentioned, was conferred upon the last named company. Under 
this legislation about twenty miles of the line between Madison and Portage were graded, and 
the right of way secured for about thirty of the thirty-nine miles. The 1. a Crosse company had 
considerable grading before its right was annulled. In 1866 the company was relieved 
from constructing the road from Columbus to Portage City. In 1870 the purchasers of that part 
of the Sugar River Valley railroad lying between Madison and Portage City were incorporated 
as the " Madison & Portage Railroad Company," and to share all the rights, grants, etc., that 
were conferred upon the Sugar River railroad company by its charter, and amendments thereto, 

it as related to that portion of the line. 

Pr> this time, in 1864 and 1865, judgments had been obtained against the Sugar 

River Valley company; and its right of way, grading and depot grounds sold for a small sum. 
James Campbell, who had been a contractor with the Sugar River Valley company, with others, 
becam irchasers, and organized under the act of 1870, and, during the year 1S71, com- 

pleted it between Madison and Portage City, and in March, 1871, leased it to the Milwaukee & 
nil company, and it is still operated by that corporation. In 187 1 the Madison & Portage 
company was authorized to extend its road south to the Illinois state line, and north from 
Portage City to Lake Winnebago. The same year it was consolidated with the " Rockford Central 



WISCONSIN RAILROADS. 183 

Railroad Company," of Illinois, and its name changed to the " Chicago & Superior Railroad 

Company," but still retains its own organization. The Madison & Portage railroad company 

claims a share in the lands granted by acts of congress in 1S56, and have commenced proceed- 
; ngs to assert its claim, which case is still pending in the federal courts. 

North Wisconsin Railroad. 

The "North Wisconsin Railroad Company" was incorporated in 1869, to build a road from 
Lake St. Croix, or river, to Bavfield on Lake Superior. The giant of land by congress in 1856, to 
aid in building a road from Lake St. Croix to Bayfield on Lake Superior, under the decision of 
the federal court, was yet at the disposal of the state. This company, in 187 1, built a short 
section of its line of road, with the expectation of receiving the grant. In 1873, the grant was 
conferred upon the Milwaukee & St. Paul company, but under the terms and restrictions con- 
tained in the act, it declined to accept it. The legislature of 1S74 gave it to the North Wiscon- 
sin company, and it has built forty miles of its road, and received the lands pertaining thereto. 
Since 1S76, it has not completed any part of its line, but is trying to construct twenty miles 
during the present year. The company is authorized to construct a road both to Superior and 
to Bayfield, but the act granting the lands confers that portion from Superior to the intersection 
of the line to Bayfield upon the Chicago & North Pacific air-line railroad. This last-named, 
company have projected a line from Chicago to the west end of Lake Superior, and are the 
owners of an old grade made through Walworth and Jefferson counties, by a company chartered 
in 1853 as the " Wisconsin Central," to build a road from Portage City to Geneva, in the county 
of Walworth. The latter company had also graded its line between Geneva and the state Hue 
of Illinois. This grade was afterward appropriated by the Chicago & Northwestern, and over it 
they now operate their line from Chicago to Geneva. 

Prairie du Chien & McGregor Railroad. 

This is a line two miles in length, connecting Prairie du Chien in Wisconsin, with McGregor 
in Iowa. It is owned and operated by John Lawler, of the latter-named place. It extends across- 
both channels of the Mississippi river, and an intervening island. The railroad bridge consists 
of substantial piling, except a pontoon draw across each navigable channel. Each pontoon is four 
hundred feet long and thirty feet wide, provided with suitable machinery and operated by steam 
power. Mr. Lawler has secured a patent on his invention of the pontoon draw for railroad 
bridges. His line was put in operation in April, 1874. 

The Chippewa Falls & Western Railroad. 

This road was built in 1874, by a company organized under the general law of the state. It 
is eleven miles in length, and connects the " Falls " with the West Wisconsin line at Eau Claire. 
It was constructed by the energetic business men and capitalists of Chippewa Falls, to afford an 
outlet for the great lumber and other interests of that thriving and prosperous city. The road 
is substantially built, and the track laid with steel rails. 

Narrow Gauge Railroads. 

The " Galena & Southern Wisconsin Railroad Company " was incorporated in 1857. Under 
its charter, a number of capitalists of the city of Galena, in the state of Illinois, commenced. 



184 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

the construction of a narrow (three feet) gauge road, running from that city to Platteville, thirty- 
one miles in length, twenty miles in Wisconsin. It run-, through a part of La layette county to 
Platteville, in Grant count), and was completed to the latter point in 1875. Surveys are being 
made for an extension to Wingville, in Grant county. 

The "] md Lu L ic, ^.mboy & Peoria Railway Company '* was organized under the general 
law of the state, in 1874, to build a narrow gauge road from the city of Fond du Lac to the south 
line of the state in the county of Walworth or Rock, and it declared its intention to consolidate 
with a company in Illinois that had projected a line of railroad from Peoria, in Illinois, to the south 
line of the state of Wisconsin. The road is constructed and in operation from Fond du Lac to 
Iron Ridge, a point on the Chicago, Milwaukee ..V St. Paul railway, twenty-nine miles from Fond 
du Lac. 

The " Pine River & Steven's Point Railroad Company " was rganized by the enterprising 
citizens of Richland Center, and has built a narrow gauge road from Lone Rock, a point on the 

igo, Milwaukee cV St. Paul road, in Richland county, to Richland Center, sixteen miles in 
length. Its track is laid with wooden rails, and it is oper.it> d SUCi essfully. 

The '" Chicago & Tomah Railroad Company " organized under the general railroad law of 
the state, in 1872, to construct a narrow gauge road from Chicago, in Illinois, to the city oi 
Tomah, in Wisconsin. Its president and active manager is I). R. Williams, of Clermont, Iowa, 
and its secretary is L. M. Culver, of Wauzeka. It has graded about forty-live miles, extending 
from Wauzeka up the valley of the Kickapoo river, in Crawford county. Wisconsin. It expects 
to have fifty-four miles in operation, to Bloomingdale, in Vernon county, the present year ( 1 S 7 7 ). 
The rolling stock is guaranteed, and the president is negotiating for the purchase of the iron. 
South of Wauzeka the line is located to Belmont, in Iowa county. At Wauzeka it will connect 
with the Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul line. 

The publi -spirited citizens of Ne< edah, in Juneau county, have organized under the general 
law of the state, and graded a road-bed from their village to New Lisbon, on the Chicago, Mil- 
waukee & St. Paul company's line. The latter company furnish and lay the iron, and will 
operate the road. It is thirteen miles in length. 

CONI 1 tJSION. 

The railroads of Wisconsin have grown up under the requirements of the several localities 
that have planned and commenced their construction, and without regard to any general 
1 luently the work of construction was begun before adequate means were provided, 
and bankruptcy overtook the roads in their early stages. The consolidation of the various 
uiies, as in the cases of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, the Chicago & Northwestern, 
and others, has been effei ted to give through lines and the public greater facilities, as well as to 
introduce economy in management. At times the people have become apprehensive, and by legisla- 
tive action prohibited railroads from consolidating, and have sought to control and break down 
the power of these 1 "rporations and to harmonize the interests of the companies and the 
public. The act of 1S74, called the "Potter law," was the assertion, by the legislative power of 
the stale, of its right to control corporations created by itself, and limit the rates at which freight 
and passengers should be carried. After a long and expensive contest, carried through the slate 
and federal courts, this right has been established, being finally settled by the decision of the 
supreme court of the United States, 

Quite all the railroads <>f Wisconsin have been built with foreign capital. The plan pursued 
aftei an organization was effei ted, was to obtain stock subscriptions from those immediately 



LOHBEB MAJSTira'ACrUEE. 185 

interested in the enterprise, procure the aid of counties and municipalities, and then allure the 
farmers, with the prospect of joint ownership in railroads, to subscribe for stock and mortgage 
their farms to secure the payment of their subscriptions. Then the whole line was bonded and 
a mortgage executed. The bonds and mortgages thus obtained, were taken to the money 
centers of New York. London, Amsterdam and other places, and sold, or hypothecated to 
obta'n the money with which to prosecute the work. The bonds and mortgages were made to 
draw a high rate of interest, and the earnings of these new roads, through unsettled localities, 
were insufficient to pay more than running and incidental expenses, and frequently fell short of 
that. Default occurring in the payment of interest, the mortgages were foreclosed and the 
property passed into the hands and under the control of foreign capitalists. Such has b«en the 
history of most of the railroads of our state. The total number of farm mortgages given has 
been 3,785, amounting to $4,079,433 ; town, county and municipal bonds, amounting to 
$6,910,652. The total cost of all the railroads in the state, as given by the railroad commissioner 
in his report for 1876. has been §98,343,453.67. This vast sum is, no doubt, greatly in excess of 
what the cost should have been, but the roads have proved of immense benefit in the develop- 
ment of the material resources of the state. 

Other lines are needed through sections not yet traversed by the iron steed, and present 
lines should be extended by branch roads. The questions upon which great issues were raised 
between the railway corporations and the people, are now happily settled by securing to the latter 
their rights ; and the former, under the wise and conciliatory policy pursued by their managers, 
are assured of the safety of their investments. An era of good feeling has succeeded one of 
distrust and antagonism. The people must use the railroads, and the railroads depend upon the 
people for sustenance and protection. This mutuality of interest, when fully recognized on both 
sides, will result in giving to capital a fair return and to labor its just reward. 



LUMBER MANUFACTURE. 

By W. B. JUDSON. 

Foremost among the industries of Wisconsin is that of manufacturing lumber. Very much 
of the importance to which the state has attained is due to the development of its forest wealth. 
In America, agriculture always has been, and always will be, the primary and most important 
interest; but no nation can subsist upon agriculture alone. While the broad prairies of Illinois 
and Iowa are rich with a fertile and productive soil, the hills and valleys of northern Wisconsin 
are clothed with a wealth of timber that has given birth to a great manufacturing interest, which 
employs millions of capital and thousands of men, and has peopled the northern wilds with 
energetic, prosperous communities, built up enterprising cities, and crossed the state with a net- 
work of railways which furnish outlets for its productions and inlets for the new populations 
which are ever seeking for homes and employment nearer to the setting sun. 

If a line be drawn upon the state map, from Green Bay westward through Stevens Point, 
to where it would naturally strike the Mississippi river, it will be below the southern boundary of 
the pine timber regions, with the single exception of the district drained by the Yellow river, a 
tributary of the Wisconsin, drawing its timber chiefly from Wood and Juneau counties. The 
territory north of this imaginary line covers an area a little greater than one half of the state. 
The pine timbered land is found in belts or ridges, interspersed with prairie openings, patches 
of hardwood and hemlock, and drained by numerous water-courses. No less than seven Urge 



18li HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

rivers traverse this northern section, and, with their numerous tributaries, penetrate every county, 
affording facilities for floating the logs to the mills, and, in many instances, the power to cut them 
into lumber. This does not include the St. Croix, which forms the greater portion of the 
boundary line between Wisconsin and Minnesota, and, by means of its tributaries, draws the most 
and best of its pine from the former state. These streams divide the territory, as far as .umbering 
is concerned, into six separate and distinct districts: The Green bay shore, which includes the 
Wisconsin side of the Menomonee, the Peshtigo and Oconto rivers, with a number of creeks 
which flow into the bay between the mouths of the Oconto and Fox rivers; the Wolf river 
district; the Wisconsin river, including the Yellow, as before mentioned ; the Black river; the 
Chippewa and Red Cedar; and the Wisconsin side of the St. Croix. 

Beginning with the oldest of these, the Green bay shore, a brief description of each will be 
attempted. The first saw-mill built in the state, of which there is now any knowledge, was put in 
operation in 1809, in Brown county, two or three miles east from Depere, on a little stream which 
was known as East river. It was built by Jacob Franks, but probably was a very small affair. 
Of its machinery or capacity for sawing, no history has been recorded, and it is not within the 
memory of any inhabitant of to-day. In 1829, John P. Arndt, of Green Bay, built a water- 
power mill on the Pensaukee river at a point where the town of Big Suamico now stands. In 
1834, a mill was built on the Wisconsin side of the Menomonee, and, two years later, one at 
Peshtigo. Lumber was first shipped to market from this district in 1834, which must be termed 
the beginning of lumbering operations on the bay shore. The lands drained by the streams 
which flow into Green bay are located in Shawano and Oconto counties, the latter being the 
largest in the state. In 1S47, Willard Lamb, of Green Bay, made tiie first s iwed pine shingles in 
that district ; thev were sold to the Galena railroad company for use on depot buildings, and 
were the first of the kind sold in Chicago. Subsequently Green Bay became one of the greatest 
points for the manufacture of such shingles in the world. The shore-, of the bay are low, and 
gradually change from marsh to swamp, then to level dry land, and finally become broken and 
mountainous to the northward. The pine is in dense groves that crowd closely upon the swamps 
skirting the bay, and reach far back among the hills of the interior. The Peshtigo flows into the 
bay about ten miles south of the Menomonee, and takes its rise far back in Oconto county, near 
to the latter's southern tributaries. It is counted a good logging stream, its annual product 
being from 40,000,000 to 60,000,000 feet. The timber is of a rather coarse quality, running but 
a small percentage to what the lumbermen term "uppers." \ iout ten per cent, is what is 
known as Norway pine. Of the whole amount of timber tributary to the Peshtigo, probably 
about one third has been cut off to this date. The remainder will not average of as good quality, 
and only a limited portion of the land is of any value for agricultural purposes after being cli 
of the pine. There are only two mills on this stream, both being owned by one company. The 
Oconto is one of the most important streams in the district. The first saw-mill was built 
on its banks about the year 1S40, though the first lumbering operations of any account were 
begun in 1845 by David Jones. The business was conducted quite moderately until 1856, 
in which year several mills were built, and from that date Oconto has been known as quite 
an extensive lumber manufacturing point. The timber tributary to this stream has been of 
the best quality found in the state. Lumber 1 ut from it has been known to yield the 
extraordinarily high average of fifty and sixty per cent, uppers. The timber now being cut 
will not average more than half that. The proportion of Norway is about live per cent. It is 
estimated that from three fourths to four fifths of the timber tributary to the Oconto has been 
cut awav, but it will require a much longer time to convert the balance into lumber than was 
necessary to cut its equivalent in amount, owing to its remote location. The annual production 



LUMBER MANUFACTURE. 187 

of pine lumber at Oconto is from 50,000,000 to 65,000,000 feet. The whole production of the 
district, exclusive of the timber which is put into the Menomonee from Wisconsin, is about 
140,000,000 feet annually. 

The Wolf river and its tributaries constitute the next district, proceeding westward. The 
first saw logs cut on this stream for commercial purposes were floated to the government mill at 
Neenah in 1835. In 1S42, Samuel Farnsworth erected the first saw-mill on the upper Wolf 
near the location of the present village of Shawano, and in the following spring he sent the first 
raft of lumber down the Wolf to Oshkosh. This river also rises in Oconto county, but flows in 
a southerly direction, and enters Winnebago lake at Oshkosh. Its pineries have been very exten- 
sive, but the drain upon them within the past decade has told with greater effect than upon any 
other district in the state. The quality of the timber is very fine, and the land is considered good 
for agricultural purposes, and is being occupied upon the lines of the different railways which 
cross it. The upper waters of the Wolf are rapid, and have a comparatively steady flow, which 
renders it a very good stream for driving logs. Upon the upper river, the land is quite rolling, 
and about the head-waters is almost mountainous. The pine timber that remains in this dis- 
trict is high up on the main river and branches, and will last but a few years longer. A few years 
ago the annual product amounted to upward of 250,000,000 feet; in 1S76 it was 138,000,000. 
The principal manufacturing points are Oshkosh and Fond du Lac; the former has 21 mills,and 
the latter 10. 

Next comes the Wisconsin, the longest and most crooked river in the state. It rises in the 
extreme northern sections, and its general course is southerly until, at Portage City, it makes a 
grand sweep to the westward and unites with the Mississippi at Prairie du Chien. It has numer- 
ous tributaries, and, together with these, drains a larger area of country than any other river in 
the state. Its waters flow swiftly and over numerous rapids and embryo falls, which renders log- 
driving and raft-running very difficult and even hazardous. The timber is generally near the 
banks of the main stream and its tributaries, gradually diminishing in extent as it recedes from 
them and giving place to the several varieties of hard-woods. The extent to which operations 
have been carried on necessitates going further up the stream for available timber, although there 
is yet what may be termed an abundant supply. The first cutting of lumber on this stream, of 
which there is any record, was by government soldiers, in 1828, at the building of Fort Winne- 
bago. In 1831, a mill was built at Whitney's rapids, below Point Bass, in what was then Indian 
territory. By 1840, mills were in operation as high up as Big Bull falls, and Wausau had a 
population of 350 souls. Up to 1876, the product of the upper Wisconsin was all sent in rafts 
to markets on the Mississippi. The river above PoifTt Bass is a series of rapids and eddies ; the 
current flows at the rate of from 10 to 20 miles an hour, and it can well be imagined that the 
task of piloting a raft from Wausau to the dells was no slight one. The cost of that kind of 
transportation in the early times was actually equal to the present market price of the lumber. 
With a good stage of water, the length of time required to run a raft to St. Louis was 24 days, 
though quite frequently, owing to inability to get out of the Wisconsin on one rise of water, sev- 
eral weeks were consumed. The amount of lumber manufactured annually on this rive? is from 
140,000,000 to 200,000,000 feet. 

Black river is much shorter and smaller than the Wisconsin, but has long been known as a 
very important lumbering stream. It i:; next to the oldest lumber district in the state. The 
first saw-mill west of Green Bay was built at Black River Falls in 1819 by Col. John Shaw, 
The Winnebago tribe of Indians, however, in whose territory he was, objected to the innovation 
of such a fine art, and unceremoniously offered up the mill upon the altar of their outraged 



1 -S HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

solitude. The owner abruptly (Quitted that portion of the country. In 1S39 another attempt 
to establish a mill on Black river was more successfully made One was erected at the same 
point by two brothers by the name of Wood, the millwright being Jacob Spaulding, who 

itually became its possessor. His son, Mr. Dudley J. Spaulding, is now a very extensive 

itor upon Black river. La Crosse is the chief manufacturing point, there being ten saw-mills 
located there. The annual production of the stream ranges from 150,000,000 to 225,000,000 feet 
of logs, less than 100,000,000 feet being manufactured into lumber on its banks. The balance 
is sold in the log to mills on the Mississippi. It is a very capricious river to float logs in, which 
skates the carrying over from year to year of a very large amount, variously estimated at 
from 150,000,000 to 200,000,000 feet, about equal to an entire season's product. This makes the 
business more hazardous than on many other streams, as the loss from depreciation is very great 
after the first year. The quality of the timber is line, and good prices are realized for it when 
sold within a year after being cut. 

The Chippewa district probably contains the largest and finest body of white pine timber 
now standing, tributary to any one stream, on the continent, h has been claimed, though with 
more extravagance than truth, that the Chippewa pineries hold one-half the timber supply of 
ite. The river itself is a large one, and has many tributaries, which penetrate the rich 
pine district in all directions. The character of the tributary country is not unlike that tin 
which the Wisconsin flows. In 1828 the first mill was built in the Chippewa valley, on Wilson's 
creek, near its confluence with the Red Cedar. Its site is now occupied by the village of Meno- 
monee. In 1S37 another was built on what is the present site of the Union Lumbering Company's 
mill at ' Ihippewa Falls. It was not until near 1S65 that the Chippewa became very prominent as .1 
lumber-making stream. Since that date it has been counted as one of the foremost in the north- 
west. Upon the river proper there are twenty-two saw-mills, none having a capacity of less than 
3.500,000 feet per season, and a number being capable of sawing from 20,000,000 to 25,000,000 
The animal production of sawed lumber is from 250,000,00c to 300,000,000 feet; the production 
of logs from 400,000,000 to 500,000,000 feet. In 1867 the mill-owners upon the Mississippi, 
between Winona and Keokuk, organized a corporation known as the Beef Slough Manufactur- 
ing, Log-Driving and Transportation Company. Its object was to facilitate the handling of logs 
cut upon the Chippewa and its tributaries, designed for the Mississippi mills. At the confluence 
of the two rivi 1 ts improvements were m ide, constituting the Beef Slough boom, which is 

capable of assorting 200,000,000 feel of logs per season. The Chippewa is the most difficult 
a in the northwest upon which to operate. In the spring -eason it is turbulent and 
ungovernable, and in summer, almost destitute of water. About its head are numerous lakes 
which easily overflow under the influence of rain, and as their surplus water flows into the 
Chippewa, its rises are sudden and sometimes damaging in their extent. The river in many 
places flows between high bluffs, and, under the influence of a freshet, becomes a wild and 

inageable torrent. Logs have never been floated in rafts, as upon other streams, but are 

1 jn loose, and are carried down with each successive rise, in a jumbled and confused mass, 

which entails much labor and loss in the work of assorting an 1 delivering to the respective 

owners. Previous to the organization of the Eagle Rapids Flooding Dam and boom Company, 

72, tin- \wirk of securing the stock after putting it into the river was more difficult than to 
cut and haul it. At the cities of Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, where most of the mills are 
irrent, under the influence of high water, is very rapid, and for years the problem 
was, how to stop and retain the logs, as they would go by in great masses and with almost resist- 
less velocity. In [847 is recorded one of the most sudden and disastrous floods in the history 
of log-running streams. In the month of June the Chippewa rose twelve feet in a single night. 



LUMBER MAXT'FACTURE. 189 

and, in the disastrous torrent that was created, piers, booms, or " pockets " for holding logs at the 
mills, together with a fine new mill, were swept away, and the country below where Eau Claire 
now stands was covered with drift-wood, saw-logs, and other debris. Such occurrences led to 
the invention of the since famous sheer boom, which is a device placed in the river opposite 
the mill boom into which it is desired to turn the logs. The sheer boom is thrown diagonally 
across the river, automatically, the action of the current upon a number of ingeniously arranged 
"fins" holding it in position. By this means the logs are sheered into the receptacle until it is 
filled, when the sheer boom, by closing up the " fins" with a windlass, falls back and allows the 
logs to go on for the next mill to stop and capture its pocket full in like manner. By this 
method each mill could obtain a stock, but a great difficulty was experienced from the fact that 
the supply was composed of logs cut and owned by everybody operating on the river, and the 
process of balancing accounts according to the " marks," at the close of the season, has been 
one prolific of trouble and legal entanglements. The building of improvements at Eagle 
Rapids by the company above mentioned remedied the difficulty to some extent, but the process 
of logging will always be a difficult and hazardous enterprise until adequate means for holding 
and assorting the entire log product are provided. Upon the Yellow and Eau Claire rivers, two 
important branches of the Chippewa, such difficulties are avoided by suitable improvements. 
The entire lumber product of the Chippewa, with the exception of that consumed locally, is 
floated in rafts to markets upon the Mississippi, between its mouth and St. Louis. The quality 
of the timber is good, and commands the best market price in the sections where it seeks 
market. 

West of the Chippewa district the streams and timber are tributary to the St. Croix, and in 
all statistical calculations the entire product of that river is credited to Minnesota, the same as 
that of the Menomonee is given to Michigan, when in fact about one half of each belongs to 
Wisconsin. The important branches of the St. Croix belonging in this state are the Apple 
Clam, Yellow, Namekogan, Totagatic and Eau Claire. The sections of country through which 
they flow contain large bodies of very fine pine timber. The St. Croix has long been noted for 
the excellence of its dimension timber. Of this stock a portion is cut into lumber at Stillwater, 
and marketed by rail, and the balance is sold in the log to mills on the Mississippi. 

Such is a brief and somewhat crude descripti in of the main lumbering districts of the state. 
Aside from these, quite extensive operations are conducted upon various railway lines which 
penetrate the forests which are remote from log-running streams. In almost every county in 
the state, mills of greater or less capacity may be found cutting up pine or hard-woods into 
lumber, shingles, or cooperage stock. Most important, in a lumbering point of view, of all the 
railroads, is the Wisconsin Central. It extends from Milwaukee to Ashland, on Lake Superior, 
a distance of 351 miles, with a line to Green Bay, 113 miles, and one from Stevens Point to 
Portage, 71 miles, making a total length of road, of 449 miles. It has only been completed to 
Ashland within the last two years. From Milwaukee to Stevens Point it passes around to the 
east and north of Lake Winnebago, through an excellent hard-wood section. There are many 
stave mills in operation upon and tributary to its line, together with wooden-ware establishments 
and various manufactories requiring either hard or soft timber as raw material. From Stevens 
Point northward, this road passes through and has tributary to it one of the finest bodies of tim- 
ber in the state. It crosses the upper waters of Black river and the Flambeau, one of the main 
tributaries of the Chippewa. From 30,000,000 to 50,000,000 feet of lumber is annually manu- 
factured on its line, above Stevens Point. The Wisconsin Valley railroad extends from Tomah 
to Wausau, and was built to afford an outlet, by rail, for the lumber produced at the latter point. 

The extent of the timber supply in this state has been a matter of much speculation, and 



190 



HISTOKY OF WISCONSIN. 



is a subject upon which but little can be definitely said. Pine trees can not be counted or 
measured until reduced to saw-logs or lumber. It is certain that for twenty years the 
forests of Wisconsin have yielded large amounts of valuable timber, and no fears are 
entertained by holders of pine lands that the present generation of owners will witness 
an exhaustion of their supply. In some sections it is estimated that the destruction to 
the standing timber by fires, which periodically sweep over large sections, is greater than 
by the axes of the loggers. The necessity for a state system of forestry, for the protection of 
the forests from fires, has been urged by many, and with excellent reason ; for no natural resource 
of the state is of more value and importance than its wealth of timber. According to an esti- 
mate recently made by a good authority, and which received the sanction of many interested 
parties, there was standing in the state in 1S76, an amount of pine timber approximating 
35,000,000,000 feet. 

The annual production of lumber in the districts herein described, and from logs floated out 
of the state to mills on the Mississippi, is about 1,200,000,000 feet. The following table gives 
the mill capacity per season, and the lumber and shingles manufactured in 1 871 



Green Bay Shore..* 

Wolf River 

Wisconsin Central Railroad 

Green Bay & Minnesota Railroad 

Wisconsin River 

Black River 

Chippewa River. — 

Mississippi River — using Wisconsin logs.. 



Total . 



SEASON 
CAPACITY. 



2o6,00O.(OO 
258,50 '.oix) 
72,51.0000 
34,500.000 
222,000,000 
101,000.000 
311,000.000 
50g.ooo.oco 



1.714,500.000 



LUMBER 

MANUS U I I kl I 

IN 1876. 



138,250,000 

138,645,077 

31,530.000 

17,700,000 

139,700,000 

70.S52.747 

255,866,999 

3S0,o67,0O0 



1,172,611,823 



SHINGLES 
MANUFACTURED 

IN - IS76. 



123 

132 

IO 

IO6 

37 

79 

206 



400,000 
,192,000 
.700,000 
700,000 
250,000 
,675.000 
25U.000 
,977,000 



782.144,000 



If to the above is added the production of mills outside of the main districts and lines of rail- 
way herein described, the amount of pine lumber annually produced from Wisconsin forests would 
reach 1,500,000,000 feet. Of the hard-wood production no authentic information is obtainable 
To cut the logs and place them upon the banks of the streams, read)- for floating to the mills, 
requires the labor of about iS,ooo men. Allowing that, upon an average, each man has a family 
of two persons besides himself, dependent upon his labor for support, it would be apparent that 
the first step in the work of manufacturing lumber gives employment and support to 54,000 
persons. To convert 1,000,000 feet of logs into lumber, requires the consumption of 1,200 
bushels of oats, 9 barrels of pork and beef, 10 tons of hay, 40 barrels of flour, and the use of 2 
pairs of horses. Thus the fitting out of the logging companies each fall makes a market for 
1,800,000 bushels of oats, 13,500 barrels of pork and beef, 15,000 tons of hay, and 60,000 barrels 
of flour. Before the lumber is sent to market, fully $6,000,000 is expended for the 1 
employed in producing it. This industry, aside from furnishing the farmer of the west with the 
cheapest and best of materials for constructing his buildings, also furnishes a very important 
market for the products of his farm. 

The question of the exhausi th< pine timber supply lias met with much discussion 

during the past few years, and, so far as the forests of Wisconsin are concerned, deserves .' 
notice. The great source of supply of white pine timber in the country is that portion of the 
northwest between tlie shores of bake Huron and the banks oi the Mississippi, comprising the 



LUMBER MANUFACTURE. 191 

■northern portions of the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. For a quarter of a 
century these fields have been worked by lumbermen, the amount of the yearly production 
having increased annually until it reached the enormous figure of 4,000,000,000 feet. With all 
of this tremendous drain upon the forests, there can be pointed out but one or two sections that 
are actually exhausted. There are, however, two or three where the end can be seen and the 
date almost foretold. The pineries of Wisconsin have been drawn upon for a less period and 
less amount than those of Michigan, and, it is generally conceded, will outlast them at the present 
proportionate rate of cutting. There are many owners of pine timber lands who laugh at the 
prospect of exhausting their timber, within their lifetime. As time brings them nearer to the end, 
the labor of procuring the logs, by reason of the distance of the timber from the water-courses, 
will increase, and the work will progress more slowly. 

In the future of this industry there is much promise. Wisconsin is the natural source of 
supply for a very large territory. The populous prairies of Illinois and Iowa are near-by and 
unfailing markets. The broad plains of Kansas and the rich valleys of Nebraska, which are still in 
the cradle of development, will make great drafts upon her forests for the material to construct cities 
in which the first corner-stone is yet unlaid. Minnesota, notwithstanding the fact that large 
forests exist within her own confines, is even now no mean customer for Wisconsin lumber, and 
the ambitious territory of Dakota will soon clamor for material to build up a great and wealthy 
state. In the inevitable progress of development and growth which must characterize the great 
west, the demand for pine lumber for building material will be a prominent feature. With the 
growth of time, changes will occur in the methods of reducing the forests. With the increasing 
demand and enhancing values will come improvements in manipulating the raw material, and a 
stricter economy will be preserved in the handling of a commodity which the passage of time 
only makes hiore valuable. Wisconsin will become the home of manufactories, which will 
convert her trees into finished articles of daily consumption, giving employment to thousands of 
artisans where it now requires hundreds, and bringing back millions of revenue where is now 
realized thousands. Like all other commodities, lumber becomes more valuable as skilled labor 
is employed in its manipulation, and the greater the extent to which this is carried, the greater is 
the growth in prosperity, of the state and its people. 



BANKING IN WISCONSIN. 

by john p. McGregor. 

Wisconsin was organized as a territory in 1836, and the same year several acts were passed 
by the territorial legislature, incorporating banks of issue. Of these, one at Green Bay and 
another at Mineral Point went into operation just in time to play their part in the great panic 
of 1837. The bank at Green Bay soon failed and left its bills unredeemed. The bank at 
Mineral Point is said to have struggled a little longer, but both these concerns were short lived, 
and their issues were but a drop in the great flocd of worthless wild-cat bank notes that spread 
over the whole western country in that disastrous time. The sufferings of the people of Wis- 
consin, from this cause, left a vivid impression on their minds, which manifested its results in the 
legislation of the territory and in the constitution of the state adopted in 1848. So jealous were 
the legislatures of the territory, of banks and all their works, that, in every act of incorporation 
for any purpose, a clause was inserted to the effect that nothing in the act contained should be 



192 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN". 

taken to authorize the corporation to assume or exercise any banking powers; and this proviso 
was even added to acts incorporating church societies. For some years there can hardly be said 
to have been any banking business done in the territory; merchants and business men were left 
to their own devices to make their exchanges, and every man was his own banker. 

In the year [839 an act was passed incorporating the " Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance 
Company," of Milwaukee. This charter conferred on the corporation, in addition to the usual 
powers of a fire and marine insurance company, the privilege of receiving deposits, issuing certifi- 
cates of deposit and lending money, — and wound up with the usual prohibition from doing a 
banking business. This company commenced business at once under the management of George 
Smith as president and Alexander Mitchell as secretary. The receiving deposits, issuing certifi- 
cates of deposit and lending money, soon outgrew and overshadowed the insurance branch of the 
institution, which accordingly gradually dried up. In fact, the certificates of deposit had all the 
appearance of ordinary bank notes, and served the purposes of an excellent currency, being 
always promptly redeemed in coin on demand. Gradually these issues attained a great 
circulation all through the west, as the people gained more and more confidence in the honesty 
and ability of the managers ; and though " runs " were several times made, yet being successfully 
met, the public finally settled down into the belief that these bills were good beyond question, so 
that the amount in circulation at one time, is said, on good authority, to have .een over 
$2,000,000. 

As the general government required specie to be paid for all lands bought of it, the Wis- 
consin Marine and Fire Insurance company, by redemption of its " certificates of deposit," 
furnished a large part of the coin needed for use at the Milwaukee land office, and more or less 
for purchases at land offices in other parts of the state, and its issues were of course much in 
request for this purpose. For many years this institution furnished the main banking facilities 
for the business men of the territory and young state, in the way of discounts and exchanges. 
Its right to carry on the operations it was engaged in, under its somewhat dubious and incon- 
sistent charter, was often questioned, and, in 1852, under the administration of Governor Farwell, 
some steps were taken to test the matter; but as the general banking law had then been passed 
by tin- legislature, and was about to be submitted to the people, anil as it was understood that the 
any ivo ;hl organize as a bank under the law, if approved, the legal proceedings were not 
pressed. While this corporation played so important a part in the financial history and commer- 
cial development of Wisconsin, the writer is not aware of any available statistics as to the 
amount of business transacted by it before it became merged in the "Wisconsin Marine and 
Fire Insurance Company's Bank." 

In 1S47, the foundation of the present well-known firm of Marshall & Ilsley was laid by 
Samuel Marshall, who, in that year, opened a private banking office in Milwaukee, and was joined 
in 1849 b\ Charles F. Ilsley. This concern has always held a prominent position among the 
banking institutions of our state. About this lime, at Mineral Point, Washburn & Woodman 
(C. C. Washburn and Cyrus Woodman) engaged mi private banking, as a part of their business. 
After some years they were succeeded by Wm. T. Henry, who still continues the banking office. 
Among the early private bankers of the state were Mr. Kellogg, of < >shkosh ; L'lmann and Bell, of 
e; and T, C. Shove, of Manitowoc. The latter still continues his business, whfio that of 
the other firms has ! een wound up or merged in organized banks. 

In 1S4S, Wisconsin adopted a state constitution. This constitution prohibited the legislature 

rporating banks and from conferring banking powers on any corporation; bui provided 

the question of " banks or no banks" might be submitted to a vote of the electors, ni.i, if the 

ion should be in favor of banks, then the legislature might (barter banks or migftt cn.u t a 



BACKING IX WISCONSIN". 193 

general banking law, but no such special charter or general banking law should have any force 
until submitted to the electors at a general election, and approved by a majority of votes cast on 
that subject. In 1S51, the legislature submitted this question to the people, and a majority of 
the votes were cast in favor of "banks." Accordingly the legislature, in 1S52, made a general 
banking law, which was submitted to the electors in November of that year, and was approved 
by them. This law was very similar to the free banking law of the state of New York, which 
had then been in force about fifteen years, and was generally approved in that state. Our law 
authorized any number of individuals to form a corporate association for banking purposes, -ind 
its main provisions were intended to provide security for the circulating notes, by deposit of state 
and United States stocks or bonds with the state treasurer, so that the bill holders should sustain 
no loss in case of the failure of the banks. Provision was made for a bank comptroller, whose 
main duty it was to see that countersigned circulating notes were issued to banks only in proper 
amounts for the securities deposited, and upon compliance with the law, and that the banks kept 
these securities good. 

The first bank comptroller was James S. Baker, who was appointed by Governor Farwell. 

The first banks organized under the new law were the " State Bank," established at Madi- 
son by Marshall & Ilsley, and the "Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company's Bank," 
established at Milwaukee under the old management of that c jinpany. These banks both went 
into operation early in January, 1853, and, later in that year, the " State Bank of Wisconsin " (now 
Milwaukee National Bank of Wisconsin), and the " Farmers' and Millers' Bank " (now First 
National Bank of Milwaukee), were established, followed in January, 1854, by the "Bank of Mil- 
waukee " (now National Exchange Bank of Milwaukee). From this time forward banks were 
rapidly established at different points through the state, until in July, 1S57, they numbered sixty 
— with aggregate capital, $4,205,000; deposits, $3,920,238; and circulation, $2. 231,829. In 
October, the great revulsion and panic of 1S57 came on, and in its course and effects tried pretty 
severely the new banks in Wisconsin. Some of them succumbed to the pressure, but most of 
them stood the trial well. 

The great source of loss and weakness at that time was found in the rapid decline of the 
market value of the securities deposited to protect circulation, which were mostly state bonds, 
and largely those of the southern states; so that this security, when it came to be tried, did not 
prove entirely sufficient. Another fault of the system, or of the practice under it, was developed 
at this time. It was found that many of the banks had been set up without actual working capi- 
tal, merely for the purpose of issuing circulating notes, and were located at distant and inaccessible 
points in what was then the great northern wilderness of the state ; so that it was expensive and 
in fact impracticable to present their issues for redemption. While these evils and their rem- 
edies were a good deal discussed among bankers, the losses and inconveniences to the people 
were not yet great enough to lead to the adoption of thorough and complete measures of reform. 
The effect of these difficulties, however, was to bring the bankers of the staie into the habit of 
consulting and acting together in cases of emergency, the first bankers' convention having been 
held in 1S57. This was followed by others from time to time, and it would be difficult to over- 
xalue the great good that has resulted, at several important crises from the har . onious and con- 
lervative action of the bankers of our state. Partly, at least, upon their recommendations the 
.egislature, in 1858, adopted amendments to the banking law, providing that no bank should be 
located in a township containing less than two hundred inhabitants ; and that the comptroller 
should not issue circulating notes, except to banks doing a regular discount deposit and exchange 
business in some inhabited town, village, city, or where the ordinary business of inhabited towns, 
villages and cities was carried on. Theie amendments were approved by the people at the fall 



194 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

election of that year. , 

Banking matters now ran along pretty smoothly until the election in i860, of the republican 
presidential ticket, and the consequent agitation in the southern states threatening civil war, the 
effects of which were speedily felt; first, in the great depreciation of the bonds of the southern 
states, and then in a less decline in those of the northern state- At this time (taking the state- 
ment of July, i860,) the number of banks was 104, with aggregate capital, $^.547,000; circula- 
tion, $4,075,918; deposits, $3,230,252. 

During the winter following, there was a great deal of uneasiness in regard to our state cur- 
rency, and co tinuous demand upon our banks for the redemption of their circulating notes in 
coin. Many banks of the wild-cat sort failed to redeem their notes, which became depreciated 
and uncurrent ; and, when the rebellion came to a head by the firing on Fort Sumter, the banking 
interests of the state were threatened with destruction by compulsory winding up and enforced 
sale at the panic prices then prevailing, of the securities deposited to secure circulation. Under 
these circumstances, on the 17th of April, 1861, the legislature passed " an act to protect the 
holders of the circulating notes of the authorized banks of the state of Wisconsin." As the 
banking law could not be amended except by approval of the electors, by vote at a general 
election, a practical suspension of specie payment had to be effected by indirect methods. So 
this act first directed the bank comptroller to suspend all action toward banks for failing to 
redeem their circulation. Secondly, it prohibited notaries public from protesting bills of banks 
until Dec 1, 1861. Thirdly, it gave banks until that date to answer complaints in any proceed- 
ing to compel ivment of circulating notes. This same legislature also amended the 
banking law, to cure defects that had been developed in it. These amendments were intended 
to facilitate the presentation and protest of circulating notes, and the winding up of banks 
failing to redeem them, and provided that the bank comptroller should not issue circulating notes 

it to banks having actual cash capital ; on which point he was to take evidence in all cases; 
that after Dec. 1, 1861, all banks of the State should redeem their issues either at Madison or 
Milwaukee, and no bonds or stocks should be received :is security for circulation except those of 
the United States and of the state of Wisconsin. 

Specie payment of bank bills was then practically suspended, in our state, from April 17 to 
December 1, 1861, and there was no longer any plain practical test for determining which were 
good, and which not. In this condition of things, bankers met in convention, and, after discus- 

ind inquiry as to the condition and resources of the different banks, put forth a list of those 

ues were to be considered current and bankable. Hut thing-, grew worse, and it was 

evident that the list contained banks that would never be able to redeem their circulation, and 

the issues of such were from time to time thrown out and discredited without anj concert of 

1, so that the uneasiness of people in regard to the financial situation was greatly increased. 
The bankers finally met, gave the banks another sifting, and put forth a List of -evenly b 
whose circulating notes they pledged themselves to receive, and pay out .i^ 1 urrent, until Dei 
ber 1. There had been so manj changes that this pledge was thought necessary to allay the 

tensions of the public. But matters still grew worse instead of better. Some of the 
banks in the " current " list closed their doors to their depositors, and others were evidently 

nil. and their circulation so insufficiently secured as to make it certain that it would never 

deemed. There was more or less sorting of the currency, both by banks and business men, 
all over the state, in the endeavor to keep the best and paj out the poorest. In this stat 
things, some of the Milwaukee banks, without concert of action, and acting under the apprehen- 
sion of being loaded up with the very w the currency, which, it was feared, the country 
banks and merchants were sorting out ami sending to Milwaukee, revised the list again, and 



BACKING IX WISCONSIN. 195 

threw out ten of the seventy banks whose issues it had been agreed should be received as 
current. Other banks and bankers were compelled to take the same course to protect then - - 
selves. The consequence was a great disturbance of the public mind, and violent charges of 
bad faith on the part of the banks, which culminated in the bank riots of June 24, 186 1. On 
that day, a crowd of several hundred disorderly people, starting out most probably only with the 
idea of making some sort of demonstration of their dissatisfaction with the action of the banks 
and bankers and with the failure to keep faith with the public, marched through the streets with 
a band of music, and brought up at the corner of Michigan and East Water streets. 

The banks had just sufficient notice of these proceedings to enable them to lock up their 
money and valuables in their vaults, before the storm broke upon them. The mob halted at the 
place above mentioned, and for a time contented themselves .with hooting, and showed no dispo- 
sition to proceed to violence; but, after a little while, a stone was thrown through the windows 
of the Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company's Bank, situated at one corner of the 
above streets, and volleys of stones soon followed, not only against that bank, but also against 
the State Bank of Wisconsin, situated on the opposite corner. The windows of both these 
institutions and of the offices in the basements under them were effectually demolished. 
The mob then made a rush into these banks and offices, and completely gutted them, offering 
more or less violence to the inmates, though no person was seriously hurt. The broken furni- 
ture of the offices under the State Bank of Wisconsin was piled up, and the torch was applied 
by some of the rioters, while others were busy in endeavoring to break into the safes of the offices 
and the vaults of the banks. The debris of the furniture in the office of the Wisconsin Marine 
and Fire Insurance Company's Bank, was also set on fire, and it was plain that if the mob was 
not immediately checked, the city would be given up to conflagration and pillage — the worst 
elements, as is always the case with mobs, having assumed the leadership. Just at that juncture, 
the Milwaukee zouaves, a small military company, appeared on the scene, and with the help of 
the firemen who had been called out, the mob was put to flight, and the incipient fire was extin- 
guished. 

The damage so far done was not great in amount, and the danger for the moment was over; 
but the situation was still grave, as the city was full of threats, disturbance and apprehension. 
By the prompt action of the authorities, a number of companies of volunteers were brought from 
different places in the state, order was preserved, and, after muttering for three or four days, the 
storm died away. The effect of that disturbance and alarm was, however, to bring home to the 
bankers and business men the conviction that effectual measures must be taken to settle our 
state currency matters on a sound and permanent basis, and that the issues of all banks that 
could not be put in shape to meet specie payment in December, must be retired from circulation 
and be got out of the way. A meeting of the bankers was held; also of the merchants' association 
of Milwaukee, and arrangements were made to raise $100,000, by these two bodies, to be used in 
assisting weak and crippled banks in securing or retiring their circulation. The bankers 
appointed a committee to take the matter in charge. 

It happened that just at this time Governor Randall and State Treasurer Hastings returned 
from New York City, where they had been making unsuccessful efforts to dispose of $800,000 of 
Wisconsin war bonds, which had been issued to raise funds to fit out Wisconsin volunteers. 

Our state had never had any bonds on the eastern market. For other reasons, our 
credit was not high in New York, and it had been found impossible to dispose of these bonds for 
over sixty cents on the dollar. The state officers conferred with the bankers to see what could 
be done at home ; and it was finally arranged that the bankers' committee should undertake to 
get the state banks to dispose of their southern and other depreciated state bonds on deposit to 



196 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

secure circulation, for what they would bring in coin, in New York, and replace these bonds with 
those of our own state, .which were to be taken by our banks nominally at par — seventy percent, 
being paid in cash, and the different banks purchasing bonds, giving their individual obligation 
for the thirty per cent, balance, to be paid in semi-annual installments, with an agreement that the 
state should deduct these installments from the interest so long as these bonds should remain on 
deposit with the state. By the terms of the law, sixty per cent, of the proceeds of the bonds had to 
be paid in coin. The bankers' committee went to work, and with some labor and difficulty 
induced most of the banks to sell their southern securities at the existing low prices in New 
York, and thus produce the coin required to pay for our state bonds. From the funds provided 
by the merchants and bankers, they assisted many of the weaker banks to make good their 
securities with the banking department of the state. By the 19th of July, six of the ten rejected 
banks that had been the occasion of the riot, were made good, and restored to the list. The 
other four were wound up, and their issues redeemed at par, and, before the last of August, the 
value of the securities of all the bank-- on the current list were brought up to their circulation, 
as shown by the comptroller's report. 

Wisconsin currency at the time of the bank riot was at a discount of about 15 per cent., as 
compared with gold or New York exchange. At the middle of July the discount was 10 to 12 
per cent , and early in August it fell to 5 per cent. The bankers' committee continued their 
work in preparation for the resumption of specie payment on December 1. While the securities 
for the bank circulation had been made good, it was, nevertheless, evident that many of the 
banks on the current list would not be equal to the continued redemption of their bills in specie, 
and that they would have to be wound up and got out of the way in season. Authority was got 
from such institutions, as fast as possible, for the bankers' committee to retire their circulation 
and sell their securities. The Milwaukee banks and bankers took upon themselves the great 
burden of this business, having arranged among themselves to sort out and withhold from cir- 
culation the bills of these banks, — distributing the load among themselves in certain defined 
proportions. Instead of paying out these doubted bills, the different banks brought to the bank- 
ers' committee such amounts as they accumulated from time to time, and received from the 
committee certificates of deposit bearing seven per cent, interest, and these bills were locked up 
by the committee until the securities for these notes could be sold and the proceeds realized. 
Over $400,000 of this sort of paper was locked up by the committee at one time; but it was all 
converted into cash, and, when the first of December came, the remaining banks of this state 
were ready to redeem their issues in gold or its equivalent, and so continued to redeem until the 
issue of the legal-tender notes and the general suspension of specie payment in the United 
States. 

In July, 1861, the number of our banks was 107, with capital, $4,607,000; circulation, 
$ 2 o' 7.907 '. deposits, $3,265,069. 

By the contraction incident to the preparations for redemption in specie, the amount of cur- 
rent Wisconsin bank notes outstanding December 1, [86 1, was reduced to about $1,500,000. 
When that day came, there was quite a disposition manifested to convert Wisconsin currency 
into coin, and a sharp financial pinch was felt for a few days ; but as the public became satisfied 
that the banks were prepared to meet the demand, the call for redemption rapidly fell off, and 
the banks soon began to expand their circulation, which was now current and in good demand 
all through the northwestern states. The amount saved to all the interests of our state, by this 
successful effort to save our banking system from destruction, is beyond computation. From 
this time our banks ran along quietly until prohibitory taxation by act of congress drove the bills 
of state banks out of circulation. 



BANKING IN WISCONSIN. 197 

The national banking law was passed in 1S63, and a few banks were soon organized under 
it in different parts of the country. The first in Wisconsin was formed by the re-organization of 
the Farmers' and Millers' Bank, in August, 1S63, as the First National Bank of Milwaukee, 
with Edward D. Holton as president, and H. H. Camp, cashier. The growth of the new system, 
however, was not very rapid ; the state banks were slow to avail themselves of the privileges of 
the national banking act, and the central authorities concluded to compel them to come in ; so 
facilities were offered for their re-organization as national banks, and then a tax of ten per cent, 
was laid upon the issues of the state banks. This tax was imposed by act of March, 1865, and 
at once caused a commotion in our state. In July, 1864, the number of Wisconsin state banks 
was sixty-six, with capital §3,147,000, circulation $2,461,728, deposits §5,483,205, and these 
figures were probably not very different in the spring of 1865. The securities for the circulating 
notes were in great part the bonds of our own state, which, while known by our own people to 
be good beyond question, had never been on the general markets of the country so as to be cur- 
rently known there; and it was feared that in the hurried retirement of our circulation these 
bonds would be sacrificed, the currency depreciated, and great loss brought upon our banks and 
people. There was some excitement, and a general call for the redemption of our state circula- 
tion, but the banks mostly met the run well, and our people were disposed to stand by our own 
state bonds. 

In April, 1861, the legislature passed laws, calling in the mortgage loans of the school fund, 
and directing its investment in these securities. The state treasurer was required to receive 
Wisconsin bank notes, not only for taxes and debts due the state, but also on deposit, and to 
issue certificates for such deposits bearing seven per cent, interest. By these and like means 
the threatened panic was stopped ; and in the course of a few months Wisconsin state currency 
was nearly all withdrawn from circulation. In July, 1865, the number of state banks was 
twenty-six, with capital $1,087,000, circulation $192,323, deposits $2,284,210. Under the 
pressure put on by congress, the organization of national banks, and especially the re -organiza- 
tion of state banks, under the national system, was proceeding rapidly, and in a short time nearly 
every town in our own state of much size or importance was provided with one or more of these 
institutions. 

In the great panic of 1873, all the Wisconsin banks, both state and national (in common 
with those of the whole country), were severely tried; but the failures were few and unimpor- 
tant; and Wisconsin went through that ordeal with less loss and disturbance than almost any- 
other state. 

We have seen that the history of banking in Wisconsin covers a stormy period, in which 
great disturbances and panics have occurred at intervals of a few years. It is to be hoped that 
a more peaceful epoch will succeed, but permanent quiet and prosperity can not rationally be 
expected in the present unsettled condition of our currency, nor until we have gone through the 
temporary stringency incidental to the resumption of specie payment. 

According to the last report of the comptroller of the currency, the number of national 
banks in Wisconsin in November, 1876, was forty, with capital $3,400,000, deposits $7,i45>36o, 
circulation $2,072,869. 

At this time (July, 1877) the number of state banks is twenty-six, with capital $1,288,231, 
deposits $6,662,973. Their circulation is, of course, merely nominal, though there is no legal 
obstacle to their issuing circulating notes, except the tax imposed by congress. 



COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 

By Hon. H. H. GILES. 

The material philosophy of a people has to do with the practical and useful. It sees in 
iron, coal, cotton, wool, grain and the trees of the forest, the elements of personal comfort and 
sources of material greatness, and is applied to their development, production and fabrication for 
purposes of exchange, interchange and sale. The early immigrants to Wisconsin territory found 
a land teeming with unsurpassed natural advantages; prairies, timber, water and minerals, invit- 
ing the fanner, miner and lumberman, to come and build houses, furnaces, mills and factories. 
The first settlers were a food-producing people. The prairies and openings were ready for the 
plow. The ease with which farms were brought under cultivation, readily enabled the pioneer 
to supply the food necessary for himself and family, while a surplus was often produced in a few 
months. The hardships so often encountered in the settlement of a new country, where forests 
must be felled and stumps removed to prepare the soil for tillage, were scarcely known, or greatly 
mitigated. 

Daring the decade from 1835 to 1845,50 great were the demands for the products of the 
soil, created by the tide of emigration, that the settlers found a home market for all their surplus 
products, and so easily were crops grown that, within a very brief time after the first emigration, 
but little was required from abroad. The commerce of the country was carried on by the 
exchange of products. The settlers (they could scarcely be called farmers) would exchange 
their wheat, corn, oats and pork for the goods, wares and fabrics of the village merchant. It 
was an age of barter ; but they looked at the capabilities of the land they had come to possess, 
and, with firm faith, saw bright promises of better days in the building up of a great state. 

It is not designed to trace with minuteness the history of Wisconsin through the growth of 
its commercial and manufacturing interests. To do it justice would require a volume. The 
aim of this article will be to present a concise view of its present status. Allusion will only be 
incidentally made to stages of growth and progress by which it has been reached. 

I ew states in the Union possess within their borders so many, and in such abundance, 
elements that contribute to the material prosperity of a people. Its soil of unsurpassed 
fertility; its inexhaustible mines of lead, copper, zinc and iron; its almost boundless forests ; 
it> water-powers, sufficient to drive the machinery of the world; its long lines of lake shore on 
two sides, and the " Father of waters " on another, — need but enterprise, energy and capital to 
utilize tin 111 in building an empire of wealth, where the hum of variedjndustries shall be heard 
in the music of the sickle, the loom and the anvil. 

The growth of manufacturing industries was slow during the first twenty-five years of our 
history. The early settlers were poor. Frequently the land they tilled was pledged to obtain 
means to pay for it. Capitalists obtained from twenty to thirty per rent, per annum for the use 
of their money. Indeed, it was the rule, under the free-trade ideas of the money-lenders for 
them to play the Shylock. A\ hile investments in bonds and mortgages were so profitable, few 
were read) to improve the natural advantages the country presented for building factories and 
work-shops. 



COMMEKCE AXD MANUFACTURES. 199 

For many years, quite all the implements used in farming were brought from outside the 
state. While this is the case at present to some extent with the more cumbersome farm 
machinery, quite a proportion of that and most of the simpler and lighter implements are made 
at home, while much farm machinery is now manufactured for export to other states. 

Fur>. 

The northwest was visited and explored by French voyageurs and missionaries from Canada 
at an early day. The object of the former was trading and gain. The Jesuits, ever zealous in 
the propagation of their religion, went forth into the unknown wilderness to convert the natives 
to their faith. As early as 1624, they were operating about Lake Huron and Mackinaw. Father 
Menard it is related, was with the Indians on Lake Superior as early as 1661. The early 
explorers were of two classes, and were stimulated by two widely different motives — the voyag- 
eurs, by the love of gain, and the missionaries, by their zeal in the propagation of their faith. 
Previous to 1679, a considerable trade in furs had sprung up with Indian tribes in the vicinity of 
Mackinaw and the northern part of " Ouisconsin." In that year more than two hundred canoes, 
laden with furs, passed Mackinaw, bound for Montreal. The whole commerce of this vast region 
then traversed, was carried on with birch-bark canoes. The French used them in traversing 
wilds — otherwise inaccessible by reason of floods of water at one season, and ice and snow at 
another — also lakes and morasses which interrupted land journeys, and rapids and cataracts 
that cut off communication by water. This little vessel enabled them to overcome all difficulties. 
Being buoyant, it rode the waves, although heavily freighted, and, of light draft, it permitted the 
traversing of small streams. Its weight was so light that it could be easily carried from one 
stream to another, and around rapids and other obstructions. With this little vessel, the fur 
trade of the northwest was carried on, as well as the interior of a vast continent explored. 
Under the stimulus of commercial enterprise, the French traders penetrated the recesses ot the 
immense forests whose streams were the home of the beaver, the otter and the mink, and in 
whose depths were found the martin, sable, ermine, and other fur-bearing animals. A vast trade 
in furs sprung up, and was carried on by different agents, under authority of the French 
government. 

When the military possession of the northwestern domain passed from the government of 
France to that of Great Britain in 1760, the relationship of the fur trade to the government 
changed. The government of France had controlled the traffic, and made it a means of strength- 
ening its hold upon the country it possessed. The policy of Great Britain was, to charter 
companies, and grant them exclusive privileges. The Hudson bay company had grown rich and 
powerful between 1670 and 1760. Its success had excited the cupidity of capitalists, and rival 
organizations were formed. The business of the company had been done at their trading-stations 
— the natives bringing in their furs for exchange and barter. Other companies sent their 
voyageurs into every nook and corner to traffic with the trappers, and even to catch the fur-bear- 
ing animals themselves. In the progress of time, private parties engaged in trapping and dealing 
in furs, and, under the competition created, the business became less profitable. In 1815, 
congress passed an act prohibiting foreigners from dealing in furs in the United States, or any 
of its territories. This action was obtained through the influence of John Jacob Astor. Mr. 
Astor organized the American fur company in 1S09, and afterward, in connection with the North- 
west company, bought out the Mackinaw company, and the two were merged in the Southwest 
company. The association was suspended by the war of 1S12. The American re-entered the 
field in 1816. The fur trade is still an important branch of traffic in the northern part -of the 
state, and, during eight months of the year, employs a large number of men. 



200 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



I.i ah and Zinc. 

In 1S24, the lead ore in the southwestern part of Wisconsin began to attract attention. 
From 1S26 to 1830, there was a great rush of miners to this region, somewhat like the Pike's 
Peak excitement at a later date. The lead-producing region of Wisconsin covers an area of 
about 2,200 square miles, and embraces parts of Grant, Iowa and La Fayette counties. Between 
1829 and 1839, the production of lead increased from 5,000 to 10,000 tons. After the latter 
year it rose rapidly, and attained its maximum in 1845, when it reached nearl) r 25,000 tons. 
Since that time the production has decreased, although still carried on to a considerable extent. 

The sulphate and carbonate of zinc abound in great quantities with the lead of southwest 
■Wisconsin. Owing to the difficulty of working this class of ores, it was formerly allowed to 
accumulate about the mouths of the mines. Within a few years past, metallurgic processes 
have been so greatly improved, that the zinc ores have been largely utilized. At La Salle, in the 
state of Illinois, there are three establishments for smelting zinc ores. There is also one at Peru, 
111. To smelt zinc ores economically, they are taken where cheap fuel is available. Hence, the 
location of these works in the vicinity of coal mines. The works mentioned made in 1875, 
from ores mostly taken from Wisconsin, 7.510 tons of zinc. These metals are, therefore, impor- 
tant elements in the commerce of Wisconsin. 

Iron. 

The iron ores of Wisconsin occur in immense beds in several localities, and are destined to 
prove of great value. From their product in 1S63, there were 3,735 tons of pig iron received at 
Milwaukee; in 1S65, 4,785 tons; in 1868, 10,890 tons. Of the latter amount, 4,648 tons were 
from the iron mines at Mayville. There were shipped from Milwaukee, in 1868, 6,361 tons of 
pig iron. There were also received 2,500 tons of ore from the Dodge county ore beds. During 
1869, the ore beds at Iron Ridge were developed to a considerable extent, and two large blast 
furnaces constructed in Milwaukee, at which place there were 4.695 tons of ore received, and 
2,059 tons were shipj>ed to Chicago and Wyandotte. In 1870, 112,060 tons of iron ore were 
received at Milwaukee, 95,000 tons of which were from Iron Ridge, and 17,060 tons from Esca- 
naba and Marquette, in Michigan. The total product of the mines at Iron Ridge in 1871 was 
82,284 tons. The Milwaukee iron company received by lake, in the same year, 28,094 tons of 
Marquette iron ore to mix with the former in making railroad iron. In 1872, there were receiveu 
from Iron Ridge 85,245 tons of ore, and 5,620 tons of pig iron. Much of the metal made by the 
Wisconsin iron company in 1872 was shipped to St. Louis, to mix with the iron made from 

ouri ore. 

The following table shows the production of pig iron in Wisconsin, for 1872, 1873 and 1874, 
in tons : 



Fl'KN . 


1872. 


1873. 


1874. 


Milwaukee Iron Company, Milwaukee 

Minerva Furnace Company, Milwaukee 

Wisconsin Iron Company, Iron Ridge 

Northwestern Iron Company, Mayville 


21,818 

3.350 
5.033 
4,888 
6,910 
3,420 

C,l» ,., 
1,780 


29,326 
5.822 
4.155 
4.137 
8,044 
6,141 

7.999 
6,832 
1,528 


33.000 

3.306 
3.000 
6,500 
6,000 
6.500 
7,000 
1.300 


National Iron Company, Depere 

Fox River Ir..n Company, \V. Depere 

1 n Furnace, Sauk county 






5*. 797 


73,980 ! 66,600 



COMMERCE AND MANTTACTURES. 201 

The Milwaukee iron company, during the year 1S72, entered into the manufacture of mer- 
chant iron — it having been demonstrated that the raw material could be reduced there cheaper 
than elsewhere. The Minerva furnace company built also during the same year one of the 
most compact and complete iron furnaces to be found any where in the country. During the 
year 1873, the iron, with most other material interests, became seriously prostrated, so that the 
total receipts of ore in Milwaukee in 1874 amounted to only 31,993 tons, against 69,418 in 1873, 
and 85,245 tons in 1872. There were made in Milwaukee in 1874, 29,680 tons of railroad iron. 
In 1875, 58,868 tons of ore were received at Milwaukee, showing a revival of the trade in an 
increase of 19,786 tons over the previous year. The operation of the works at Bay View having 
suspended, the receipts of ore in 1876, at Milwaukee, were less than during any year since 1869, 
being only 31,1 T9 tons, of which amount only 5,488 tons were from Iron Ridge, and the total 
shipments were only 498 tons. 

Lumber. 

The business of lumbering holds an important rank in the commerce of the state. For 
many years the ceaseless hum of the saw and the stroke of the ax have been heard in all our 
great forests. The northern portion of the state is characterized by evergreen trees, principally 
pine; the southern, by hard-woods. There are exceptional localities, but this is a correct state- 
ment of the general distribution. I think that, geologically speaking, the evergreens belong to 
the primitive and sandstone regions, and the hard wood to the limestone and clay formations. 
Northern Wisconsin, so called, embraces that portion of the state north of forty-five degrees, 
and possesses nearly all the valuable pine forests. The most thoroughly developed portion of 
this region is that lying along the streams entering into Green bay and Lake Michigan, and border- 
ing on the Wisconsin river and other streams entering into the Mississippi. Most of the pine in 
the immediate vicinity of these streams has been cut off well toward their sources ; still, there 
are vast tracts covered with dense forests, not accessible from streams suitable for log-driving 
purposes. The building of railroads into these forests will alone give a market value to a large 
portion of the pine timber there growing. It is well, perhaps, that this is so, for at the present 
rate of consumption, but a few years will elapse before these noble forests will be totally destroyed. 
Most of the lumber manufactured on the rivers was formerly taken to a market by being floated 
down the streams in rafts. Now, the railroads are transporting large quantities, taking it directly 
from the mills and unloading it at interior points in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, and some of it 
in eastern cities. From five to eight thousand men are employed in the pineries in felling the 
trees, sawing them into logs of suitable length, and hauling them to the mills and streams during 
every winter in times of fair prices and favorable seasons. The amount of lumber sawed in 
i860, as carefully estimated, was 355,055,155 feet. The amountof shingles made was 2,272,061, 
and no account was made of the immense number of logs floated out of the state, for manufac- 
ture into lumber elsewhere. The amount of logs cut in the winter of 1873 and 1874 was 
987,000,000 feet. In 1876 and 1877 the Black river furnished 188,344,464 feet. The Chippewa, 
90,000,000; the Red Cedar, 57,000,000. There passed through Beef Slough 129,384,000 feet of 
logs. Hon. A. H. Eaton, for fourteen years receiver of the United States land office at Stevens 
Point, estimated the acreage of pine lands in his district at 2,000,000, and, taking his own district 
as the basis, he estimated the whole state at 8,000,000 acres. Reckoning this at 5,000 feet to the 
acre, the aggregate pine timber of the state would be 40,000,000,000 feet. The log product 
annually amounts to an immense sum. In 1876, 1,172,611,823 feet were cut. This is about the 
average annual draft that is made on the pine lands. There seems to be no remedy for the 



202 



HISTORY <>F WISCONSIN". 



wholesale destruction of our pine forests, except the one alluded to, the difficulty of transporta- 
tion, and this will probably save a portion of them for a long time in the future. At the rate of 
consumption for twenty years past, we can estimate that fifty years would see northern Wiscon- 
sin denuded of its pine ibrests ; but our lumber product has reached its maximum, and will 
probably decrease in the coming years as the distance to be hauled to navigable streams 
increases. In the mean time lumber, shingles and lath will form an important factor in our 
commerce, both state and inter-state, and will contribute millions to the wealth of our citizens. 



Grain. 

Up to 1841, no grain was exported from Wisconsin to be used as food; but, from the lime 
of its first settlement in 1S36 to 1840, the supply of bread stuffs from abroad, upon which the 
people depended, was gradually diminished by the substitution of home products. In the winter 
of 1840 and 1841, E. D. Holton, of Milwaukee, purchased a small cargo of wheat (about 4,000 
bushels), and in the spring of 1S41, shipped it to Buffalo. This was the beginning of a traffic 
that has grown to immense proportions, and, since that time, wheat has formed the basis of the 
commerce and prosperity of the state, until the city of Milwaukee has become the greatest 
primary wheat mart of the world. 

The following table gives the exports of flour and grain from Milwaukee for thirty-two years, 
commencing in 1845 : 



1845-- 
1846.. 

1-4: - 
1848 .. 
1849. . 
1850.. 
1851-- 
1S52.. 
1853-- 
1854-- 
1855-- 
1856.. 

1857-- 
1858.. 

1859-- 

IViu 

1861.. 
1862.. 
1863.. 
1S64.. 
1865.. 
1866.. 
1867- . 
1868.. 
1869.. 
1870.. 
1871.. 
1872.. 

1873 - - 

1874 - 
1875 -- 
1876.. 



FLOUR, 

bbls. 



WHEAT, 

bus. 



CORN, 

bus. 



OATS, 

bus. 



7.55o 

15.756 

34.S40 

92.732 

136,657 

100,017 

51.889 

92,995 

104.055 

145.032 

lSl,568 

ISS.455 

22S 442 

298.668 

282,956 

457.343 

''74474 

7".405 

603.525 

4M.833 
567.576 
720.365 
921,663 
017.598 
22 1.058 

2--5941 
2! 1.427 
232 036 

S.15,200 

217 579 
163.346 
,654,028 



95.510 
213,448 

598,4" 

602,474 

1,136,023 

297.570 

317.285 

564,404 

956,703 

1,809.452 

2,641,746 

2,761,976 

2,581.311 

3.994.213 

4.732,957 

706S.608 

13,300.495 

14,915,680 

12,837,620 

8,992,479 

io,479.777 
11,634.749 

9.59».452 
9,867,029 

M.272,799 
16.127,838 
1 1 19.467 
n.570.565 
24.994.266 
22.255,380 
22.6S1.020 
16,804.394 



2,500 

5,000 

13.828 

2,220 

270 

164,90s 

112,132 

218 

472 

43.958 

41.364 

37.204 

1.485 

9,489 

88,989 

1 t' 1,786 

71.203 

480,408 

266.249 

342.717 
93.806 

103,173 
419.I33 
1.557.953 
197.920 
556.563 
226,895 



4,000 

2,100 

7,892 

363. S4 1 

131.716 

404,999 

13.833 

5.433 

2.775 

562.067 

299.002 

64,682 

1,200 



BARLEY, 

bus. 



RYE, 

bus. 



79 
831 
811 
326 
1,636 
622 
536 

351 
210 
772 

1.323 
990 
726 

1,160 

1,377 



,094 
,600 

634 

472 

595 
,469 

539 
768 
187 
929 
234 
525 
°35 
450 
560 



15,000 

103,840 

322,261 

291,890 

339.338 

63.379 

10,398 

Soo 

63.178 

53.216 

28,056 

5,220 

44,800 

133.449 

23.479 

29,597 

18,988 

30,822 

95,036 

120,662 

469.325 

576.453 

931.725 

688.455 

464.837 

867,970 

1,235.481 



54,692 
So, 3 65 

113.443 
20,030 



5.378 

it. 577 

9.735 

29,810 

126,301 

84.047 

IS.2IO 

51.444 
255.329 

'.H.443 
78.035 

62,494 

2oS,Sg6 
209,751 
255.928 

98.923 
220,964 



COMMERCE AXD MANUFACTURES. 



203 



Up to 1856, the shipments were almost wholly of Wisconsin products ; but with the comple- 
tion of lines of railroad from Milwaukee to the Mississippi river, the commerce of Wisconsin 
became so interwoven with that of Iowa and Minnesota, that the data furnished by the transpor- 
tation companies, give us no definite figures relating to the products of our own state. 

Dairy Products. 

Wisconsin is becoming largely interested in the dairy business. Its numerous springs, 
streams, and natural adaptability to grass, make it a fine grazing country, and stock thrives 
remarkably well. Within a few years, cheese-factories have become numerous, and their owners 
are meeting with excellent success. Wisconsin cheese is bringing the highest price in the markets, 
and much of it is shipped to England. Butter is also made of a superior quality, and is exten- 
sively exported. At the rate of progress made during the last few years, Wisconsin will soon 
take rank with the leading cheese and butter producing states. The counties most largely inter- 
ested in dairying, are Kenosha, Walworth, Racine, Rock, Green, Waukesha, Winnebago, Sheboy- 
gan, Jefferson and Dodge. According to estimates by experienced dairymen, the manufacture 
of butter was 22,473,000 pounds in 1870; 50,130,000111 1876; of cheese, 1,591,000 pounds in 
1870, as against 17,000,000 in 1876, which will convey a fair idea of the increase of dairy produc- 
tion. The receipts of cheese in Chicago during 1876, were 23,780,000 pounds, against 12,000,000 
in 1875 ; and the receipts of butter were 35,384,184, against 30,248,247 pounds in 1875. It is esti- 
mated that fully one-half of these receipts were from Wisconsin. The receipts of butter in 
Milwaukee were, in 1870, 3,779,114 pounds ; in 1875, 6,625,863; in 1876,8,938,137 pounds; ot 
cheese, 5,721,279 pounds in 1875, and 7,055,573 in 1876. Cheese is not mentioned in the trade 
and commerce reports of Milwaukee until 1S73, when it is spoken of as a new and rapidly 
increasing commodity in the productions of the state. 

Pork and Beef. 

Improved breeds, both of swine and cattle, have been introduced into the state during a 
few years past. The grade of stock has been rapidly bettered, and stock raisers generally are 
striving with commendable zeal to rival each other in raising the finest of animals for use and 
the market. 



The following table shows the receipts of live hogs and beef cattle at Milwaukee for thir- 
teen years : 



YEARS. 


LIVE HOGS. 


BEEF CATTLE. 


YEARS. 


LIVE HOGS. 


BEEF CATTLE. 


1876 

1875 

1874 

I873 

1872 

187I 

I870 


254,317 
I44.96I 
242,326 
241,099 
138,106 
126,164 
66,138 


36,802 

46.717 
22,748 
17,262 
14,1/2 
9,220 
12,972 


1869 

r868 

1867 

1866 

1865 

1S64 

1863 


52,296 
48.717 
76,758 
3I,88l 
7,546 
42,250 
56,826 


12,521 
13,200 
15,527 
12,955 
14.230 
18,345 
14.655 



204 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

The following table shows the movement of hog products and beef from Milwaukee since 
1 862 • 



Shipments by Kail 


PORK, HAMS, MIDDLES AND SHOULDERS. 


LARD. 


BEEF. 


and Lake. 


Barrels. 


Tierces. 


Boxes. 


Bulk, lbs. 


Barrels. 


Tierces. 


Barrels. 


Tierces. 


Totals 1876 


62,461 

56,773 
53.702 
So.oio 
90,03 s 
88,940 

77,655 
69,805 
73,526 

74.72 6 

34.013 
67.933 
90.3S7 
56,432 


15.439 
15,292 
17,124 

24.954 
20, 1 1 5 
20,192 

15.819 

9.546 

13,146 

11,614 

7.805 

2,713 

5.927 

15.Sn 

I2,6S5 


42,67s 
28,374 
39,572 
62,211 
39,209 
14,93s 

5.S75 
5,298 

3.239 
4,522 

34.164 
5.000 

11,634 


5,123,818 
2,736,77S 
1,494,112 
1,915,610 
4,557,950 
5,161,941 
4,717,630 
2,325.150 
1,76,3,190 
454.786 
S63,7 4 6 


3.30I 

601 

9,! 10 

4,065 
6,276 
3,932 

2,535 
i.iSo 

3.637 
2,523 
3.287 
1,929 

5.677 
10.987 
I3,53S 




•?.1f\ 


3439 
421 

707 

462 

1,500 

1,606 


1375 


18,950 4,734 
18,509 5,015 
24.399 5.365 
27.765 1757 
19,74(1 3.S92 
10,950 4.427 
8,563 

5.055 10,150 
8.S20 1 lS,g84 
6,292 1 11,852 
2.4S7 : 10,427 
7,207 ! 36 S66 
10,546 | 42,gS7 

6,761 "!"!.I--1 


1874 


1873 


1872 


1871-.. 


1S70 


925 
2,iSs 
2,221 


1869 


« 186S 


" 1867 


6,804 

4.5S4 
5.528 


" 1866 


" 1865 


1864.. _ 


5.871 
6,377 


- 1S63 


- 1862 


3.217 






— ' ' 



Hops. 

The culture of hops, as an article af commerce, received but little attention prior to i860. 
In 1865, 2,864 bales only were shipped from Milwaukee. In addition, a large amount was used 
by the brewers throughout the state. In 1866, the amount ex; oried was increased, and 5,774 
bales were shipped to eastern markets. The price, from forty-five to fifty-five cents per pound, 
stimulated production, and the article became one of the staple products of the counties of Sauk, 
Columbia, Adams and Juneau, besides being largely cultivated in parts of some other counties. 
In 1S67, 26,562 bales were received at Milwaukee, and the prices ranged from fifty to seventy cents 
per pound. The estimated crop of the state for 1867 was 35,000 bales, and brought over 
$4,200,000. In 1868, not less than 60,000 bales were grown in the state. The crop everywhere 
was a large one, and in Wisconsin so very large that an over-supply was anticipated. But few. 
however, were prepared for the decline in prices, that far exceeded the worst apprehensions of 
those interested. The first sales were made at twenty-five to thirty-live cents per pound, and the 
prices were reluctantly accepted by the growers. The price continued to decline until the article 
was unsalable and unavailable in the market. Probably the average price did not exceed ten 
cents per pound. Notwithstanding the severe check which hop-growing received in 1868, by the 
unprofitable result, growers were not discouraged, and the crop of 1869 was a large one. So 
much of the crop of 186S remained in the hands of the growers, that it is impossible to estimate 
that of 1869. The new crop sold fur from ten to fifteen cents, and the old for from three to five cents 
per pound. Hop-cultivation received a check from over-production in 1868, from which it did not 
soon recover. A large proportion of the yards were plowed under in 1S70. The crop of 1869 
was much of it marketed during 1S70, at a price of about two and one-half to three and one- 
half cents per pound, while that of 1870 brought ten to twelve and a half cents. During 
the year 187 1, a great advance in the price, caused by the partial failure of the crop 
in some of the eastern states, and the decrease in price causing a decrease in production, 
what was left over of the crop of 1870 more than doubled in value before the new reached the 
market. The latter opened at thirty cents, and steadily rose to fifty and fifty-five for prime 



COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 



205 



qualities. The crop of 1872 was of good quality, and the market opened at forty to fifty-five 
cents as the selling price, and fell fifteen to twenty cents before the close of the year. A much 
larger 'quantity was raised than the year previous. In 1873 and 1874, the crop was fair and 
prices ruled from thirty-three to forty-five cents, with increased production. About 18,000 bales 
were reported as being shipped from the different railway stations of the state. Prices were 
extremely irregular during 1875, and, after the new crop reached market, fell to a point that 
would not pay the cost of production. In 1876, prices ruled low at the opening of the year, and 
advanced from five to ten cents in January to twenty-eight to thirty in November. Over 17,000 
bales were received at Milwaukee, over 10,000 bales being of the crop of the previous year. 
Over 13,000 bales were shipped out of the state. 

Tobacco. 
Tobacco raising is comparatively a new industry in Wisconsin, but is rapidly growing in 
importance and magnitude. It sells readily for from four to ten cents per pound, and the plant 
is easily raised. It is not regarded as of superior quality. It first appears as a commodity of 
transportation in the railway reports for the year 187 1, when the Prairie du Chien division 
of the St. Paul road moved eastward 1,373,650 pounds. During the four years ending with 

1876, there were shipped from Milwaukee an average of 5,118,530 pounds annually, the : axi- 
mum being in 1874,6,982,175 pounds; the minimum in 1S75, 2,743,854 pounds. The crop of 
1S76 escaped the early frosts, and netted the producer from five to seven cents per pound. The 
greatsr part of it was shipped to Baltimore and Philadelphia. Comparatively little of the leaf 
raised in the state is used here or by western manufacturers. The crop of the present year, 

1877, is a largeone, and has been secured in good order. Itis being contracted for at from fourto 
six cents per pound. 

Cranberries. 

The cranberry trade is yet in its infancy. But little, comparatively, has been done in devel- 
oping the capabilities of the extensive bodies of marsh and swamp lands interspersed throughout 
the northern part of the state. Increased attention is being paid to the culture of the fruit; yet, 
the demand will probably keep ahead of the supply for many years to come. In 1S51, less than 
1,500 barrels were sent out of the state. In 1872, the year of greatest production, over 37,000 
barrels were exported, and, in 1876, about 17,000 barrels. The price has varied in different 
years, and taken a range from eight to fifteen dollars a barrel. 

Spirituous and Malt Liquors. 

The production of liquors, both spirituous and malt, has kept pace with the growth of 
population and with the other industries of the state. There were in Wisconsin, in 1872, two 
hundred and ninety-two breweries and ten distilleries. In 1876, there were two hundred and 
ninety-three of the former and ten of the latter, and most of them were kept running to their 
full capacity. Milwaukee alone produced, in 1876, 321,611 barrels of lager beer and 43,175 
barrels of high wines. In 1865, it furnished 65,666 barrels of beer, and in 1S70, 108,845 barrels. 
In 1865, it furnished 3,046 barrels of high wines; in 1870, 22,867 barrels; and in 1875, 39,005. 
A large quantity of the beer made was shipped to eastern and southern cities. The beer made 
in 1876 sold at the rate of ten dollars per barrel, the wholesale price of the brewers bringing the 
sum of $3,216,110. The fame of Milwaukee lager beer is widely extended. This city has 
furnished since 1870, 1,520,308 barrels which, at the wholesale price, brought $15,203,170. The 
total production of beer by all the two hundred and ninety-three breweries of the state for 1S76, 
was 450,508 barrels. 



206 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN'. 

In 1876, Milwaukee produced 43,175 barrels of high wines, or distilled spirits, and the 
state of Wisconsin 51,959 barrels. In 1870, the former produced 108,845 barrels of beer and 
22,867 barrels of distilled spirits, and in the same year the state of Wisconsin produced 189,664 
barrels of beer and 36,145 barrels of distilled spirits. 

Miscellaneous. 

Porcelain clay, or kaolin, is found in numerous places in Wood and Marathon counties. The 
mineral is found in but few places in the United States in quantities sufficient to justify the 
investment of capital necessary to manufacture it. In the counties mentioned, the deposits are 
found in extensive beds, and only capital and enterprise are needed to make their development 
profitable. Clay of superior quality for making brick and of fair quality for pottery, is 
found in numerous localities. The famous " Milwaukee brick," remarkable for their beautiful 
cream color, is made from a fine clay which is abundant near Milwaukee, and is found in exten- 
sive beds at Watertown, Whitewater, Edgerton, Stoughton, and several places on the lake shore 
north of Milwaukee. At Whitewater and some other places the clay is used with success for the 
making of pottery ware. Water-lime, or hydraulic cement, occurs in numerous places throughout 
the state. An extensive bed covering between one and two hundred acres, and of an indefinite 
depth, exists on the banks of the Milwaukee river, and not over one and a half miles from the city 
limits of Milwaukee. The cement made from the rock of this deposit is first-class in quality, and 
between twenty and thirty thousand barrels were made and sold last year. The capacity of the 
works for reducing the rock to cement has been increased to 500 barrels per day. Stones suita- 
ble for building purposes are widely distributed throughout the state, and nearly every town has 
its available quarry. Many of these quarries furnish stone of fine quality for substantial and 
permanent edifices. The quarry at Prairie du Chien furnished the stone for the capital building 
nt Madison, which equals in beauty that of any state in the Union. At Milwaukee, Waukesha, 
Madison, La Crosse, and many other places are found quarries of superior building stone. 
Granite is found in extensive beds in Marathon and Wood counties, and dressed specimens 
exhibited at the " Centennial " last year, attracted attention for their fine polish. Marbles of 
various kinds are likewise found in the state. Some of them are beginning to attract attention 
and are likely to prove valuable. The report of Messrs. Foster & Whitney. United States geol- 
ogists, speaks of quarries on the Menomonee and Michigamig rivers as affording beautiful varie- 
ties and susceptible of a high polish. Richland county contains marble, but its quality is gen- 
erally considered inferior. 

Water Powers. 

Wisconsin is fast becoming a manufacturing state. Its forests of pine, oak, walnut, maple, 
ash, and other valuable woods used for lumber, are well-nigh inexhaustible. Its water-power for 
driving the wheels of machinery is not equaled by that of any state in the northwest. The Lower 
Fox river between Lake Winnebago and Green Bay, a distance of thirty-five miles, furnishes 
some of the best facilities for manufacturing enterprise in the whole country. Lake Winnebago 
as a reservoir gives it a great and special advantage, in freedom from liability to freshets and 
droughts. The stream never varies but a few feet from its highest to its lowest stage, yet gives 
a steady flow. The Green Bay and Mississippi canal company has, during the last twenty-live 
years, constructed numerous dams, canals and locks, constituting very valuable improvements. 
All the property of that company has been transferred to the United States government, which 
has entered upon a system to render the Fox and Wisconsin rivers navigable to 'lie Mississippi. 
The fall between the lake and Depere is one hundred and fifty feet, and the water can be utilized 



COMMERCE AND MAmJEACTUKES. 207 

in propelling machinery at Neenah, Menasha, Appleton, Cedar, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Rapid 
Croche, Little Kaukauna and Depere. The water-power at Appleton in its natural advantages 
is pronounced by Hon. Hiram Barney, of New York, superior to those at Lowell, Paterson 
and Rochester, combined. The water-power of the Fox has been improved to a considerable 
extent, but its full capacity has hardly been touched. Attention has been drawn to it, how- 
ever, and no doubt is entertained that in a few years the hum of machinery to be propelled 
by it, will be heard the entire length of the thirty-five miles. The facilities presented by its 
nearness to timber, iron, and a rich and productive agricultural region, give it an advantage over 
any of the eastern manufacturing points. 

The Wisconsin river rises in the extreme northern part of the state, and has its source in a 
great number of small lakes. The upper portion abounds in valuable water privileges, only a 
few of which are improved. There are a large number of saw-mills running upon the power of 
this river. Other machinery, to a limited extent, is in operation. 

The " Big Bull " falls, at Wausau, are improved, and a power of twenty-two feet fall is obtained. 
At Little Bull falls, below Wausau, there is a fall of eighteen feet, partially improved. There are 
many other water-powers in Marathon county, some of which are used in propelling flouring- 
mills and saw-mills. At Grand Rapids, there is a descent of thirty feet to the mile, and the 
water can be used many times. Each time, 5,000 horse-power is obtained. At Kilbourn City 
a large amount of power can be obtained for manufacturing purposes. 

Chippewa river has its origin in small streams in the north part of the state. Explorers 
tell us that there are a large number of water powers on all the upper branches, but as the 
country is yet unsettled, none of them have been improved, and very few even located on our maps. 
Brunette falls and Ameger falls, above Chippewa Falls city, must furnish considerable water- 
power, but its extent is not known At Chippewa Falls is an excellent water-power, only partially 
improved. The river descends twenty-six feet in three-fourths of a mile. At Duncan creek at the 
same place, there is a good fall, improved to run a large flouring mill. At Eagle Rapids, five 
miles above Chippewa Falls, $120,000 has been expended in improving the fall of the Chippewa 
river. The city of Eau Claire is situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire 
rivers, and possesses in its immediate vicinity water-powers almost unrivaled. Some of them 
are improved. The citizens of Eau Claire have, for several years, striven to obtain legislative 
authority to dam the Chippewa river, so as to improve the water-power of the Dells, and a lively 
contest, known as the " Dells fight," has been carried on with the capitalists along the river above 
that town. There are immense water-powers in Dunn county, on the Red Cedar, Chippewa 
and Eau Galle rivers, on which there are many lumbering establishments. In Pepin county also 
there are good powers. The Black river and its branches, the La Crosse, Buffalo, Trempealeau, 
Beaver, and Tamaso, furnish many valuable powers. The St. Croix river is not excelled in the value 
of its water privileges by any stream in the state, except the Lower Fox river. At St. Croix Falls, 
the water of the river makes a descent of eighty-five feet in a distance of five miles, and the vol- 
ume of water is sufficient to move the machinery for an immense manufacturing business, and the 
banks present good facilities for building dams, and the river is not subject to freshets. The 
Kinnekinnick has a large number of falls, some of them partially improved. "Within twenty-five 
miles of its entrance into Lake St. Croix, it has a fall of two hundred feet, and the volume of 
water averages about three thousand cubic feet per minute. Rock river affords valuable water- 
privileges at Watertown (with twenty-four feet fall), and largely improved; at Jefferson, Indian 
Ford and Janesville, all of which are improved. Beloit also has an excellent water-power, and 
it is largely improved. Scattered throughout the state are many other water-powers, not alluded 



208 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN". 

to in the foregoing. There are several in Manitowoc county ; in Marquette county, also. Ira 
Washington county, at West Bend, Berlin, and Cedar Creek, there are good water-powers, partly 
utilized. At Whitewater, in Walworth county, is a good power. In Dane county, there is a 
water-power at Madison, at the outlet of Lake Mendota ; also, a good one at Stoughton, below 
the first, or Lake Kegonsa; also at Paoli, Bellville, Albany and Brodhead, on the Sugar river. 
In Grant county there are not less than twenty good powers, most of them well-developed. In 
Racine county, three powers of fine capacity at Waterford, Rochester and Burlington, all of 
which are improved. The Oconto, Peshtigo and Menomonee rivers furnish a large number of 
splendid water- powers of large capacity. The Upper Wolf river has scores of water-powers on 
its main stream and numerous branches; but most of the country is still a wilderness, thdugh 
containing resources which, when developed, will make it rich and prosperous. There are 
numerous other streams of less consequence than those named, but of great importance to the 
localities they severally drain, that have had their powers improved, and their waterfalls are 
singing the songs of commerce. On the rivers emptying into Lake Superior, there are numerous 
and valuable water-powers. The Montreal river falls one thousand feet in a distance of thirty 
miles. 

Manufactures. 

The mechanical and manufacturing industries of Wisconsin demonstrate that the people do 
not rely wholly upon agricultural pursuits, or lumbering, for subsistence, but Sim to diversify 
their labors as much as possible, and to give encouragement to the skill and ingenuity of their 
mechanics and artisans. All our cities, and most of our villages, support establishments that 
furnish wares and implements in common use among the people. We gather from the census 
report for 1870 a few facts that will give us an adequate idea of what was done in a single year, 
remembering that the data furnished is six years old, and that great advancement has been made 
since the statistics were gathered. In 1870, there were eighty-two establishments engaged in 
making agricultural implements, employing 1,387 hands, and turning out products valued at 
$2,393,400. There were one hundred and eighty-eight furniture establishments, employing 1,844 
men, and making $1,542,300 worth of goods. For making carriages and wagons there were four 
hundred and eighty-five establishments, employing 2,184 men, and their product was valued at 
$2,596,534; for clothing, two hundred and sixty-three establishments, and value of product 
$2,340,400; sash, doors and blinds, eighty-one shops, and value of product $1,852,370; leather, 
eighty-five tanneries, employing 577 men, and value of products $2,013,000; malt liquors, one 
hundred and seventy-six breweries, 835 men, and their products valued at $1,790,273. 

At many points the business of manufacturing is carried on more or less extensively; 
indeed, there is hardly a village in the state where capital is not invested in some kind 
of mechanical industry or manufacturing enterprise, and making satisfactory returns; but for 
details in this respect, the reader is referred to the department of local history. 

The principal commodities only, which Wisconsin contributes to trade and commerce, have 
been considered. There remains quite a number of minor articles from which the citizens of the 
state derive some revenue, such as flax and maple sugar, which can not be separately considered 
in this paper. 

( ' INCLUDING Rem \KKs. 

Statistics are usually dry reading, but, to one desiring to change his location and seeking 
information regarding a new country and its capabilities, they become intensely interesting and 
of great value. The fanner wishes to know about the lands, their value and the productiveness 
of the soil ; the mechanii about the workshops, the price of labor, and the demand for such wares 



COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 209 

as he is accustomed to make ; the capitalist, concerning all matters that pertain to resources, 
advantages, and the opportunities for investing his money. Our own people want all the infor- 
mation that can be gained by the collection of all obtainable facts. The sources of such infor- 
mation are now various, and the knowledge they impart fragmentary in its character. 

Provision should be made by law, for the collection and publication of reliable statistics 
relating to our farming, manufacturing, mining, lumbering, commercial and educational interests. 
Several of the states of the Union have established a "Bureau of Statistics," and no more valua- 
ble reports emanate from any of their state departments than those that exhibit a condensed 
view of the material results accomplished each year. Most of the European states foster these 
agencies with as much solicitude as any department of their government. Indeed, they have 
become a social as well as a material necessity, for social science extends its inquiries to the 
physical laws of man as a social being; to the resources of the country; its productions; the 
growth of society, and to all those facts or conditions which may increase or diminish the strength, 
growth or happiness of a people. Statistics are the foundation and corner-stone of social science, 
which is the highest and noblest of all the sciences. 

A writer has said that, " If God had designed Wisconsin to be chiefly a manufacturing state, 
instead of agricultural, which she claims to be, and is, it is difficult to see more than one partic- 
ular in which He could have endowed her more richly for that purpose." She has all the mate- 
rial for the construction of articles of use and luxury, the means of motive power to propel the 
machinery, to turn and fashion, weave, forge, and grind the natural elements that abound in such 
rich profusion. She has also the men whose enterprise and skill have accomplished most sur- 
prising results, in not only building up a name for themselves, but in placing the state in a proud 
position of independence. 

It is impossible to predict what will be the future growth and development of Wisconsin. 
From its commercial and manufacturing advantages, we may reasonably anticipate that she will 
in a few years lead in the front rank of the states of the Union in all that constitutes real great- 
ness. Her educational system is one of the best. With her richly endowed State University, her 
colleges and high schools, and the people's colleges, the common schools, she has laid a broad 
and deep foundation for a great and noble commonwealth. It was early seen what were the 
capabilities of this their newly explored domain. The northwestern explorer, Jonathan Carver, 
in 1766, one hundred and thirteen years ago, after traversing Wisconsin and viewing its lakes of 
crystal purity, its rivers of matchless utility, its forests of exhaustless wealth, its prairies of won- 
derful fertility, its mines of buried treasure, recorded this remarkable prediction of which we see 
the fulfillment: "To what power or authority this new world will become dependent after it has 
arisen from its present uncultivated state, time alone can discover. But as the seat of empire from 
time immemorial has been gradually progressive toward the west, there is no doubt but that at 
some future period mighty kingdoms will emerge from these wildernesses, and stately palaces 
and solemn temples with gilded spires reaching to the skies supplant the Indian huts, whose 
only decorations are the barbarous trophies of'their vanquished enemies." 

" Westward the course of empire takes its way ; 

The four first acts already passed, 
A fifth shall close the drama with the day ; 

Time's noblest offspring is the last." 



THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 

By D. S. DURRIE. 

In the early part of the seventeenth century, all the territory north of the Ohio river, 
including the present state of Wisconsin, was an undiscovered region. As far as now known, it 
was never visited by white men until the year 1634, when Jean Nicolet came to the Green bay 
country as an ambassador from the French to the Winnebagoes. The Jesuit fathers in 1660 
visited the south shore of Lake Superior; and, soon nfter, missions were established at various 
points in the northwest. 

The French government appreciating the importance of possessing dominion over this sec- 
tion, M. Talon, intendant of Canada, took steps to carry out this purpose, and availed himself 
of the good feelings entertained toward the French by a number of the Indian tribes, to establish 
the authority of the French crown over this remote quarter. A small party of men led by 
Daumont de St. Lusson, with Nicolas Perrot as interpreter, set out from Quebec on this mission, 
in 1670, and St. Lusson sent to the tribes occupying a circuit of a hundred leagues, inviting the 
nations, among them the Wisconsin tribes inhabiting the Green bay country, by their chiefs and 
ambassadors, to meet him at the Sault Sainte Marie the following spring. 

In the month of May, 167 1, fourteen tribes, by their representatives, including the Miamis. 
Sacs, Winnebagoes, Menomonees, and Pottawattamies, arrived at the place designated. On the 
morning of the fourteenth of June, "St. Lusson led his followers to the top of the hill, all fully 
equipped and under arms. Here, too, in the vestments of their priestly office were four Jesuits : 
Claude Dablon, superior of the mission on the lakes, Gabriel Druillettes, Claude Allouez, and 
Andre. All around, the great throng of Indians stood, or crouched, or reclined at length with 
eyes and ears intent. A large cross of wood had been made ready. Dablon, in solemn form, 
pronounced his blessing on it ; and then it was reared and planted in the ground, while the 
Frenchmen, uncovered, sang the Vexilla Regis. Then a post of cedar was planted beside it, 
with a metal plate attached, engraven with the royal arms ; while St. Lusson's followers sang the 
exaudiat, and one of the priests uttered a prayer for the king. St. Lusson now advanced, and, 
holding his sword in one hand, and raising with the other a sod of^^rth. proclaimed in a loud 
voice " that he took possession of all the country occupied by the t^Wes, and placed them under 
the king's protection. 

This act, however, was not regarded as sufficiently definite, and on the eighth of May, 1689, 
Perrot, who was then commanding for the king at the post of Nadouesioux, near Lake Pepin on 
the west side of the Mississippi, commissioned by the Marquis de Denonville to manage the 
interest, of commerce west of Green bay took possession, in the name of the king, with 
appropriate ceremonies, of the countries we, 1 of Lake Michigan as far as the river St. Peter. 
The papers were signed by Perrot and others. 

Bj these solemn acts, the present limits of Wisconsin with much contiguous territory, came 
under the dominion of the French government, the possession of which < ontinued until October, 
1761 — a period of ninety years from the gathering of the chiefs at the Sault Ste. Marie in 1671. 

From the commencement of French occupancy up to the time when the British took posses- 
sion, the district of country embra< ed within the present limits of this state had but few white 
inhabitants besides the roaming Indian traders; and of these few, the locations were separated by 
a distance of more than two hundred miles in a direct line, and nearly double that distance by 



THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 211 

the usual water courses. There was no settlement of agriculturists; there were no missionary 
establishments; no fortified posts at other points, except at Depere and Green bay on Fox river, 
and perhaps at Prairie du Chien, near the junction of the Wisconsin and the Mississippi. 

The French government made no grant of lands; gave no attention to settlers or agricul- 
turists, and the occupation of the country was strictly military. There were, indeed, a few grants 
of lands made by the French governors and commanders, previous to 1750, to favored indi- 
viduals, six of which were afterward confirmed by the king of France. There were also others 
which did not require confirmation, being made by Cardillac, commanding at Detroit, under 
special authority of the king; of this latter kind, one for a small piece of thirty acres bears with 
it, says a writer, " so many conditions, reservations, prohibitions of sale, and a whole cavalcade 
of feudal duties to be performed by the grantee, that in itself, it would be a host in opposition to 
the agricultural settlement of any country." 

The grants just referred to, relate to that part of the French possessions outside the limits 
of the present state of Wisconsin. Within its limits there was a grant of an extensive territory 
including the fort at the head of Green bay, with the exclusive right to trade, and other valuable 
privileges, from the Marquis de Vaudreuil, in October, 1759, to M. Rigaud. It was sold by the 
latter to William Gould and Madame Vaudreuil, to whom it was confirmed by the king of 
France in January, 1760, at a very critical period, when Quebec had been taken by the British, 
and Montreal was only wanting to complete the conquest of Canada. This grant was evidently 
intended as a perquisite to entrap some unwary persons to give a valuable consideration for it, 
as it would be highly impolitic for the government to make such a grant, if they continued mas- 
ters of the country, since it would surely alienate the affections of the Indians. The whole 
country had already been virtually conquered by Great Britain, and the grant of course was not 
confirmed by the English government. 

Of the war between the French and English governments in America, known as the French 
and Indian war, it is not necessary to speak, except in general terms. The English made a 
determined effort to obtain the possessions claimed by the French. The capture of Quebec in 
1759, and the subsequent capitulation of Montreal in 1760, extinguished the domination of 
France in the basin of the St. Lawrence ; and by the terms of the treaty of Paris, concluded 
February 10, 1763, all the possessions in, and all the claims of the French nation to, the vast 
country watered by the OhiSJ^nd the Mississippi were ceded to Great Britain. 

Among the first acts of the new masters of the country was the protection of the eminent 
domain of the government, and the restriction of all attempts on the part of individuals to acquire 
Indian titles to lands. By the King of England's proclamation of 1763, no more grants of land 
within certain prescribed limits could be issued, and all private persons were interdicted the 
liberty of purchasing lands from the Indians, or of making settlements within those prescribed 
limits. The indulgence of such a privilege as that of making private purchases of the natives, 
conduced to the most serious difficulties, and made way for the practice of the most reprehensible 
frauds. The policy pursued by the English government has been adopted and acted upon by the 
government of the United States in the extinguishment of the Indian title to lands in every part 
of the country. 

In face of the proclamation of 1763, and within three years after its promulgation, under 
a pretended purchase from, or voluntary grant of the natives, a tract of country nearly one hundred 
miles square, including large portions of what is now northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, was 
claimed by Jonathan Carver, and a ratification of his title solicited from the king and council. 
This was not conceded ; and the representatives of Carver, after the change of government had 



212 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

brought the lands under the jurisdiction of the United States, for a series of years presented the 
same claims before congress, and asked for their confirmation. Such a demand under all the 
circumstances, could not justify an expectation of success; and, of course, has often been refused. 
But notwithstanding the abundant means which the public have had of informing themselves of 
the true nature and condition of Carver's claim, bargains and sales of portions of this tract have 
been made among visionary speculators for more than half a century past. It is now onlv a 
short period since the maps of the United States ceased to be defaced by a delineation of 
Jhe "Carver Grant." 

The mere transfer of the dominion over the country from the French to the English govern- 
ment, and the consequent occupation of the English posts by the new masters, did not in any 
great degree affect the social condition of the inhabitants. By the terms of capitulation, the 
French subjects were permitted to remain in the country, in the full enjoyment of their civil and 
religious privileges. 

The English, however, did not hold peaceable possession of the territory acquired. The war 
inaugurated by Pontiac and his Indian allies on the military posts occupied by the English soon 
followed, and in the month of May, 1763, nine posts were captured \\ it li much loss of life. In 
the spring of 1764, twenty-two tribes who were more or less identified in the outbreak, concluded 
a treaty of peace with General Bradstreet at Niagara. 

The expedition of Colonel George Rogers Clark to the Illinois country, and the conquest 
of the British posts in 177S and 1779, na( ^ the effect to open the way for the emigration of the 
Anglo-American population to the Mississippi valley; and at the close of the revolutionary 
war, Great Britain renounced all claim to the whole territory lying east of the Mississippi river. 
The dominion of the English in the Illinois and Wabash countries, ceased with the loss of the 
military posts which commanded the Northwestern territory of the United States. As a result of 
the enterprise and success of Clark, Virginia obtained possession of the Illinois country ; his 
expedition having been undertaken and carried forward under the auspices of that state. 

Several of the eastern states under their colonial charters, laid claim to portions of the land 
comprised in the territory northwest of the Ohio river. The claim of Massachusetts was derived 
from a grant from King James of November 3, 1620 ; and included from hit. 42° 2' to about lat. 
45 , extending to the south sea; Connecticut claimed from lat. 410 north to 420 2'. The claims of 
Virginia were from grants from King James, bearing date, respectively, April 10, 1606, May 23, 
1609, and March 12, 161 1, and an additional claim for the territory conquered by Clark in the 
Illinois country ; but they extended no farther north than the southern end of Lake Michigan. 

It is a popular impression that the territory of the present state of Wisconsin was compre- 
hended in the lands northwest of the river Ohio, over which Virginia exercised jurisdiction, and, 
consequently, was included in her deed of cession of lands to the United States. This opinion so 
generally entertained by writers on American history, is a statement which does not appear to 
have any solid foundation in fact. Virginia never made any conquests or settlements in Wiscon- 
sin, and at no time prior to the proffer of her claims to the general government had she ever 
exercised jurisdiction over it. In fact, there were no settlements in Wisconsin except at Green 
Bay and Prairie du Chien before that time, and these were made by French settlers who were in 
no wise interfered with while the revolution continued. In Illinois it was otherwise; and the 
possession of its territory by Virginia was an undisputed fact. During the revolution the title of 
the sovereignty in Wisconsin was actually in Great Britain, and so remained until the definite 
treaty of peace in 1783; at which date England yielding her right constructively to the United 
States, retaining possession, however, until 1796; at which time the western posts were transferred 
to the United States. 



THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 213 

All the claiming states finally ceded their interests to the general government, giving the 
latter a perfect title, subject only to the rights of the Indians. The deed of cession from Virginia 
was dated March i, 17S4. The other states ceded their claims, some before this date, others 
subsequent thereto. 

Virginia made a number of stipulations in her deed of cession; among others, that the 
French and Canadian inhabitants and the neighboring villages who had professed themselves 
citizens of Virginia, should have their possessions and title confirmed to them, and be protected in 
the enjoyment of their rights and liberties; that 150,000 acres of land near the rapids of the Ohio, 
should be reserved for that portion of her state troops which had reduced the country; and about 
3,500,000 acres between the rivers Scioto and Little Miami be reserved for bounties to her troops 
on the continental establishment. 

In consequence of certain objectionable stipulations made by Virginia as to the division of 
the territory into states, the deed of cession was referred back to that state with a recommenda- 
tion from congress that these stipulations should be altered. On the 30th of December, 1788, 
Virginia assented to the wish of congress, and formally ratified and confirmed the fifth article of 
compact which related to that subject, and tacitly gave her consent to the whole ordinance of 1 7S7. 
The provisions of this ordinance have since been applied to all the territories of the United 
States lying north of the 36° 40'. After the adoption of the constitution of the United States the 
the new congress, among its earliest acts, passed one, recognizing the binding force of the ordi- 
nance of 1787. 

Of this ordinance it has been said : " It was based on the principles of civil liberty, maintained 
in the magna charta of England, re-enacted in the bill of rights, and incorporated in our differ- 
ent state constitutions. It was the fundamental law of the constitution, so to speak, of the great 
northwest, upon which were based, and with which harmonized all our territorial enactments, as 
well as our subsequent state legislation, and, moreover, it is to that wise, statesman-like document 
that we are indebted for much of our prosperity and greatness." 

After the close of the revolutionary war, enterprising individuals traversed the whole country 
which had been ceded to the government, and companies were formed to explore and settle the 
fertile and beautiful lands beyond the Ohio ; but the determination of the British cabinet not to- 
evacuate the western posts, was well known, and had its effect on the people who were disposed 
to make settlements. 

The western tribes were also dissatisfied and threatened war, and efforts were made by the 
government to settle the difficulties. A grand council was held at the mouth of Detroit river 
in December, 1787, which did not result favorably, and two treaties were subsequently held, 
which were not respected by the savages who were parties to them. Soon an Indian war ensued, 
/hich resulted at first disastrously to the American troops under Generals Harmar and St. Clair, 
but finally with success to the American arms under General Wayne. The treaty of Greenville 
followed. It was concluded August 3, 1795. At this treaty there were present eleven hundred 
and thirty chiefs and warriors. It was signed by eighty-four chiefs and General Anthony Wayne, 
sole commissioner of the United States. One of the provisions of the treaty was that in consid- 
eration of'the peace then established, and the cessions and relinquishments of lands made by the 
tribes of Indians, and to manifest the liberality of the United States as the great means of render- 
ing this peace strong and perpetual, the United States relinquished their claims to all other 
Indian lands northward of the river Ohio, eastward of the Mississippi, and westward and south- 
ward of the great lakes and the waters united by them, except certaip reservations and portions 
before purchased of the Indians, none of which were within the present limits of this state. The 
Indian title to the whole of what is now Wisconsin, subject only to certain restrictions, became 



214 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN'. 

absolute in the various tribes inhabiting it. By this treaty it was stipulated that, of the lands relin- 
quished by the United States, the Indian tribes who have a right to those lands, were quietly to 
enjoy them ; hunting, planting, and dwelling thereon so long as they pleased ; but, when those 
tribes or any of them should be disposed to sell them, or any part of them, they were to be sold 
onlv to the United States, and until such sale, the United States would protect all of the tribes 
in the quiet enjoyment of their lands against all citizens of the United States, and all other white 
persons who might intrude on the same. At the same time all the tribes acknowledged them- 
selves to be under the protection of the United States, and no other person or power what- 
soever. 

The treaty also prohibited any citizen of the United States, or any other white man, settling 
\ipon the lands relinquished by the general government; and such person was to be considered 
as out of the protection of the United States; and the Indian tribe on whose land the settlement 
might be made, could drive off the settler, or punish him in such manner as it might see fit. 

It will be seen that the Indians were acknowledged to have an unquestionable title to the 
lands they occupied until that right should be extinguished by a voluntary cession to the general 
government; and the constitution of the United States, by declaring treaties already made, as 
well as those to be made, to be the supreme law of the land, adopted and sanctioned previous 
treaties with the Indian nations, and consequently admitted their rank among those powers who 
are capable of making treaties. 

The several treaties which had been made between commissioners on the part of the United 
States and various nations of Indians, previous to the treaty of Greenville, were generally 
restricted to declarations of amity and friendship, the establishment and confirming of bounda- 
ries, and the protection of settlements on Indian lands; those that followed were generally for a 
cession of lands and provisions made for their payment. It is proposed to notice the several 
treaties that took place after that held at Greenville, showing in what way the territory of the 
present state, came into possession of the government. As will be seen hereafter, it required trea- 
ties with numerous tribes of Indians to obtain a clear, undisputed title, as well as many years 
before it was fully accomplished. 

e, A treaty was held at St. Louis, November 3, 1804, between the Sacs and Foxes and the 
United States. William Henry Harrison was acting commissioner on the part of the govern- 
ment. By the provisions of the treaty, the chiefs and head men of the united tribes ceiled to 
the United States a large tract on both sides of the Mississippi, extending on the east from the 
mouth of the Illinois to the head of that river, and thence to the Wisconsin; and including on 
the west considerable portions of Iowa and Missouri, from the mouth of the Gasconade north- 
ward. In what is now the state of Wisconsin, this grant embraced the whole of the present 
counties of Grant and La Fayette and a large portion of Iowa and Green counties. The lead 
1 was included in this pun base. In consideration of this cession, the general government 
agreed to protect the tribes in the quiet enjoyment of their land, against its own citizens and 
all others who should intrude on them. The tribes permitted a fort to be built on the upper 
side of the Wisconsin river, near its mouth, and granted a tract of land two miles square, adjoin- 
ing the same. The government agreed to give them an annuity of one thousand dollars per 
annum. The validity of this treaty was denied by one band of the Sac Indians, and this cession 
of land became, twenty-eight years after, the alleged cause of the Black Hawk war. 

2. Another treaty was held at Portage des Sioux, now a village in St. Charles county, Mis- 
souri, on the Mississippi river, September 13, 1815, with certain chiefs of that portion of the 
Sac nation then residing in Missouri, who, they said, were compelled since the commencement of 



THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 215 

the late war, to separate themselves from the rest of their nation. They" gave their assent to the 
treaty made at St. Louis in 1S04, and promised to remain separate from the Sacs of Rock river, 
and to give them no aid or assistance, until peace should be concluded between the United 
States and the Foxes of Rock river. 

3. On the 14th of September, a treaty was made with the chiefs of the Fox tribe at the 
same place. They agreed that all prisoners in their hands should be delivered up to the govern- 
ment. They assented to, recognized, re-established and confirmed the treaty of 1S04, to the full 
extent of their interest in the same. 

4. A treaty was held at St. Louis, May 13, 1816, with the Sacs of Rock river, who affirmed 
the treaty of 1804, and agreed to deliver up all the property stolen or plundered, and in failure 
to do so, to forfeit all title to their annuities. To this treaty, Black Hawk's name appears with 
others. That chief afterward affirmed that though he himself had "touched the quill" to 
this treaty, he knew not what he was signing, and that he was therein deceived by the agent and 
others, who did not correctly explain the nature of the grant; and in reference to the treaty of 
St. Louis in 1804, and at Portage des Sioux in 1S15, he said that he did not consider the same 
valid or binding on him or his tribe, inasmuch as by the terms of those treaties, territory was 
described which the Indians never intended to sell, and the treaty of 1804, particularly, was 
made by parties who had neither authority in the nation, nor power to dispose of its lands. 
Whether this was a true statement of the case, or otherwise, it is quite certain that the grant of 
lands referred to was often confirmed by his nation, and was deemed conclusive and binding by 
the government. The latter acted in good faith to the tribes, as well as to the settlers, in the 
disposition of the lands. 

5. A treaty of peace and friendship was made at St. Louis, June 3, 1816, between the chiefs 
and warriors of that part of the Winnebagoes residing on the Wisconsin river. In this treaty the 
tribe state that they have separated themselves from the rest of their nation ; that they, for 
themselves and those they represent, confirm to the United States all and every cession of land 
heretofore made by their nation, and every contract and agreement, as far as their interest 
extended. 

6. On the 30th of March, 1817, the Menomonee tribe concluded a treaty of peace ana 
friendship at St. Louis with the United States, and confirmed all and every cession of land 
before made by them within the limits of the United States. 

7. On the 19th of August, 1S25, at Prairie du Chien, a treaty was made with the Sioux, 
Chippewas, Sacs and Foxes, Winnebagoes, Ottawas and Pottawattamies, by which the boundary 
between the two first nations was agreed upon; also between the Chippewas, Winnebagoes and 
other tribes. 

8. Another treaty was held August 5, 1826, at Fond du Lac of Lake Superior, a small 
settlement on the St. Louis river, in Itaska county, Minn., with the same tribes, by which the 
previous treaty was confirmed in respect to boundaries, and those of the Chippewas were defined, 
as a portion of the same was not completed at the former treaty. 

9. A treaty was made and concluded August 1, 1827, at Butte des Morts, between the United 
States and the Chippewa, Menomonee and Winnebago tribes, in which the boundaries of their 
tribes were defined ; no cession of lands was made. 

10. A treaty was made at Green Bay, August 25, 1828, with the Winnebagoes, Pottawat- 
tamies and other tribes. This treaty was made to remove the difficulties which had arisen in 
consequence of the occupation by white men of that portion of the mining country in *he south- 
western part of Wisconsin which had r.ot been ceded to the United States. A provisional 



216 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

boundary was provided, and privileges accorded the government to freely occupy their territory 
until a treaty should be made for the cession of the same. This treaty was simply to define the 
rights of the Indians, and to give the United States the right of occupation. 

1 1. Two treaties were made at Prairie du Chien, on the 29th of July, 1829, and August 1, 
1829 : at the first date, with the Chippewas, Ottawas and Pottawattamies, by which these nations 
ceded all their lands which they claimed in the northwestern part of Illinois; and at the latter 
date with the Winnebagoes, by which that nation ceded and relinquished all their right, title and 
claim to all their lands south of the Wisconsin river, thus confirming the purchase of the lead- 
mine region. Certain grants were made to individuals, which grants were not to be leased or 
sold by the grantees. 

By this? important treaty, about eight millions of acres of land were added to the public 
domain. The three tracts ceded, and forming one whole, extended from the upper end of Rock 
river to the mouth of the Wisconsin, from latitude 41 30' to latitude 43 15', on the Mississippi. 
Following the meanderings of the river, it was about two hundred and forty miles from west to 
east, extending along the Wisconsin and Fox rivers, affording a passage across the country from 
the Mississippi to Lake Michigan. The south part of the purchase extended from Rock Island 
to Lake Michigan. 

12. Another impoitant treaty was made at Green Pay, February S, 1S31, between the Meno- 
monee Indians and the United States. That nation possessed an immense territory. Its eastern 
division was bounded by the Milwaukee river, the shore of Lake Michigan. Green bay, Pox river, 
and Lake Winnebago; its western division, by the Wisconsin and Chippewa rivers on the west, 
Fox river on the south, Green bay on the east, and the high lands which flow the streams into 
Lake Superior on the north. By this treaty all the eastern division, estimated at two and a half 
millions of acres, was ceded to the government. By certain other provisions, the tribe was to 
occupy a large tract lying north of Fox river and east of Wolf river. Their territory farther west 
•was reserved for their hunting-grounds until such time as the general government should desire 
to purchase it. Another portion, amounting to four millions of acres, lying between Green bay 
on the east and Wolf river on the west, was also ceded to the United States, besides a strip of 
country, three miles in width, from near the portage of the Wisconsin and Pox rivers north, on 
each side of the Wisconsin river, and forty-eight miles long — still leaving the tribe in peaceable 
possession of a country about one hundred and twenty miles long, and about eighty broad. By 
supplementary articles to the treaty, provision was made for the occupancy of certain lands by 
the New York Indians — two townships on the east side of Lake Winnebago. 

15. At the conclusion of the Black Hawk war, in 1S32, for the purpose of clearing up tin- 
Indian title of the Winnebago nation in the country, a treaty was made and concluded at Fort 
Armstrong, September 15, 1832. All the territory claimed by this nation lying south and east of 
the Wisconsin and Pox river of Green bay, was ceded to the United States, and no band or party 
of Winnebagoes was allowed to reside, plant, fish or hunt on ihese grounds, after June 1, 1S33, 
or on any part of the country therein ceded. 

1.1. 1 )n the 27th of ( >i tol>rr, 1832, articles of agreement were made and concluded at Green 
Pay between the United States and the Menomonee Indians, by the terms of which th.it nation 
ceded to the New York Indians certain lands 01; Fox river. 

15. An important treaty was made at Chicago, September 26, 1S33, between the United 
States and the Chippewas, Ottawas anj Pottawattamies. Those nations ceded to the government 
all their lands along the western shore of Lake Michigan, and between that lake and the land 

! to the lulled States bv the Winnebago nation at the treat}- at Fort Armstrong, Septeinbei 



THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 217 

15, 1832, bounded on the north by the country lately ceded by the Menomonees, and on the 
south by the country ceded at the treaty at Prairie du Chien, July 19, 1829 — containing about 
five millions of acres. 

16. On the 3d of September, 1836, a tieaty was made at Cedar Point with the Menomonees, 
by which lands lying west of Green bay, and a strip on the upper Wisconsin, were ceded to the 
United States — the quantity of land ceded being estimated at four millions of acres in the Green 
bay portion ; on the Wisconsin river, a strip three miles wide on each side of the river, running 
forty-eight miles north in a direct line, equivalent to 184,320 acres. 

17. On the 29th of July, 1837, a treaty was made with the Chippewas of the Mississippi, at 
Fort Snelling, and the United States, the nation ceding to the government all their lands in 
Wisconsin lying south of the divide between the waters of Lake Superior and those of the 
Mississippi. 

18. Certain chiefs and braves of the Sioux nation of the Mississippi, while visiting Washing- 
ton, September 29, 1837, ceded to the United States all their lands east of the Mississippi, and all 
their islands in said river. 

19. The Winnebago nation, by the chiefs and delegates, held a treaty with the government 
at Washington, November 1, 1837. That nation ceded all their lands east of the Mississippi, 
and obligated themselves to remove, within eight months after the ratification of the treaty, to 
certain lands west of the river Mississippi which were conveyed to them by the treaty of Sep- 
tember 21, 1832. 

20. The Oneida or New York Indians, residing near Green Bay, by their chief and repre- 
sentative, on the 3d of February, 1838, at Washington City, ceded to the United States their title 
and interest in the land set apart by the treaty made with the Menomonees, May 8, 1831, and the 
treaty made with the same tribe, October 7, 1832, reserving about 62,000 acres. 

21. Another treaty was made at Stockbridge on the 3d of September, 1S39, by which the 
Stockbridge and Munsee tribes (New York Indians) ceded and relinquished to the United States 
the east half of the tract of 46,080 acres which was laid off for their use on the east side of Lake 
Winnebago by treaty of October 7, 1832 

22. On the 4th of October, 1842, a treaty was made at La Pointe, on Lake Superior, with the 
Chippewas. All their lands in the northern and northwestern parts of Wisconsin were ceded to 
the United States. 

23. The Menomonee nation, on the 18th of October, 1848, at Pow-aw-hay-kon-nay, ceded 
and relinquished to the United States all their lands in the state, wherever situated — the gov- 
ernment to furnish the nation as a home, to be held as Indian lands are held, all the country ceded 
to the United States by the Chippewa nation August 2, 1847, the consideration being the sum of 
$350,000, to be paid according to the stipulations of the treaty. A supplementary treaty was 
made on the 24th of November, 1848, with the Stockbridges — the tribe to sell and relinquish to 
the United States the township of land on the east side of Lake Winnebago, secured to said tribe 
by treaty of February 8, 1831. 

24. A treaty was made with the Menomonee nation, at the falls of Wolf river, May 12, 1854, 
being a supplementary treaty to one made October 18, 184S. All the lands ceded to that nation 
under the treaty last named was ceded to the United States — the Menomonees to receive from 
the United States a tract of country lying on Wolf river, being townships 28, 29 and 3c, of ranges 
13, 14, 15, 16. 

25. A treaty was made with the Chippewas of Lake Superior, at La Pointe, on the 30th of 
September, 1854. That nation ceded to the United States all lands before owned by them in 
common with the Chippewas of the Mississippi — lying in the vicinity of Lake Superior in Wis- 



218 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

consin and Minnesota. 

26. On the 5th of February, 1S56, a treaty was held with the Stockbridge and Munsee tribes, 
at Stockbridge. All the remaining right and title to lands in the town of Stockbridge, possessed 
by them, »vas ceded to the United States ; and the said tribes were to receive in exchange a tract 
of land near the southern boundary of the Menomonee reservation, and by treaty made at 
Keshena, February 11, 1856, the Menomonees ceded two townships to locate the said tribes. 

With this last treaty, the Indian title to all the lands of the present state of Wisconsin was 
ceded to the United States government, except a few small reservations to certain tribes, and a 
perfect, indefeasible title obtained to all the territory within its borders. 

In the region of country which is now the state of Wisconsin, the settlements in early times 
were, as before stated, near Green Bay and at Prairie du Chien. Soon after the organization cf 
the Northwest territory, the subject of claims to private property therein received much attention. 
By an act of congress approved March 3, 1805, lands lying in the districts of Vincennes, kas- 
kaskia and Detroit, which were claimed by virtue of French or British grants, legally and fully- 
executed, or by virtue of grants issued under the authority of any former act of congress by 
either of the governors of the Northwest or Indiana territory, which had already been surveyed, 
were, if necessary, to be re-surveyed ; and persons claiming lands under these grants were to have 
until November 1, 1805, to give notice of the same. Commissioners were to be appointed to 
examine, and report at the next session of congress. An act was also passed, approved April 25, 
1S06, to authorize the granting of patents for lands, according to government surveys that had 
been made, and to grant donation rights to certain claimants of land in the district of Detroit, 
and for other purposes Another act was approved May 1 1, 1S20, reviving the powers of the 
commissioners for ascertaining and deciding on claims in the district of Detroit, and for settling the 
claims to land at Green Bay and Prairie du Chien, in the territory of Michigan ; the commis- 
sioners to have power to examine and decide on claims filed with the register of the land office, 
and not before acted on, in accordance with the laws respecting the same. The commissioners 
discharged the duties imposed on them, and in their report to congress in reference to the claims 
at Green Bay, they said that the antiquity of this settlement being, in their view, sufficiently 
established, and that they being also satisfied that the Indian title must be considered to have 
been extinguished, decide favorably on the claims presented. About seventy-five titles were con- 
firmed, and patents for the same were sent to the proper parties by the government. In relation 
to the Prairie du Chien titles, they reported "that they had met few difficulties in their investi- 
gations; that, notwithstanding the high antiquity which may be claimed for the settlement of that 
place, no one perfect title founded on French or British grant, legally authenticated, had been 
successfully made out; and that but few deeds of any sort have been exhibited." This they 
attribute to the carelessness of the Canadians in respect to whatever concerned their land titles, and 
accords with whatever is known in this regard, of the French population throughout the country. 
They therefore came to the conclusion that whatever 1 laim the people of the place possessed, 
and might have for a confirmation of their land titles, they must be founded upon proof of con 
tinned possession since the year 1796 The commissioners further say, that " since the ancestors 
of these settlers were cut off, by the treaty which gave the Canadas to the English, from all inter- 
course with their parent country, the people both of Prairie du Chien and Green Bay have been 
eft, until within a few years, quite isolated, almost without any government but their own; and, 
although the present population of these settlements are natives of the countries which they 
inhabit, and, ( onsequently, are by birth citizens of the northwest, yet, until a few years, they have 
had as little political connection with its government as their ancestors had With the British. 
Ignorant of their civil rights, careless of their land titles, docility, habitual hospitality, cheerful 



THE PUBLIC DOMAIN 219 

submission to the requisitions of any government which may be set over them, are their universal 
characteristics." 

In reference to grants by the French and English governments, the commissioners say, they 
" have not had access to any public archives by which to ascertain with positive certainty, whether 
either the French or English ever effected a formal extinguishment of the Indian title at the 
mouth of the Wisconsin, which .also may be said of the land now covered by the city of Detroit , 
that the French government was not accustomed to hold formal treaties for such purposes with 
the Indians, and when the lands have been actually procured from them, either by virtue of the 
assumed right of conquest, or by purchase, evidence of such acquisition is rather to be sought in 
the traditionary history of the country, or in the casual or scanty relations of travelers, than 
among collections of state papers. Tradition does recognize the fact of the extinguishment of 
the Indian title at Prairie du Chien by the old French government, before its surrender to the 
English; and by the same species of testimony, more positive because more recent, it is estab- 
lished also, that, in the year 1781, Patrick Sinclair, lieutenant governor of the province of Upper 
Canada, while the English government had jurisdiction over this country, made a formal purchase 
from the Indians of the lands comprehending the settlement of Prairie du Chien." 

The territories and states formed from the section known as the Northwest territory, 
were : 

1 The Northwest territory proper (1 787-1800) having jurisdiction over all the lands referred 
to in the ordinance of 1787. In 1802, Ohio was organized as a state with its present boun- 
daries. 

1. Indiana terrritory was formed July 4, 1800, with the seat of government at Vincennes 
That territory was made to include all of the northwest, except what afterward became the state 
of Ohio. 

3. Michigan territory was formed June 30, 1805. It was bounded on the south by a line 
drawn east from the south bend of Lake Michigan, on the west by the center of Lake Michigan. 
It did not include what is now Wisconsin. The upper peninsula was annexed in r836. The 
state of Michigan was formed January 26, 1837, with its present boundaries. 

4. Illinois territory was formed March 2, 1810. It included all of the Indiana territory west 
of the Wabash river and Vincennes, and a line running due north to the territorial line. All of 
Wisconsin was included therein, except what lay east of the line drawn north from Vincennes. 

5. Indiana was admitted as a state April 19, 1816, including all the territory of Indiana 
territory, except a narrow strip east of the line of Vincennes, and west of Michigan territory, her 
western boundary. 

6. Illinois was admitted as a state April n, 1S1S. It included all of Illinois territory south 
of latitude 42 30'. All of Wisconsin was added to Michigan territory. In the month of Octo- 
ber of that year, the counties of Michilimackinac, Brown and Crawford were formed, comprising 
besides other territory, the whole of the present state of Wisconsin. 

7. Iowa district was attached to Michigan for judicial purposes, June 30, 1834, out of which 
Des Moines and Dubuque counties were formed. 

8. Wisconsin territory was formed April 20, 1836. The state was formed May 29, 1848. 
The territory of Wisconsin being a part of the Northwest territory claimed, and congress by 

direct action confirmed to her, all the rights and privileges secured by the ordinance of 1787, 
one of which was that congress should have authority to form one or two states in that part of 
the territory lying north of an east and west line, drawn through the southerly bend or extreme 
of Lake Michigan. Notwithstanding this plain provision of the ordinance, which is declared to 



220 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

lie art". ' . ■ .t" . iiirt between the original states and the people and states in the said territory, 
and forever to remain unalterable unless by consent ; yet congress, in establishing the boundaries 
of the state of Illinois, extended that state about sixty miles north of the line established by the 
ordinance. This action was claimed to be unjust and contrary to the spirit and letter of the 
compact with the original states. The legislative assembly of Wisconsin passed resolutions 
which were approved January 13, 1840, that it was inexpedient for the people of the territory to 
form a constitution and state government until the southern boundary to which they are so justly 
entitled by the ordinance of 1787 shall be fully recognized by the parties of the original com- 
pact. Owing to various complications over which the territory had no control, her people never 
succeeded in obtaining from congress what they considered their just rights. 

It was also contended by many, that the portion of country set off to Michigan on L 
Superior given as a compensation in part for the strip of land awarded to Ohio from her south- 
ern border, should also have constituted a portion of Wisconsin, especially as Michigan never 
made the least claim to it by her delegate in congress, who was decidedly opposed to the exten- 
sion of Michigan beyond the limits of the lower peninsula. 

The first survey of the public lands northwest of the Ohio river, was made pursuant to an 
act of congress approved May 20, 1785 The geographer of the confederation was diected to 
commence the survey of the government lands on the north side of the river Ohio — -.the first line 
running north and south, to begin on said river at a point that should be found to be due north 
from the western termination of a line which had been run as the southern boundary of the statj 
of Pennsylvania; the first line running east and west, to begin at the same point, and to extend 
through the whole territory. The survey comprised seven ranges, composing ten counties of 
the present state of Ohio. Other surveys followed when the Indian title was extinguished. 
Thomas Hutchins, who held the office of geographer, is believed to be the inventor of the 
mode of laying out land which was then introduced by him, and is still in general use by the 
government. 

Soon after the government had acquired title to the Indian lands south of the Wisconsin 
river, the public authorities commenced a systematic survey of the lands, for the purpose of 
bringing the same into market at the earliest possible period. 

The public lands in Wisconsin are, as elsewhere in the west, surveyed in uniform rec- 
tangular tracts, each six miles square, by lines running north and south, intersecting others 
running east and west. These townships are numbered from two lines called the principal 
meridian and the base line. The principal meridian by which the Wisconsin surveys are gov- 
erned is that known as the fourth, and extends from the Illinois boundary line to Lake Superior, 
at the mouth of Montreal river, about two hundred and eighty-two miles. It divides Grant 
from I. aFayette county, and passes through the eastern parts of Vernon, Monroe, Jackson, Clark, 
Chippewa, and Ashland counties. The base line separates Wisconsin from Illinois in north 
latitude forty-two degrees, thirty minutes. There are nearly seventeen hundred townships in 
the state. Each township is subdivided into thirty-six sections by lines running parallel to the 
sides of the township, one mile apart. A section is, therefore, one mile square, and contains six 
hundred and forty acres. In fractional townships, each section is numbered the same as the 
ponding section in whole townships. Each section is subdivided into half-mile squares, 
called quarter-sections, each containing one hundred and sixty acres, and the subdivision is 
carried still further into half-quarter or quarter-quarter sections. It is found necessary to estab- 
lish at stated intervals standard parallels, commonly called correction lines, to obviate the effect 
of the curvature of the earth's surface. The convergence in a single township is small, though 
quite perceptible, the actual excess in length of its south over its north line being in the state 



THE PUBLIC DOMAIN*. 



221 



about three rods. The townships north of the base line, therefore, become narrower toward the 
north, and if continued for too great a distance, this narrowing would cause serious inconvenience. 
In the state of Wisconsin there are four of these correction lines. The first is sixty miles 
north of the base line, and accordingly runs between townships ten and eleven. The second is 
between townships twenty and twenty-one, and so on. They are usually sixty miles apart. On 
these parallels, which form new base lines, fresh measurements are made from the principal 
meridian, and the corners of new townships are fixed six miles apart as on the original base line. 
This method of procedure not only takes up the error due to convergency of meridians, but 
arrests that caused by want of precision in the surveys already made. 

The northern or western sections of townships, which contain more or less than six hun- 
dred and forty acres, are called fractional sections, for the reason that the surplusage or 
deficiency arising from errors in surveying, and from other causes, is by law added to or 
deducted from the western or northern ranges of sections according as the error may be in run- 
ning the lines from east to west, or from north to south. 

As soon as the surveys were completed in southern Wisconsin and the Green Bay section, 
and a knowledge of the superior qualities of the land for agricultural purposes were known to 
the people, the emigration became large. In fact much land was taken possession of by settlers 
in advance of being surveyed and brought into market. As soon as the land offices at Green 
Bay, Mineral Point, and Milwaukee were located, public announcement was made by the govern- 
ment, of the time of the sale, when the lands were put up to the highest bidder, and such as were 
unsold were afterward subject to private entry. The first sales were held at Green Bay and 
Mineral Point in the year 1835. The sale at Milwaukee was in 1S39. From the reports of the 
general land office, it appears that from 1835 to 1S45 inclusive, there were sold at the three land 
offices from public sale, 2,958,592-^% acres, amounting to $3,768,106.51. 

Fort Howard military reservation was set apart by order of the president March 2, 1829, 
and comprised all the lands lying upon Fox river and Green bay, in township 24 north, range 20 
east, 4th principal meridian, being about four thousand acres. The lands were abandoned for 
military purposes, by the war department, December 4, 1850. By an act of congress approved 
March 3, 1863, the commissioner of the general land office was authorized and directed to cause 
the reservation, including the site of the fort, containing three and four-hundredths acres, situated 
in the county of Brown, between Fox river and Beaver Dam run, and which is not included in 
the confirmations to T. C. Dousman and Daniel Whitney, nor in the grant to the state of Wis- 
consin, under resolutions of congress approved April 25, 1862, granting lands to Wisconsin to 
aid in the construction of railroads, to be surveyed and subdivided into lots not less than one- 
fourth of an acre, and not more than forty acres, deducting such portions of the same as the 
public interest and convenience may require ; and when so surveyed and platted, to be sold sep- 
arately at auction. On the 10th of November, 1S64, under directions of the commissioner, the 
lands were offered for sale at auction at the fort. About one-half of the lands were sold, and 
purchased by actual settlers, and but few for speculation. The fort and the lands contiguous 
were sold for six thousand four hundred dollars. The other lands sold brought about the sum 
of nineteen thousand dollars. 

That portion of the reservation unsold was to be subject to private entry at the appraised 
value, and that portion lying between Duck creek and Beaver Dam creek, was subject to entry 
as other public lands were offered. 

On the 20th of May, 1868, a joint resolution of congress was approved, by which the com- 
missioner of the general land office was authorized and directed to cause a patent to be issued 
to the Chicago & Northwestern railroad company, in pursuance of a resolution passed by con- 



222 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

gress, granting the same to the state of Wisconsin, approved April 25,1862, and by act of the 
legislature approved June 16, 1862, granting the same to that company for eighty acres of land, 
as was .surveyed and approved by said commissioner June n, 1S64. The lands thus donated 
are now used by the railroad company for their depot grounds 

The Fort Crawford military reservation was purchased from J. H. Lockwood and James D. 
Doty by the government in the year iS2y, and covered the front and main portions of farm lots 
numbered thirty -three and thirty-four, of the private land claims at Prairie da Chien, and com- 
prised about one hundred and sixty acres. Fort Crawford was built on this tract in 1829, 1830 
and 1 831. There was also a reservation of section eighteen, township seven, north of range 
four west, known as the Cattle Yard. This land was at the mouth of the Kickapoo river, and 
is now known as the village of Wauzeka. In addition to these lands which were located in Wis- 
consin, there was a reservation of lands lying on the west side of the Mississippi river, in Iowa. 
The lands in Wisconsin were relinquished by the secret.uv of war, January 10, 1851, and were 
originally set apart by the president of the United States. February 17 1843 

In the month of April, 1S57, the secretary of wai authorized Hon. H. M. Rice, of Minne- 
sota, to sell that part of the reservation not improved, in tracts not exceeding forty acres each; 
and, i:i the month of June of that year, he sold at auction five bundled and seven acres of the 
reserve opposite Fort Crawford, none of which was claimed by actual settlers ; and in the month 
of December, 1857, he sold the remainder to claimants of lands, also on the west side, and the 
section in Wisconsin known as the Cattle Yard, amounting to 177 ,"„'•', acres. A portion of t his. 
reservation was subdivided into town lots, 80 by 140 feet, with streets 66 feet and alleys 20 feet 
wide November 17, 1864, the acting commissioner of the general land office, by order 
of the war department, offered for sale at public auction at La Crosse the reservation at Fort 
Crawford, which had been surveyed and subdivided into town lots, eighty by one hundred and 
forty feet, with streets sixty-five feet and alleys twenty feet wide, conforming to the plat of the 
village of Prairie du Chien. The lands unsold were subsequently opened to private entry and 
disposed of. 

The lands of the Fort Winnebago reservation were set apart by order of the president. 
February 9, 1835, and consisted of the following teriitory: sections two, three, and that part of 
four lying east of Fox river, and fractional section nine, all in township twelve, north of range 
nine east . also fractional section thirty-three, in township thirteen, north of range nine east, 
lying west of Fox river, and the fraction of section four, township twelve north, of range nine 
east, lying west of claim numbered twenty-one of A. Grignon, and adjacent to Port Winnebago, 
reserved by order of the president, July 29, 1S51 the whole amounting to about four thousand 
Acres. September the first, 1853, these lands were by order of the president offered for sale 
at public auction at the fort, by F. H. Masten, assistant quartermaster United States army, 
having previously been surveyed into forty acre lots, and were purchased by J. B. Martin, G. C 
Tallman, W. IP Wells, Wra. Wier, N. H. Wood. M. R. Keegan, and others. 

The first land offices in Wisconsin were established under an act of congress approved 
June 26, 1834, creating additional land districts in the states of Illinois and Missouri, and in the 
territory north of the state of Illinois. The first section provides " that all that tract lying north 
of the state of Illinois, west of Pake Michigan, south and southeast of the Wisconsin and Pox 
rivers, included in the present territory of Michigan, shall be divided by a north and south line, 
drawn from the northern boundary of Illinois along the range of township line west of Port 
Winnebago to the Wisconsin river, and to be called — the one on the west side, the Wisconsin 
land district, and that on the east side the Green Bay land district of the territory of Michigan, 
which two districts shall embrace the country north of said rivers when tiie Indian title shall be 



THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 223 

extinguished, and the Green Bay district may be divided so as to form two districts, when 
the president shall deem it proper;" and by section three of said act, the president was author- 
ized to appoint a register and receiver for such office, as soon as a sufficient number of townships 
are surveyed. 

An act of congress, approved June 15, 1836, divided the Green Bay land district, as estab- 
lished in 1834, " by a line commencing on the western boundary of said district, and running 
thence east between townships ten and eleven north, to the line between ranges seventeen and 
eighteen east, thence north between said ranges of townships to the line between townships 
twelve and thirteen north, thence east between said townships twelve and thirteen to Lake 
Michigan ; and all the country bounded north by the division line here described, south by the 
base line, east by Lake Michigan, and west by the division line between ranges eight and nine 
east," to be constituted a separate district and known as the " Milwaukee land district." It 
included the present counties of Racine, Kenosha, Rock, Jefferson, Waukesha, Walworth and 
Milwaukee, and parts of Green, Dane, Washington, Ozaukee, Dodge and Columbia. 

An act was approved March 3, 1S47, creating an additional land district in the territory. 
All that portion of the public lands lying north and west of the following boundaries, formed a 
district to be known as the Chippewa land district: commencing at the Mississippi river on the 
line between townships twenty-two and twenty-three north, running thence east along said line 
to the fourth principal meridian, thence north along said meridian line to the line dividing town- 
ships twenty-nine and thirty, thence east along such township line to the Wisconsin river, thence up 
the main channel of said river to the boundary line between the state of Michigan and the territory 
of Wisconsin. The counties now included in this district are Pepin, Clark, Eau Claire, Dunn, 
Pierce, St. Croix, Polk, Barron, Burnett, Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Taylor, Chippewa, and parts 
of Buffalo, Trempeleau ar.d Jackson ; also, the new county of Price. 

An act of congress, approved March 2, 1849, changed the location of the land office in the 
Chippewa district from the falls of St. Croix to Stillwater, in the county of St. Croix, in the 
proposed territory of Minnesota; and, by section two of the act, an additional land office and 
district was created, comprising all the lands in Wisconsin not included in the districts of land 
subject to sale at Green Bay, Milwaukee, or Mineral Point, which was to be known as the Western 
land district, and the president was authorized to designate the site where the office should be 
Iicated. Willow River, now Hudson, was selected. The district was usually known as the St. 
Croix and Chippewa district, and included St. Croix, La Pointe, and parts of Chippewa and 
Marathon counties. By an act of congress, approved July 30, 1852, so much of the public lands 
in Wisconsin as lay within a boundary line commencing at the southwest corner of township 
fifteen, north of range two east of the fourth principal meridian, thence running due east to the 
southeast corner of township fifteen, north of range eleven, east of the fourth principal meridian, 
thence north along such range line to the north line of the state of Wisconsin, thence westwardly 
along said north line to the line between ranges one and two. east of fourth principal meridian, 
thence south to the place of beginning, were formed into a new district, and known as the 
Stevens Point land district, and a land office located at that place. 

The boundaries enclosed the present counties of Juneau, Adams, Marquette, Green Lake, 
Waushara, Waupaca, Portage, Wood, Marathon, Lincoln, Shawano, New and Marinette. The 
La Crosse land district was formed of the following territory : " Commencing at a point where 
the line between townships ten and eleven north touches the Mississippi river, thence due east to 
the fourth principal meridian, thence north to the line between townships fourteen and fifteen 
north, thence east to the southeast corner of township fifteen north, of range one east of the 



224 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN 

fourth principal meridian, thence north on the range line to the south line of township number 
thirty-one north, thence west on the line between townships number thirty and thirty-one to the 
Chippewa river, thence down said river to its junction with the Mississippi river, thence down 
said river to the place of beginning." The present counties of Vernon, La Crosse, Monroe, Buf- 
falo, Trempealeau, Eau Claire, Clark, and parts of Juneau and Chippewa were included in 
its limits. 

By act of congress, approved February 24, 1S55, an additional district was formed of all that 
portion cf the Willow river land district lying north of the line dividing townships forty and 
forty-one, to be called the Fond du Lac district — the office to be located by the president as he 
might from time to time direct. The present counties of Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, and part 
of Burnett were included within its boundaries. 

By an act of congress, approved March 3, 1857, so much of the districts of land subject to 
sale at La Crosse and Hudson, in the state of Wisconsin, contained in the following boundaries, 
were constituted a new district, to be known as the Chippewa land district : Xorth of the line 
dividing townships twenty-four and twenty-five north; south of the line dividing townships forty 
and forty-one north ; west of the line dividing ranges one and two east ; and east of the line 
dividing ranges eleven and twelve west. The location of the office was to be designated by the 
president as the public interest might require. The present counties of Chippewa, Taylor, Eau 
Claire and Clark were in this district. 

There are at the present time six land offices in the state. They are located at Menasha, 
Falls of St. Croix, Wausau, La Crosse, Bayfield and Eau Claire. By the provisions of law, when 
the number of acres of land in any one district is reduced to one hundred thousand acres, sub- 
ject to private entry, the secretary of the interior is required to discontinue the office, and the 
lands remaining unsold are transferred to the nearest land office, to be there subject to sale. The 
power of locating these offices rests with the president (unless otherwise directed by law), who is 
alsc authorized to change and re-establish the boundaries of land districts whenever, in his 
opinion, the public service will be subserved thereby. 

The pre-emption law of 1S30 was intended for the benefit of actual settlers against compe- 
tition in open market with non-resident purchasers. It gave every person who cultivated any 
part of a quarter section the previous year, and occupied the tract' at the date mentioned, the 
privilege of securing it by payment of the minimum price at any time before the day fixed for 
the commencement of the public sale. To avail himself of this provision he was to file proof 
of cultivation and occupancy. As men frequently located claims in advance of the survey, it 
occasionally happened that two or more would find themselves upon the same quarter section^ 
in which case the pre-emption law permitted two joint occupants to divide the quarter section 
equally between them, whereupon each party received a certificate from the land office, author- 
izing him to locate an additional eighty acres, elsewhere in the same land district, not interfering 
with other settlers having the right of preference. This was called a floating right. This pro- 
vision of the law was ingeniously perverted from its plain purpose in various ways. 

As fast as these evasions came to the notice of the department, all certificates given to 
occupants of the same quarter section in excess of the two first, or to more than one member of 
the same family, to employees, to any person who had not paid for eighty acres originally 
occupied, as well as those which were not located at the time of such payment, and the additional 
tract paid for before the public sale, were held to be worthless or fraudulent ; but a large number 
of these certificates \\m\ been issued, and passed into the hands of speculators and designing 
men, and were a source of almost endless vexation and annoyance to settlers. The law of 1830 



THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 225 

expired by limitation in one year from its passage, but was revived by the law of 1S34 for two 
years. In the interim no settler could obtain his land by pre-emption. The law of 1834 extended 
only to those who had made cultivation in 1S33, consequently the settlers of later date were 
excluded from its benefits. Meanwhile the fraudulent floats were freely used to dispossess actual 
settlers as late as 1835. 

The pre-emption law of congress, approved September 4, 1S41, provided that every person 
who should make a settlement in person on public land, and erect a dwelling, should be author- 
ized to enter a quarter section (one hundred and sixty acres), at the minimum price (one dollar 
and twenty-five cents per acre), and thus secure the same against competition ; and if any person 
should settle upon and improve land subject to private entry, he might within thirty days give 
notice to the register of the land office of his intention to claim the land settled upon, and might 
within one year upon making proof of his right, enter the land at the minimum price. 

At the public land sales at Mineral Point, held in 1S35, all those tracts on which lead was 
found, or on which it was supposed to exist, were reserved to the United States, and were leased 
under certain regulations by the government for a rent of ten per centum of all the lead raised. 
The quantity of land thus reserved was estimated at one million acres. Considerable difficulty 
was found in collecting these rents, and subsequently it was abandoned, as the amount 
expended in collecting exceeded the value of the lead collected. In the period of four years 
the government suffered a loss of over nineteen thousand dollr.xs. 

The act of congress, approved July 1 1, 1S46, authorized the sale of the reserved mineral 
lands in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, and provided that, after six months' public notice, the lands 
should not be subject to the rights of pre-emption until after the same had been offered at public 
sale, when they should be subject to private entry. The law also provided, that, upon satisfac- 
tory proof being made to the register and receiver of the proper land office, any tract or tracts 
of land containing a mine or mines of lead ore actually discovered and being worked, would be 
sold in such legal subdivisions as would include lead mines, and no bid should be received 
therefor at less than the sum of two dollars and fifty cents per acre, and if such tract or tracts 
should not be sold at such public sale, at such price, nor should be entered at private sale within 
twelve months thereafter, the same should be subject to sale as other lands. This act was 
changed by an act approved March 3, 1847, providing that any one being in possession by 
actual occupancy of a mine discovered prior to the passage of this act, who should pay the same 
rents as those who held leases from the secretary of war, should be entitled to purchase the lands 
prior to the day of sale at five dollars per acre. Mineral lands were to be offered for sale in forty 
acre pieces, and no bids were to be received less than five dollars per acre, and if not sold they 
were then to be subject to private entry at the same price. In 1847 or 1848 the reserved mineral 
lands were sold at public sale at Mineral Point at two dollars and fifty cents per acre, and they 
were all disposed of at that price. 

Soon after the formation of Wisconsin territory, an act was passed by its legislature, 
approved January 5, 1S38, incorporating the Milwaukee and Rock river canal company, and by 
an act of congress approved June iS of the same year, a grant of land was made to aid in the 
construction of the canal. The grant consisted of the odd-numbered sections on a belt of ten 
miles in width from Lake Michigan to Rock river, amounting to 139,190 acres. Of ti.ose lands 
43,447 acres were sold at public sale in July, 1839, at the minimum price of two dollars and fifty 
cents per acre. Work was commenced on the canal at Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee river for 
a short distance from its outlet was improved by the construction of a dam across the river, 
which was made available for manufacturing and other purposes. A canal was also built about 
a mile in length and forty feet wide, leading from it down on the west bank of the river. Much 



226 HISTORY <»F WISCONSIN. 

■dissatisfaction subsequently arose ; the purchasers at this sale, and others occupying these canal 
and reserved lands felt the injustice of being compelled to pay double price for their lands, and 
efforts were made to repeal all laws authorizing further sales, and to ask congress to repeal the 
act making the grant. The legislation on the subject of this grant is voluminous. In 1862 the 
legislature of the state passed an act to ascertain and settle the liabilities, if any, of Wisconsin 
and the company, and a board of commissioners was appointed for that purpose. At the session 
of the legislature in 1863, the committee made a report with a lengthy opinion of the attorney-gen- 
eral of the state. The views of that officer were, that the company had no valid claims for damages 
against the state. In this opinion the commissioners concurred. On the 23d - of March, 1S75, 
an act was approved by the governor, giving authority to the attorney-general to discharge and 
release of record any mortgage before executed to the late territory of Wisconsin, given to secure 
the purchase money or any part thereof of any lands granted by congress to aid in the construc- 
tion of this canal. The quantity of lands unsold was subsequently made a part of the 500,000 
acre tract granted by congress for school purposes. It is believed the whole matter is now closed 
against further legislative enactments. 

The next grant of lands made by congress ior internal improvements in Wisconsin, was one 
approved August 8, 1846, entitled " an act to grant a certain quantity of land to aid in the 
improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, and to connect the same by canal." By this act 
there was granted to Wisconsin on her becoming a state, for improving the navigation of the 
above-named streams, and constructing the canal to unite the same, a quantity of land equal to 
one-half of three sections in width on each side of Fox river, and the lakes through which it 
passes from its mouth to the point where the portage canal should enter the same, and each side 
of the canal from one stream to the other, reserving the alternate sections to the United States 
with certain provisions in relation thereto. On the 3d of August, 1854, an act of congress was 
approved, authorizing the governor of Wisconsin to select the balance of lands to which the state 
was entitled to under the provisions of the act of 1846, out of any unsold government lands sub- 
ject to private entry in the state, the quantity to be ascertained upon the principles which gov- 
erned the final adjustment of the grant to the state of Indiana, for the Wabash and Erie canal, 
approved May 9, 1S4S. In the years 1S54 and 1S55, acts of congress were passed, defining and 
enlarging the grant. Under the grants of 1846, 1854 and 1855, the number of acres donated foi 
this purpose and certified to the state, was 674,100. 

After the admission of Wisconsin into the Union, by an act of its legislature, approved 
August 8, 184S, a board of public works was created, through which the work of improving the 
said rivers, by the application thereto of the proceeds of the sale of the lands granted by con- 
gress, was undertaken by the state. 

It soon became apparent that the moneys realized from the sale of lands were insufficient to 
meet the obligations of the state issued by its board of public works as they became due ; and 
in 1853 the work was turned over to the Fox and Wisconsin Improvement company, a corpora- 
tion created under an act of the legislature of Wisconsin approved July 6, 1853. In 1856, by an 
act of the legislature of Wisconsin, approved October 3, 1856, the lands granted by congress 
then unsold were granted by the state, through the said company, to trustees, witli power to 
sell, and to hold the proceeds in trust for the payment of state indebtedness, the completion 
of the work, thereafter for the payment of bonds issued by the said company, and the balance, it 
any, for the company itself. 

In February, 1866, the trustees, in execution of the powers contained in the deed of trust 
made to them, and pursuant to a judgment of the circuit court of Fond du Lac county, sold at 
public sale at Appleton, Wisconsin, the works of improvement and the balance of lands granted 



THE PUBLIC DOMAIX. 227 

by congress then unsold, and applied the proceeds to the purposes expressed in the deed of trust. 
The proceeds were sufficient to pay in full the expenses of the trust, the then outstanding 
state indebtedness, and to provide a fund sufficient to complete the work according to the plan 
specified in the act approved October 3, 1856. 

Under an act of the legislature of Wisconsin approved April 13, 1861, and the acts amend- 
atory thereof, the purchasers at said sale, on the 15th day of August, 1866, filed their certificate 
in the office of the secretary of state, and thereby became incorporated as the Green Bay and 
Mississippi canal company, holding, as such company, the said works of improvement. 

At a subsequent date, under instructions from the engineer department of the United States, 
the surveys of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers were placed in the charge of General G. K. War- 
ren, and by act of congress approved July 7, 1870, the secretary of war was authorized to 
appoint a board of arbitrators to ascertain how much the government should pay to the suc- 
cessors of the Improvement company, the Green Bay and Mississippi canal company, for the 
transfer of all its property and rights; and by a subsequent act, approved June 10, 1872, an 
appropriation was made therefor. 

The legislation on matters connected with the Fox and Wisconsin river improvement would 
make a chapter of itself. The work is now in charge of the government, and will be prosecuted 
to completion in a satisfactory manner. 

On the 29th of May, 1848, an act was approved by the president "to enable the people of 
Wisconsin territory to form a constitution and state government, and for the admission of such 
state into the Union," by which certain propositions were to be submitted to the convention 
which were to be acted upon, and subsequently submitted to the people for their approval. The 
first constitutional convention was held in October, 1S46, and, having framed a constitution, it 
was submitted to a vote of the people at the election in 1847, and it was rejected. The second 
convention met December 15, 1847, and, having formed a constitution, it was adopted by the 
people at the election in 1848. The following are the propositions proposed by congress : 

1. That section sixteen numbered in every township of the public lands of said state, and 
where such section has been sold or otherwise disposed of, other lands equivalent thereto, and 
as contiguous as may be, shall be granted to the said state for the use of schools. 

2. That seventy-two sections, or two entire townships, of land set apart and reserved for 
the use and support of a university by act of congress approved June 12, 1838, are hereby granted 
and conveyed to the state, to be appropriated solely to the use and support of such university in 
such manner as the legislature may prescribe. 

3. That ten entire sections of land to be selected and located under the direction of the 
legislature, in legal subdivisions of not less than one quarter of a section from any of the unap- 
propriated lands belonging to the United States within the state are granted to the state for 
completing the public buildings, or for the erection of others at the seat of government, under 
the direction of the legislature. 

4. That all salt-springs within the state, not exceeding twelve in number, shall be granted to 
the state, to be selected by the legislature, and when selected, to be used or disposed of on such 
terms, conditions, and regulations as the legislature shall direct. 

The title to all lands and other property which accrued to the territory of Wisconsin by 
grant, gift, purchase, forfeiture, escheat, or otherwise, were, by the provisions of the constitution 
of the state, vested in the state ; and the people of the state, in their right of sovereignty, were 
declared to possess the ultimate property in and to all lands within its jurisdiction ; and all 
lands, the title of which shall fail from a defect of heirs, shall revert or escheat to the people. 

The act of congress for the admission of the state into the Union gave formal assent to the 



228 HISTOEY <>f WISCONSIN. 

grant relative to the Fox and Wisconsin river improvement, and the lands reserved to the United 
States by said grant, and also the grant to the territory of Wisconsin, for the purpose of aiding 
in opening a canal to connect the waters of Lake Michigan with those of Rock river, were to be 
offered for sale at the same minimum price, and subject to the same rights of pre-emption as 
other public lands of the United States. 

By the provisions of the state constitution, the secretary of state, the state treasurer and 
attorney-general, were constituted a board of commissioners for the sale of the school and 
university lands, and for the investment of the funds arising therefrom. In the year 1850 the 
commissioners put into market, for the first time, the school lands which had been donated to the 
state. The total quantity of lands offered was 148,021, 44-100 acres, which sold for the sum of 
$444,265.19. 

By an act of congress, approved September 4, 1841, there were* granted to the state 500,000 
acres of land, which were, by act of the territorial legislature of 1S49, appropriated to the school 
fund, and the unsold lands of the Milwaukee and Rock river canal company, amounting to about 
140,000 acres, were to be included as a part of the above grant. These lands, and the sixteenth 
section of each township, make up the whole of the school lands of the state. The whole 
number of acres sold up to the year 1877 is 1,243,984 acres, and there remain unsold, subject 
to entry, 216,016 acres. 

The state university land grant was made in 1838, and seventy-two sections set apart and 
reserved. The lands were selected in 184.5 and 1846. On the 15th of December, 1854, an act 
of congress was approved, relinquishing to the state the lands reserved for the salt-springs, and 
seventy-two sections were granted in lieu thereof, in aid of the university of the state The 
number of acres amounts to 92,160, all of which have been sold except 4,407 acres, which are 
subject to entry. Under the re-organization and enlargement of the university, under provisions 
of chapter 114, of general laws of 1866, section thirteen provides, among other things, that the 
income of a fund to be derived from the sales of the two hundred and forty thousand acres, 
granted by congress by act approved July 2, 1862, entitled : "An act donating lands to the 
several states and territories which may provide colleges for the benefit of agriculture and 
mechanic arts," be devoted to the state university, and the funds arising therefrom to be known 
as the " agricultural college fund." All of the grant of lands have been sold except 5 1,635 acres. 
The quantity of lands donated by act of congress August 6, 1846, for the purpose of completing or 
erecting public buildings at the seat of government, known as " Capitol Lands," amounted to 
ten entire sections, or six thousand four hundred acres. A grant of lands was made to the state 
by act of congress, approved September 28, 1850, of all the swamp and overflowed lands within 
its limits. The total number of acres of this grant, as certified to the state from the government, 
to the year 1877, is 1,869,677. 

A grant of land was made by congress, approved March 3, 1S63, for the construction of a 
military road from Fort Wilkins, Michigan, to Fort Howard, Wisconsin, of every alternate 
section of public lands, designated by even numbers for three sections in width on each side of 
said road, and subject to the disposal of the legislature. In 1865 sales of land were made to 
the number of 85,961.89 acres, which realized the sum of $114,856.54. 

An act of congress was approved June 25, 1864, granting lands to the state to build a military 
road from Wausau, Wisconsin, to Ontonagon, on Lake Superior, of every alternate section of 
land designated as odd sections, for three sections in width on each side of the road. The grant 
was accepted by the state by law, approved April 10, 1865. 

An act was also passed by congress, approved April 10, 1866, granting to the state of Wis- 
consin a donation of public lands to aid in the construction of a breakwater and harbor and ship 



THE PUBLIC DOMAIN". 229 

canal at the head of Sturgeon bay, Wis., to connect the waters of Green bay with Lake Michigan. 
The grant was for 200,000 acres of land. The grant was accepted by the legislature of 1868. 
In i874,thesamebody by resolution transferred to the Sturgeon bayandLake Michigan ship canal 
and harbor company 32,342 acres, and the remaining portion was authorized to be sold for agri- 
cultural purposes by said company. 

The first railroad grant in Wisconsin was by act of congress, approved June 3, 1856, by the 
first section of which there was granted to the state, for the purpose of aiding in the construction 
of a railroad from Madison or Columbus, by the way of Portage City, to the St. Croix river or 
lake, between townships twenty-five and thirty-one, and from thence to the west end of Lake 
Superior and to Bayfield ; and from Fond du Lac, on Lake Winnebago, northerly to the state line, 
every alternate section of land designated by odd numbers, for six sections in width on each side 
of said roads, respectively; the land to be applied exclusively in the construction of said roads,, 
and to no other purpose whatever, and subject to the disposal of the legislature, and the same 
shall remain public highways for the use of the government, free from toll and other charges 
upon the transportation of property or troops of the United States, with other conditions as to 
the disposal of said lands. 

The grant was accepted by the legislature by an act approved October 8, 1856, and on the 
nth of the same month an act was approved granting a portion of the lands to the La Crosse & 
Mississippi railroad company, who were to carry out all the requirements of the original grant. 
A supplementary act was approved the same session, October 13, incorporating the Wisconsin & 
Superior railroad, which company was required to commence the construction of their road on 
or before January 1, 1857, and to complete the same to Oshkosh before August 1, 1858. Of this 
land grant John W. Cary says: "That portion of the grant given to aid in the construction of 
a railroad northerly to the state line was conferred on the Wisconsin & Superior railroad company. 
This company was organized in the interest of the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac railroad 
company, and that part of the grant was transferred to it. The road was, in 1859, extended to 
Oshkosh, and thence to Menasha, and finally to Green Bay. In the panic of 1S57, the company 
failed to meet its obligations, but was afterward enabled to go on, and continued in possession 
until June 2, 1859, when its road was sold on the foreclosures of the mortgages given thereon > 
and on the sixth of the same month the present Chicago & Northwestern railroad company was 
organized under the statute, by purchasers at said sale, and took possession." 

A large portion of the original grant was given for the construction of a road from Madison 
or Columbus to the St. Croix river, as before stated. The La Crosse company, during the years 
1857 and 185S, completed its main line to La Crosse; the Watertown line, from Watertown to 
Columbus, and partially graded the line from Madison to Portage City. Neither it nor its suc- 
cessors ever received any part of the lands of the land grant. 

In 1856 and 1857, the La Crosse & Milwaukee railroad graded most of the line from Madi- 
son to Portage. After the failure of the company, this line was abandoned, and so remained 
until 1870, when a new company was organized, under the name of the Madison & Portage City 
railroad company. In 1873, an act was passed chartering the Tomah & Lake St. Croix railroad 
company, and repealing and annulling that portion of the land grant which bestowed the lands 
from Tomah to Lake St. Croix upon the La Crosse company, and bestowing the same upon the 
company chartered by this act. This road is known as the West Wisconsin railroad. 

An act of congress was approved May 5, 1S64, granting lands to aid in the construction of 
certain roads in the state. This was a re-enactment of the law of 1856, and divided the grant 
in three sections, one of which was for a road from a point on the St. Croix river or lake, between 



230 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

townships twenty-five and thirty-one, to the west end of Lake Superior, and from some point on 
the line of said road, to be selected by the state, to Bayfield — every alternate section designated 
by odd numbers, for ten sections in width on each side of said road, with an indemnity extending 
twenty miles on each side, was granted, under certain regulations ; another, for aiding in building 
a road from Tomah to the St. Croix river, between townships twenty-five and thirty-one — every 
alternate section by odd numbers, for ten sections in width on each side of the road ; another 
for aiding and constructing a railroad from Portage City, Berlin, Doty's Island, or Fond du- Lac, 
as the legislature may determine, in a northwestern direction, to Bayfield, on Lake Superior, and 
a grant of every alternate section designated by odd numbers, for ten sections in width on each 
side of said road, was donated. 

The legislature of 1S65 failed to agree upon a disposition of the grant. The succeeding 
legislature conferred the grant partly upon the "Winnebago & Lake Superior Railroad Company," 
and partly upon the " Portage & Superior Railroad Company," the former April 6, 1S66, and the 
latter April 9, 1866. The two companies were consolidated, under the name of the "Portage, 
Winnebago & Superior Railroad," by act of the legislature, March 6, 1S69, and by act of legis- 
lature approved February 4, 187 1, the name was changed to the "Wisconsin Central Railroad." 



HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. 

By JOSEPH HOBBINS, M.D. 

An article on state health, necessarily embracing the etiology, or causes of disease, involves 
the discussion of the geographical position of the state; its area, physical features; its elevations, 
depressions ; water supply; drainage; its mean level above the sea; its geology; climatology; 
the nationality of its people ; their occupations, habits, food, education ; and, indeed, of all the 
physical, moral and mental influences which affect the public health. 

Geographical Position. 

The geographical position of Wisconsin, considered in relation to health, conveys an imme- 
diate and favorable impression, which is at once confirme I by a reference to the statistic.! ..tlas 
of the United States. On its north it is bounded by Lake Superior, Minnesota, and the northern 
peninsula of Michigan; on the south by Illinois; on the east by Lake Michigan, and on the 
wesl by the Mississippi. It lies between 42° 30' and 46 55' N. latitude, and between S7 and 
92° 50' W. long.; is 285 miles long from north to south, and 255 in breadth from east to west. 
giving it an area of some 53,924 square miles, or 34,511,360 acres. Its natural surface divisions, 
or proportions, are 16 per cent, of prairie, 50 of timber, 19 of openings, 15 of marsh, mineral 
undefined. North of 45 the surface is nearly covered with vast forests of pine. The proportion 
of the state cultivated is nearly one-sixth. 

Physical Features. 

Among these, its lacustrine character is most conspicuous, so much so that it may not inaptly 
be called the state of a thousand lakes, its smaller ones being almost universal and innumerable. 



HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. 231 

It has an almost artificially perfect arrangement of its larger rivers, both for supply and drainage, 
is rolling in its surface, having several dividing ridges or water sheds, and varies from 600 to 1,600 
feet above the level of the sea, Blue Mounds being 1,729 feet above sea level. Its pine and 
thickly wooded lands are being rapidly denuded, and to some extent converted to agricultural 
purposes; its marshes in the north are being reclaimed for cranberry cultivation, and in the more 
thickly settled parts of the state for hay purposes. The surface of the state is beautifully diver- 
sified with stream, waterfall and rapids ; richly wooded bluffs several hundred feet in height, 
assuming the most romantic and pleasing forms, and composed of sandstone, magnesian 
limestone, granite, trap, etc. The health and summer resorts of Wisconsin are illustrative of its 
beauty, and its numerous mineral springs have long since formed an important feature of its 
character for salubrity. 

Geology. 

The geology of Wisconsin does not require from us but a very general notice, as it is only 
from its relation to disease that we have to consider it. This relation is in a measure apparent 
in the fact that everywhere the topographical features are governed by the strata below them. 
The relationship will be seen still further in the chemical or sanitary influence of the geological 
structures. Through the greater part of the south half of the state limestone is found, the cliff 
prevailing in the mineral region, and the blue in the other parts; while in the north part of the 
state the primitive rocks, granite, slate, and sandstone prevail. South of the Wisconsin river 
sandstone in layers of limestone, forming the most picturesque bluffs, abounds. While west of 
Lake Michigan extends up to these rocks the limestone formation, being rich in timber or prairie 
land. Sandstone is found underneath the blue limestone. The general dip of the stratified 
rocks of the state is toward the south, about S feet 10 the mile. 

Medical geology treats of geology so far only as it affects health. Thus, some diluvial soils 
and sands are known to be productive of malarial fevers; others, of a clayey character, retaining 
water, are productive of cold damp, and give rise to pulmonary and inflammatory diseases ; 
while others still, being very porous, are promotive of a dry and equable atmosphere. In 
the Potsdam rocks arise our purest waters and best supply, while our magnesian limestone rocks 
(a good quality of this kind of rock being composed of nearly equal parts of carbonate of lime 
and carbonate of magnesia) affect the water to the extent of producing simple diarrhoea in those 
unaccustomed to drinking it, as is observed in southern visitors, and was especially noticeable 
in the rebel prisoners at Camp Randall, though singularly enough do not seem to produce 
stone and gravel, as is alleged of the same kind of water in the north of England. Why this is 
so — if so — is a question of some interest. Goitre and cretinism are both attributed to the use 
of the same magnesian limestone water. Goitre is by no means an uncommon affection here, 
but not common enough, perhaps, to warrant us in thinking its special cause is in the water. 
Boiling the water is a preventive of all injurious effects. There is still another objection — partic- 
ularly applicable to cities — to this kind of water, the carbonates of lime and magnesia which 
it contains, not simply making it hard, but giving it the power to promote the decomposition of 
organic matters, and thus where the soil is sandy or porous, endangering the purity of our well- 
water. Geology in general affects all our soils and their products; all our drainage; even our 
architecture, the material with which we build. Our building stone for half of the state is a 
magnesian limestone, a rather soft or poor quality of which will absorb one-third of its bulk of 
water, or two and a half gallons to the cubic foot, while most kinds of sandstone are nearly as 
porous as loose sand, and in some of them the penetrability for air and water is the same. (A 
single brick of poor quality will absorb a pint of water). Such materials used in the construction 



232 HISTORY or WISCONSIN. 

of our dwellings, without precautionary measures, give rise to rheumatism, other grave diseases, 
and loss of strength. Besides, this character of stone absorbs readily all kinds of liquid and 
gaseous impurities, and though hardening in dry air, decays soon when exposed to underground 
moisture. The material of which our roads are made, as well as the kind of fuel we use in our 
homes, have the same unquestionable relationship to geology and disease. 

Drainage. 

The natural drainage of the state, bearing in mind that the mean elevation of its hydro- 
graphical axis is about 1,000 feet above the sea level, is as excellent as it is obvious. (A line 
Tunning from Lake Michigan across the state to the Mississippi, shows an elevation - of about 500 
feet). North its drainage is by a few rapid but insignificant streams into Lake Superior, while 
east it increases greatly and enters Lake Michigan by way of Green bay. The principal part of 
the supply and drainage, however, is from the extreme north to the southwest through the center 
of the state, by five large rivers, which empty themselves into the Mississippi at almost equal 
distances from each other. 

Climatology. » 

The climatology of Wisconsin will be exhibited in the observations taken at different times, 
for longer or shorter periods, and at different points of the state. But it must be borne in mind 
that climate depends quite as much and very frequently more upon the physical surroundings, 
upon the presence of large bodies of water, like our lakes, upon large forests, like our pineries, 
like our heavy hard-woods, and of land elevations and depressions, upon isothermal lines, etc., as 
it does upon latitude. Our historic period is of a character too brief for us to assume to speak 
of our climate, or of all the changing causes which influence it — in a positive manner, our 
horticultural writers, to make the difficulty still greater, affirming that it has several climates -cit/iii: 
■itself; still, sufficient data have been gathered from sufficiently reliable sources to enable us to 
form a tolerably accurate idea of the subject. 

The great modifiers of our climate are our lakes. These, bounding as they do, the one, 
Lake Superior (600 feet above the level of the sea, 420 miles long and 160 broad), on the north 
side of the state, and the other, Lake Michigan (578 feet above the sea level, 320 miles long and 
84 broad), on the east side of the state, serve to govern the range of the thermometer and the 
mean temperature of the seasons, as much as they are governed in New England by the ocean. 
Our climate is consequently very much like that of the New England sea-board. They both 
-exhibit the same extremes and great extremes, have the same broadly marked continental features 
.at some seasons, and decided tropical features at others. It is of special interest in this con- 
nection to know that the climate between the eastern coast and the lakes increases in rigor as 
■one advances west until the lakes are reached, and again becomes still more rigorous as one 
advances into the interior west of the lakes, thus affording proof, if proof were wanting, of the 
modifying and agreeable influences of large bodies of water 

During the winter the mean temperature of the east on the New England coast is 8.38 
higher than the we"st (beyond the lakes) ; during the spring 3.53 lower ; during the summer 6.99 
lower; and during the autumn 1.54 higher. In the mean temperature for the year there is but a 
fractional difference. That the winters are less rigorous and the summers more temperate on 
the Great Lakes is demonstrated to be owing not to elevation, but, as on the ocean, to the equal- 
izing agency of an expanse of water. 

On the lakes the annual ratio of fair day-^ i-- 11;, and on the New England coast 215 ; the 



HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. 233 

cloudy days are as 127 to 73; the rainy as 65 to 46 , and the snowy as 45 to 29 In the former 
the prevailing weather is cloudy, and in the latter it is fair. The immense forests on the upper 
lake shores of course exercise a considerable influence in the modification of our temperature, as 
well as in the adding to our rain-fall and cloudy days. A climate of this character, with its 
attendant rains, gives us that with which we are so abundantly supplied, great variety of food, 
both for man and beast, the choicest kinds of fruits and vegetables in the greatest profusion, and 
of the best quality, streams alive with fish, woods and prairies with game, the noblest trees, the 
most exquisite flowers, and the best breeds of domestic animals the world can boast of. 

The semi-tropical character of our summer, and its resemblance to that of New England, is 
shown by the mean temperature — 70 — for three months at Salem, Massachusetts, at Albany, 
New York, at southern Wisconsin, Fort Snelling and Fort Benton on the Upper Missouri, being 
the same ; while at Baltimore, Cincinnati and St. Louis, it is 75 , and around the gulf of Mexico 
it is 8o°. Another feature of our climate is worthy the notice of invalids and of those who make 
the thermometer their guide for oomfo t It is a well-ascertained fact that during the colder 
seasons the lake country is not only relatively, but positively, warmer than places far south of it. 
The thermometer, during the severe cold of January, 1S56, did not fall so low at the coldest, by 
io Q to 15° at Lake Superior as at Chicago at the same time. This remark holds true of the 
changes of all periods of duration, even if continued over a month. The mean temperature at 
Fort Howard, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 600 feet above the level of the Atlantic, latitude 44 40', 
longitude 87 , observations for nine years, is 44.93 ; and at Fort Crawford, Prairie du Chien, 
Wisconsin, 580 feet above the level of the Atlantic, latitude 43° 3', longitude 90° 53', observa- 
tions for four years, is 45.65, giving a just idea of our mean temperature for the state. Under 
the head of distribution of heat in winter, it is found that the maximum winter range at Fort 
Winnebago, Wisconsin, for sixteen years, is 9.4. 

Hvetal or Rain Character. 

Wisconsin is situated within what is termed the area of constant pi-ecipitation, neither affected 
by a rainy season, nor by a partial dry season. The annual quantity of rain on an average for 
three years at Fort Crawford, was 29.54 inches, and at Fort Howard the mean annual on an 
average of four years, was 38.83 inches. The annual quantity of rain, on an average of three 
years was 31.8S inches at Fort Winnebago, situate (opposite the portage between the Fox and 
Wisconsin rivers) 80 miles west of Lake Michigan and 112 miles southwest of Green Bay. The 
rain-fall is less in the lake district than in the valley of the Mississippi in the same latitudes. 
One of the peculiarities of our winters is the almost periodical rain-fall of a few days in the 
middle of the winter (usually in the middle of January), which extends to the Atlantic coast, 
while north and northwest of us the dry cold continues without a break, winter being uniform and 
severe, characterized by aridity and steady low temperature. Another peculiarity of our climate 
is, the number of snowy and rainy days is increased disproportionately to the actual quantity — 
the large bodies of water on the boundaries of the state, contrary to the popular opinion, reduc- 
ing the annual quantity of rain in their immediate vicinity instead of adding to it, the heavier 
precipitation being carried further away. One of the most pleasing features of our climate is its 
frequent succession of showers in summer, tempering as it does our semi-tropical heat, increasing 
the fertility of the soil, and carpeting our prairies with a green as grateful to the eye as that of 
England. 

The hygrometric condition of Wisconsin may be judged of with proximate accuracy by that 
given of Poultney, Iowa : 



234 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN 



^ , Temperature 
of Air. 


Temperature 
uf Evaporat'n 


Humidity, 
per cent. 


y. Temperature Temperature 
of Air. of Evaporat'n 


Humidity, 
per cent. 


IOth 

II ...... 

12 

13 

14 


92° 
87 
92 
96 

93 


78° 

75 
77 
81 
78 


51 
55 
4S 
50 
44 


19th 

20... 

21 

29 

3° 


'.4 
97 
96 
St 
84 


8i° 

81 

So 

72 
7i 


55 
48 
47 
63 
50 



The average depth of snow for three years, at Beloit, Wisconsin, was twenty-five inches, 
while at Oxford county, Maine, the average for twelve years was ninety inches. The isohyetal 
lines of the mean precipitation of rain and melted snow, for the year 1872, show that of Wiscon- 
sin to be thirty-two. 

Isotherms. 

The mean temperature of spring is represented by the isotherm of 45 F. which enters Wis- 
consin from the west about forty miles south of Hudson, passing in a nearly southeast direction, 
and crosses the south line of the state near the west line of Walworth count). It then passes nearly 
around the head of Lake Michigan, then northeast until it reaches the latitude of Milwaukee, 
whence it passes in a somewhat irregular course east through Ontario, Xew York, and Massa- 
chusetts, entering the ocean in the vicinity of Boston. The summer mean isotherm of 70° F. 
enters Wisconsin from the west but little farther north than the spring isotherm, and passes 
through the state nearly parallel with the course of that line, crossing the southern boundary 
near the east line of Walworth county; passing through Chicago it goes in a direction a little 
south of east, and enters the Atlantic at New Haven. The mean isotherm of 47 F. for autumn, 
enters the state about twenty miles north of Prairie du Chien, passing in a direction a little north 
of east through Portage, and enters Lake Michigan near Manitowoc. The isotherm of 20 F. 
representing the mean temperature of winter, enters the state near Prairie du Chien, passes east 
and north and enters Lake Michigan at Sturgeon bay. The annual mean temperature is repre- 
sented by the isotherm of 45 F. which enters the state near Prairie du Chien, passes across the 
state in a direction a little south of east, and enters Lake Michigan a little south of Milwaukee. 

What influence these isotherms have upon our belts of disease there are no data to show. 
But from their influence upon vegetable life, one can not but infer a similar good influence on 
the animal economy. This is a question for the future. 

Bari IMETRK al. 

Yearly mean of barometer at 32 F. as observed at the University of Wisconsin, altitude 
1,088 feet above the sea: 



1869 28.932 inches. 

1870 28.867 " 

1871 28.986 " 

1872 28.898 



1873 28.892 inches, 

1874 28.867 " 

1875 28.750 " 

1876 28.920 " 



Atmospheric pressure, as indicated by the barometer, is an important element in the causation 
of disease, far more so than is generally thought. The barometer indicates not only the coming 
of the storm, but that state of the atmosphere which gives rise to health at one time, and to 
disease at another. When the barometer is high, both the body and mind have a feeling of 
elasticity, of vigor and activity, and when the barometer ranges low, the feelings of both are just 
the reverse ; and both of these states, commonly attributed to temperature, are mostly the result 
of change in the barometric pressure. Many inflammations, as of the lungs, etc., commonly 



HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. 235 

attributed to change in the temperature, have their origin in barometrical vicissitudes. 

Winds. 

Generally speaking, the atmospheric movement is from the west. It is of little purpose 
what the surface wind may be, as this does not affect the fact of the constancy of the westerly 
winds in the middle latitudes. The showers and cumulus clouds of the summer always have this 
movement. The belt of westerly winds is the belt of constant and equally distributed rains, the 
feature of our winds upon which so much of our health and comfort depends. 

Olimatological Changes from Settling the State. 

There are many theories afloat concerning the effects of reclaiming the soil and the destruc- 
tion of its forests. To us, a new people and a new state, the question is one of great moment, 
the more so that it is still in our power not only to watch the effects of such changes, but still 
more so to control them in a measure for our good. As to the effects upon animal and vegetable 
life, it would appear that so far as relates to the clearing away of forests, the whole change of 
conditions is limited to the surface, and dependent for the most part on the retention and slow 
evaporation in the forest, in contrast with the rapid drainage and evaporation in the open space. 
The springs, diminishing in number and volume in our more settled parts of the state, do not 
indicate a lessening rain-fall. It is a well ascertained fact that in other places so denuded, which 
have been allowed to cover themselves again with forests, the springs reappear, and the streams 
are as full as before such denudation. With us, happily, while the destruction of forests is going 
on in various parts of the state, their second growth is also going on, both in the pineries, where 
new varieties of hard-wood take the place of the pine, and in the more cultivated parts of the 
state, cultivation forbidding, as it does, the practice so much in vogue some years ago, of running 
fires through the undergrowth. Thus, though the renewal of forests may not be keeping pace 
with their destruction, it would seem clear that as time advances, the springs and streams in the 
more cultivated sections of the state will fill and flow again, increasing in proportion as the second 
growth increases and expands. 

The change, however, from denudation, though strictly limited to the surface, affects the 
surface in other ways than simply in the retention and evaporation of rain. When the winter 
winds are blowing, the want of the sheltering protection of belts of trees is bitterly felt, both by 
man and beast. And so, too, in the almost tropical heats of the summer ; both languish and suffer 
from the want of shade. Nor is the effect of denudation less sensibly felt by vegetable life. The 
growing of our more delicate fruits, like the peach, the plum, the pear, the better varieties of the 
cherry and gooseberry, with the beautiful half-hardy flowering shrubs, all of which flourished sc? 
well in a number of our older counties some twenty years ago, areas a rule no longer to be found 
in those localities, having died out, as is believed, from exposure to the cold winds, to the south 
west winds in particular, and for want of the protecting influence of the woods. In fruits, how 
ever, we have this compensation, that, while the more tender varieties have been disappearing, 
the hardier and equally good varieties, especially of apples, have been increasing, while the 
grape (than which nothing speaks better for climatology), of which we grow some 150 varieties, 
the strawberry, the raspberry, blackberry and currant, etc., hold their ground. Nor are the cattle 
suffering as much as formerly, or as much as is perhaps popularly believed, from this want of 
forests or tree shelter. With the better breeds which our farmers have been able of late years to 
purchase, with better blood and better food, and better care, our stock instead of dwindling in 
condition, or in number, from the effect of cold, has progressed in quality and quantity, and 
competes with the best in the Chicago and the New York markets. 



236 History OP WISCONSIN. 

There can, however, be no doubt that the planting of groves and belts of trees in exposed 
localities, would be serviceable in many ways; in tempering the air and imparting to it an 
agreeable moisture in the summer ; in modifying the severity of the cold in winter ; in moderating 
the extreme changes to which our climate is subject; and thus in a measure preventing those 
discomforts and diseases which occur from sudden changes of temperature. Besides, these 
plantings, when made between our homes or villages and malarial marshes southwest of us, serve 
(by the aid of our prevailing southwest winds) to break up, to send over and above and beyond 
us the malarial substratum of air to which we are otherwise injuriously exposed. 

The effects of reclaiming the soil, or "breaking " as it is called in the west, have, years ago, 
when the state first began to be settled, been disastrous to health and to life. The moist sod 
being turned over in hot weather, and left to undergo through the summer a putrifying fomen- 
t.nive process, gave rise to the worst kind of malarial, typhoid (bilious) and dysenteric disease. 
Not, however, that the virulence or mortality altogether depended upon the soil emanations. 
These were undoubtedly aggravated by the absolute poverty of tl>e early settlers, who" were 
wanting in everything, in proper homes, proper food and proper medical attendance, medicines 
and nursing. These fevers have swept the state years ago, particularly in the autumns of 1844 
and 1S45, but are now only observed from time to time in limited localities, following in the 
autumn the summer's "breaking." But it is pleasing to be able to add that through the advancing 
prosperity of the state, the greater abundance of the necessaries and comforts of life, and the 
facilities for obtaining medical care, the diseases incident to " settling " are much less common 
and much less fatal than formerly. 

Relations of Climatology to Sanitary Status. 

One of the principal reasons for gathering climatological observations, is to obtain sanitary 
information, which serves to show us where man may live with the greatest safety to his health. 
Every country, we might perhaps correctly say every state, has, if not its peculiar diseases, at 
least its peculiar type of diseases. And by nothing is either this type or variety of disease so 
much influenced as by climate. Hence the great importance of the study of climatology to 
health and disease, nay, even to the kind of medicine and to the regulating of the dose to be 
given. It is, however, best to caution the reader that these meteorological observations are not 
always made at points where they would most accurately show the salubrity of a geographical 
district, by reason of the fact that the positions were chosen not for this special purpose, but 
for purely military purposes. We allude to the forts of Wisconsin, from which our statistics for 
the most part come. Another caution it is also well to bear in mind in looking over the class of 
diseases reported at these stations in connection with their observations. The diseases are those 
of the military of the period, a class from which no very favorable health reports could be 
expected, considering their habits, exposure, and the influences incidental to frontier life. 

The geography of disease and climate is of special interest to the public, and a knowledge 
especially necessary to the state authorities, as it is only by such a knowledge that state legis- 
lation can possibly restrain or root out the endemic diseases of the state. In connection with 
the gathering of vital statistics must go the collection of meteorological and topographical 
statistics, as without these two latter the former is comparatively useless for sanitary purposes. 
More particularly does this apply to the malarial diseases of the state. 

Acclimation is very rarely discussed or even alluded to by our people in relation to Wisconsin, 
for the reason that, come from whatever part of Europe men may, or from the eastern states, 
acclimation is acquired for the most part unconsciously, rarely attended by any malarial affection, 
unless by exposure in such low, moist localities, where even the natives of the state could not 



HEALTH OF WISCONSIN". 237 

live with impunity. It seems to be well enough established that where malaria exists, whether 
in London, New York, or Wisconsin ; where the causes of malarial disease are permanent, the 
effects are permanent, and that there is no positive acclimation to malaria. Hence it should 
follow that since life and malaria are irreconcilable, we should root out the enemy, as we readily 
can by drainage and cultivation, or, where drainage is impossible, by the planting of those shrubs 
or trees which are found to thrive best, and thereby prove the best evaporators in such localities. 
Our climate, approximating as it does the 45th degree (being equi-distant from the equator and 
pole), would a priori he a common ground of compromise and safety, and from this geographical 
position is not liable to objections existing either north or south of us. 

Influenck of Nationai.itiis. 

Our population is of such a confessedly heterogeneous character that naturally enough it 
suggests the question : Has this intermingling of different nationalities sensibly affected our 
health conditions ? Certainly not, so far as intermarriages between the nations of the Caucasian 
race are concerned. This opinion is given first upon the fact that our classes of diseases have 
neither changed nor increased in their intensity by reason of such admixture, so far as can be 
learned by the statistics or the history of disease in the northwest. Imported cases of disease are 
of course excepted. Second, because all that we can gather from statistics and history concern- 
ing such intermingling of blood goes to prove that it is beneficial in every respect, physically, 
mentally and morally. 

England, of all nations, is said to be the best illustration of the good attending an 
intermingling of the blood of different' nations, for the reason that the English character is 
supposed to be, comparatively speaking, good, and that of all countries she has been perhaps 
more frequently invaded, and to a greater or less part settled by foreign peoples than any other. 

From a residence of nearly a quarter of a century in the center of Wisconsin, and from an 
adequate knowledge of its people, whose nationalities are so various and whose intermarriages 
are so common, it is at least presumable that we should have heard of or noted any peculiar or 
injurious results, had any such occurred. None such, however, have been observed. Some fears 
have been expressed concerning the influence of Celtic blood upon the American temperament, 
already too nervous, as is alleged. It is scarcely necessary to say that these fears are unsupported 
by figures or facts. Reasoning from analogy, it would seem safe to affirm chat the general inter- 
mingling by intermarriage now going on in our population, confined to the Caucasian nationali- 
ties, will tend to preserve the good old Anglo-Saxon character, rather than to create any new char- 
acter for our people. If this view needed support or confirmation, it is to be found in some Yery 
interesting truths in relation to it. Mr. Edwin Seguin, in his work on Idiocy, lays special stress 
on the influences of races in regard to idiocy and other infirmities, like deafness. He says that 
the crossing of races, which contributed to the elimination of some vices of the blood (as may be 
the case in the United States, where there are proportionally less deaf and dumb than in Europe), 
produces a favorable effect on the health of the population, and cites as an example, Belgium, which 
has fewer deaf and dumb than any country in Europe, owing to the influence of the crossing of 
races in past ages from the crowds of northern tribes passing, mingling and partly settling there 
on the way to England. 

We are aware that it has been predicted that our future will give us a new /ype, distinct from 
all other peoples, and that with this type must come not only new diseases but modifications or 
aggravations of the present diseases, in particular, consumption and insanity. But so long 
as we are in a formative state as a nation, and that this state seems likely to continue so long as 
the country has lands to be occupied and there are people in Europe to occupy them, such spec- 
ulations can be but of little value. 



238 history OF WISCONSIN. 

Occupations, Food, Education, etc., as affecting Public Health. 

The two chief factors of the social and sanitary well-being of a people are a proper educa- 
tion of the man and a proper cultivation of the soil. Our two principal occupations in Wisconsin 
are education and agriculture, the learners in the schools being in excess of the laborers on the 
soil. A happier combination could scarcely be desired, to form an intelligent and a healthy 
people. How this will affect our habits in the future it is easy to conceive, but for the present it 
may be said (of so many different nationalities are we composed), that we have no habits which 
serve to distinguish us from the people of other northwestern states. A well-fed and a well-taught 
people, no matter how mixed its origin, must sooner or later become homogeneous and a maker 
of customs. In the mean time we can only speak of our habits as those of a people in general 
having an abundance of food, though it is to be wished the workers ate more beef and mutton, 
and less salt-pork, and that whisky was less plentiful in the land. The clothing is sufficient, 
fuel is cheap, and the dwellings comfortable. Upon the whole, the habits of the people are 
conducive to health. It is thought unnecessary to refer to the influence upon health in general 
of other occupations, for the reason that manufacturers, traders and transporters are for the most 
part localized, and perhaps not sufficiently numerous to exercise any marked influence on the 
state health. 

History of Disease. 

In searching for historical data of disease in Wisconsin, we are able to go back to tne year 
1766, commencing with the aborigines. The Indians, says Carver, in his chapter on their diseases, 
in general are healthy and subject to few diseases. Consumption from fatigue and exposure he 
notices, but adds that the disorder to which they are most subject is pleurisy. They are like- 
wise afflicted with dropsy and paralytic complaints. It is to be presumed that while Carver is 
speaking generally, he means his remarks to apply, perhaps, more particularly to those Indians 
with whom he lived so long, the Sioux of this state. That they were subject to fevers is gathered 
from the use of their remedies for fever, the " fever bush " being an ancient Indian remedy, and 
equally valued by the inhabitants of the interior parts of the colonies. Besides this, they had 
their remedies for complaints of the bowels, and for all inflammatory complaints. These notices 
sufficiently indicate the class of diseases which have certainly followed in the wake of the Indi- 
ans, and are still occurring to his white brother, making it plain enough that lung diseases, bowel 
complaints, and fevers are in fact native to the state. The fact must not be ignored that the 
Indian is subject to the same diseases as the human race in general. 

After Carver, we may quote Major Long's expedition in 1824. The principal disease of the 
Sacs appears to be a mortification of the intestinal canal, more common among men than women, 
the disease proving fatal in four days if not relieved. It is unaccompanied with pain, and is neither 
hernia, dysentery, nor hemorrhoids. Intermittents were prevalent, and the small-pox visited 
them at different periods. As the Chippewas have a common Algonquin origin with the Sacs, 
and as their home and customs were the same, it may be expected that their diseases were simi- 
lar. The principal disease to which the Chippewas are liable is consumption of the lungs, 
generally affecting them between the ages of 30 and 40 ; they linger along for a year or two, but 
always fall victims to it. Many of them die of a bowel complaint which prevails every year. 
This disease does not partake, however, of the nature of dysentery. They are frequently affected 
with sore eyes. Blindness is not common. Many of them become deaf at an early age. 

Referring to the report of the commissioner of Indian affairs for 1854, we find that the 
decrease in the number of the Menomonees is accounted for by the ravages of small-pox, in 1838, 



HEALTH OF WISCONSIN". 



239 



■of the cholera, in 1847 (which latter was superinduced by misery and starvation), and by the 
fever, which from time to time, commonly in the winter, has been raging among them, being 
clearly the consequence of want of provisions and other necessaries. The report for 1850 says, 
there has been considerable sickness among the Winnebagoes for several months past ; dysentery 
has been the prevalent disease, confined mostly to children. For 1857 : the Winnebagoes have 
suffered considerably from chronic diseases, scrofula and consumption. For 1859: the chief 
malady among the Winnebagoes is phthisis pulmonalis and its analogous diseases, having its 
source in hereditary origin. Some of the malignant diseases are occasionally met with among 
them, and intermittent and remittent fevers. In 1863 : of the Menomonees, there is a large 
mortality list of the tribes under my charge. Measles and some of the more common eruptive 
diseases are the causes. But the most common and most fatal disease which affects the Indians 
at this agency is pneumonia, generally of an acute character. There is but little tubercular 
disease to be found in any of these tribes, Menomonees, Stockbridges, Oneidas, etc. In the 
report for 1865, one cannot but notice with some regret the absence of all allusion, except to 
small-pox, to the diseases of the Indians. Regret, because reliable information of such diseases 
serves a variety of valuable purposes, for comparison, confirmation, etc., of those of the white 
population. For these reasons, if for none other, it is to be hoped that the attention of the 
proper authorities will be called to this feature of such reports. 

The first reliable report on the diseases of the people (as distinguished from the Indians) of 
Wisconsin to which we have had access, is Lawson's Army Report of Registered Diseases, for to 
years, commencing 1829, and ending 1838 (ten years before the admission of Wisconsin into the 
Union as a state). 



FORT HOWARD, CREEN BAY. 



This abstract exhibits the second quar- 
ters only, the mean strength being 
1,702. 

All other diseases 114, excepting vene- 
real diseases, abcesses, wounds, ul- 
cers, injuries, and ebriety cases. 



Intermittent fever 30 

Remittent do 11 

Synochal do _ 4 

Typhus do — ■ 

Diseases of respiratory organs 101 

Diseases of digestive organs 1S4 

Diseases of brain and nervous system g 

Dropsies 1 

Rheumatic affections 61 

Under the class of diseases of the respiratory organs, are comprised 384 catarrh, 6 pneu- 
monia, 60 pleuritis, and 28 phthisis pulmonalis; under the class of digestive organs, 376 diar- 
rhoea and dysentery, 184 colic and cholera, and 10 hepatitis; under the class of diseases of 
the brain and nervous system, 15 epilepsy, etc. The deaths from all causes, according to the 
post returns, are 25, being i 1 ^ per cent, per annum. The annual rate of intermittent cases is 6, 
and that of remittent is 3, per 100 of mean strength. 

Table of Ratio ok Sickness at Fort Howard. 



Seasons. 


MEAN STRENGTH. 


NUMBER 
TREATED. 


RATE PER I.OOO OF 

MEAN STRENGTH 

TREATED QUARTERLY. 


10 first quarters 


1.704 
1,702 
1,526 

1.594 


715 
726 

I.073 
636 


405 

425 




703 


10 fourth 


399 




Annual rate.- .. -. 


1.647 


3.I50 


1.913 



240 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



Every man has consequently, on an average, been reported sick about once in every six 
months, showing this region to be extraordinarily salubrious. The annual ratio of mortality,, 
according to the medical reports, is -fa per cent.; and of the adjutant-general's returns, i^ 
per cent. 



FORT WINNEBAGO. 



Intermittent fever 21 

Remittent fever. 10 

Synochal fever 1 

Typhus fever — 

Diseases of the respiratory organs. 141 

Diseases of digestive organs 90 

Diseases of brain and nervous system. . 2 
Rheumatic affections 26 



This abstract exhibits the fourth quarters 
only, the mean strength being 1,571. 

All other diseases, 80, with the exceptions as 
above. 



Under the class of diseases of the respiratory organs are con>prised 448 catarrh, 1 1 pneu- 
monia, 29 pleuritis and 10 phthisis pulmonalis; under the head of digestive organs, 193 diarrhoea 
and dysentery, 149 colic and cholera, and 17 hepatitis; under the class of brain and nervous 
system, 1 epilepsy. The total number of deaths, according to the post returns, is 20. Of these, 
3 are from phthisis pulmonalis, 1 pleuritis, 2 chronic hepatitis, 1 gastric enteritis, 1 splenitis, etc. 



TABLE OF RATIO OF SICKNESS AT FORT WINNEBAGO. 



Seasons. MEAN strength. 


NUMBER 
TREATED. 


RATE TER I. OOO OF 

MEAN STRENGTH 

TREATED QUARTERLY. 




1.535 
1.505 
1.527 
1.571 


552 
517 
581 

495 


360 

343 
38O 

315 




10 third " 


10 fourth " 






1.534 


2,145 


1.393 





Every man on an average is consequently reported sick once in eight months and a half. 



FORT CRAWFORD. 



Intermittent fever 262 

Remittent fever 61 

Synochal fever - 

Typhus fever — 

Diseases of respiratory organs 177 

Diseases of digestive organs 722 

Diseases of brain and nervous system 16 

Rheumatic affections 58 



This abstract exhibits the third quarters 
only, the mean strength being 1,885. 

All other diseases, 309, with the same list of 
exceptions as above. 



Under the class of diseases of the respiratory organs are included 1,048 of catarrh, 28 pneu- 
monia, 75 pleuritis and 13 phthisis pulmonalis; under the head of digestive organs, 933 diarrhoea 
and dysentery, and 195 colic and cholera; under the head of brain and nervous diseases, 7 
epilepsy, etc. The total of deaths, according to the post returns, is 94, the annual ratio being 
2yV per cent. The causes of death are: 6 phthisis pulmonalis, 6 epidemic cholera, 1 common 
cholera, 4 remittent fever, 3 dysentery, etc. In the third quarter of 1830 there were 154 cases of 
fever, while the same quarter of 1836, with a greater strength, affords hut one case, the difference 
seeming to depend upon the temperature. 



HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. 



241 



The relative agency of the seasons in the production of disease in general is shown in the 
annexed table : 

TABLE EXHIBITING THE RATIO OF SICKNESS. 



Seasons. 


MEAN STRENGTH. 


NUMBER 
TREATED. 


RATIO PER I.OOO OF 

MEAN STRENGTH 

TREATED QUARTERLY. 




1,660 

1.749 

1.885 
1,878 


9S7 
1,267 
L94S 
I.27O 


^95 




724 


io third " 


1.033 
676 








1,793 


5.472 


3.°5 2 







Consequently every man on an average has been reported sick once in nearly every four 
months. But high as this ratio of sickness is, at this fort, and, indeed, at the others, it is low 
considering the topographical surroundings of the posts. But besides these injurious topograph- 
ical and other influences already alluded to, there were still other elements of mischief among 
the men at these stations, such as " bad bread and bad whisky," and salt meat, a dietary table 
giving rise, if not to " land-scurvy," as was the case at the posts lower down in the Mississippi 
valley (more fatal than either small-pox or cholera), at least to us concomitant diseases. 

The reason for using these early data of the United States Army medical reports in pref- 
erence to later ones is, that even though the later ones may be somewhat more correct in certain 
particulars, the former serve to establish, as it were, a connecting link (though a long one) between 
the historical sketch of the diseases of the Indian and those of the white settler; and again — 
these posts being no longer occupied — no further data are obtainable. 

To continue this historical account of the diseases of Wisconsin, we must now nave recourse 
to the state institutions. 

The Institution for the Education of the Blind. 

The first charitable institution established by the state was formally opened in 1850, at 
Janesville. The census of 1875 showed that there were 493 blind persons in the state, those 
of school age — that is — under 20 years of age, probably amounting to 125. The number of 
pupils in the institution that year, 82 ; the average for the past ten years being 68. If the health 
report of the institution is any indication of the salubrity of its location, then, indeed, is Janes- 
ville in this respect an enviable city. Its report for 1876 gives one death from consumption, and 
a number of cases of whooping-cough, all recovered. In 1875, ten cases of mild scarlet fever, 
recovered. One severe And two mild cases of typhoid fever, recovered. For 1S73, no sick list. 
For 1872, the mumps went through the school. For 1S7 1, health of the school reasonably good ; 
few cases of severe illness have occurred. 

The Institute for the Deaf and Dumb. 

This was organized in June, 1852, at Delavan. The whole number of deaf and dumb per- 
sons in the state, as shown by the census of 1875, was 720. The report for 1866 gives the 
number of pupils as 156. 

Little sickness, a few cases of sore throat, and slight bowel affections comprise nearly all the 
ailments; and the physician's report adds: "The sanitary reports of the institution from its 
earliest history to the present date has been a guarantee of the healthiness of the location. 
Having gone carefully over the most reliable tabulated statements of deaf-mutism, its parent- 



242 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

age, its home, its causes, and its origin, we would most earnestly call the attention of the public 
to the fact that the chief cause comes under the head of congenital, 75 of the 150 pupils in this 
institution having this origin. Such a fearful proportion as this must of necessity have its origin 
in a cause or causes proportionately fearful. Nor, fortunately, is the causation a mystery, since 
most careful examination leaves not a shadow of doubt that consanguineous marriages are the 
sources of this great evil. Without occupying further space by illustrative tables and arguments, 
•we would simply direct the attention of our legislators and thoughtful men to the ia?i> of this dis- 
ease — which is, that the number of deaf and dumb, imbeciles, and idiots is in direct keeping with the 
degree of consanguinity. With such a law and exhibit before us, would not a legislative inquiry 
into the subject, with the view of adopting preventive means, be a wise step? The evil is fear- 
ful ; the cause is plain ; so, too, is the remedy." 

Industrial School for Boys. 

This institution is situated on the banks of the Fox river, at Waukesha, and was organized 
in i860. The whole number of the inmates since it was opened in July, i860, to October 10, 
1876, was 1,291. The whole number of inmates for 1876 was 415. Of these, since the period 
of opening up to date, October, 1876,25 have died : 8, of typhoid fever ; 1, of typhoid erysipelas ; 
1, of gastric fever; 3, of brain fever; 1, nervous fever; 2, congestion of the lungs; 2, congestive 
chills; 5, of consumption; 1 of dropsy ; and 1 of inflammatory rheumatism. 

The State Prison. 

This was located at Waupun in July, 1857. On September 30, 1876, there were 266 inmates. 
But one death from natural causes occurred during the year. The health of the prisoners has 
been unusually good, the prevalent affections attendant upon the seasons, of a mild and 
manageable character. 

State Hospital for the Insane. 

This institution, located near Madison, was opened for patients in July, i860. The total 
number of admissions down to the year 1877, was 1,227 males, 1,122 females, total 2,349. Over 
one half of these have been improved j nearly one third recovered j while less than one quarter 
have been discharged unimproved. Total number of deaths, 288. At the commencement of the 
year, October 1, 1875, there were in the hospital 376 patients. In the report for the year ending 
September 30, 1876, we find the past year has been one of unusual health in the hospital. No 
serious epidemic has prevailed, although 20 deaths have been reported, 7 fatally ill before admis- 
sion, 4 worn-out cases, etc. Insanity, coming as it does, under this head of an article on State 
Health, is of the highest interest from a state point of view, nni only because SO much may be 
done to remedy it, but that still more can and ought to be done by the state to prevent it. Our 
insane amount to 1 in 700 of the whole population, the total number in hospitals, poor-houses and 
prisons being in round numbers 1,400. It is a striking fact, calling for our earnest consideration, 
that the Germans, Irish and Scandinavians import and transmit more insanity — three to one — 
than the American-born population produce. The causes assigned for this disparity, are, as 
affecting importation, that those in whom there is an hereditary tendency to disease constitute the 
migratory class, for the reason that those who are sound and in the full possession of their powers 
are most apt to contend successfully in the struggle t<> live and maintain their position at home; 
while those who are most unsound and unequal to life's contests are unable to migrate. In other 
words, the Strongest will not leave, the weakest can not leave. By this, the character of the 
migratory is defined. As affects transmission, poverty is a most fruitful parent of insanity, so too is 
poor land. Says Dr. Boughton, superintendent of the Wisconsin State Hospital for the Insane: 



HEALTH OF WISCONSIN 243 

Wisconsin is characterized by a large poor class, especially in the northern part of the state, 
where people without means have settled on new and poorly paying farms, where their life is 
made up of hard work, exposure to a severe climate, bad and insufficient diet, cheerless homes, 
etc., etc. These causes are prolific in the production of insanity. It is easy, therefore, to trace 
the causes that give us so large a per cent, of insane in many of the counties of the state. Nor is 
it of less interest to know, as Dr. B. adds : We draw our patients from those families where 
phthisis pulmonalis, rheumatism and insanity prevail. Insanity and rheumatism are interchange- 
able in hereditary cases, so too are insanity and phithisis. What may be accomplished by intel- 
ligent efforts to stem the increase of insanity in our state ? Much. Early treatment is one means, 
this is of course curative in its character. And its necessity and advantage are well illustrated 
in table No. 10 of the annual report of Dr. Boughton, for 1876, where it is seen that 45.33 of 
males, and 44.59 of the females who had been sent to the State Hospital having been insane but 
three months before admission, were cured, the proportion of cures becoming less in proportion 
to the longer duration of insanity before admission. As a preventive means, the dissemination 
of the kind of knowledge that shows indisputably that insanity is largely hereditary, and conse- 
quently that intermarriage with families so tainted should on the one hand be avoided by the 
citizen, and on the other hand, perhaps, prevented by the state, (congress at the same time 
restraining or preventing as far as possible persons so tainted from settling in this country.) 
By the state, inasmuch as the great burthen of caring for the insane falls upon the state. Still 
other preventive means are found in the improved cultivation of our lands and in our improved 
education ; in fact, in whatever lessens the trials of the poor and lifts them out of ignorance and 
pauperism. It is only by culture, says Hufeland, that man acquires perfection, morally, mentally 
and physically. His whole organization is so ordered that he may either become nothing or 
anything, hypercuiture and the want of cultivation being alike destructive. 

The Northern Hospital for the Insane. 

This hospital was opened at Oshkosh, May, 1873. The total number under treatment 
September 30, 1876 was — males 246, females 257, total 503. No ailment of an epidemic charac- 
ter has affected the health of the household, which has been generally good. The report of Dr. 
Kempster is full of suggestive matter for the legislator and sociologist. ■ 

City of Milwaukee. 

Still adhering to the plan, in writing the sanitary history of the state, of gathering up all 
the health statistics which properly belong to us, we now take up those of Milwaukee, the only 
city in Wisconsin, so far as we know, that has kept up a system of statistics of its diseases. 
The city is built on each side of the mouth of Milwaukee river, on the west shore of Lake Michi- 
gan in lat. 43 Q 3' 45" N., long. 87 57' W., and is considered remarkable for its healthy climate. 
The board of Jiealth has furnished us with its report for 1870 and downward. The character of 
its mortality from June 19, 1869, to March 31, 1S70, is thus summarized : In children under five 
years of age, 758 out of 1,249 deaths, consumption, 93; convulsions, 128; cholera infantum, 
59; diarrhoea, 128; scarlet fever, 132; typhoid fever, 52 ; inflammation of the lungs, 41 ; still- 
born, 79. This disproportionate number of still-born children is attributed in part to a laxity of 
morals. The deaths from consumption in Milwaukee are ■]% out of every 100, one third less out 
of a like number of deaths than in San Francisco, in which city, in 4,000 deaths, 441 died of con- 
sumption, being n out of every 100 deaths for the year ending July, 1S69. The deaths for 1870 
numbered 1,655, tne population being at the last census report,* 71,636. 



•244 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



Table of Principal Causes. 



Consumption 143 

Inflammation of lungs 56 

Convulsions 259 

Diarrhoea 131 

Diptheria 74 

Scarlet fever. 52 

Typhoid fever 49 

Old age 2S 

Still-born 123 



The Milwaukee population being about 
o, the death rate per annum for 
every 1,000 inhabitants would be 21, 
after proper deductions of deaths from 
other causes than from disease, showing 
very favorably as compared with other 
cities. 



Glasgow has 39 to every 1,000; Liverpool, 36; London, 25 ; New Orleans, 54; New York, 
32 ; San Francisco, 24; Milwaukee, 21. Among seventeen of the principal cities of the Union, 
Milwaukee ranks the ninth in rate of mortality. An impression has prevailed that Milwaukee is 
subject to a large and disproportionate amount of lung and allied diseases. Statistics disprove 
this, its deaths from consumption being only 6 per cent., while those of Chicago are 7.75 ; of 
St. Louis, 9.68; of Cincinnati, 11.95; ar *d of Boston, 19.31. But few cases of malarial disease 
occur in Milwaukee, and fewer cases of intestinal fever than in the interior of the state. The 
mortality among children is explained by its occurring chiefly among the poor foreign-born 
population, where all that can incite and aggravate disease is always to be found. 

This, (the historical part of the health article), will doubtless call forth from the profession 
much additional and desirable matter, but excepting what will further appear under the head of 
Madison it is proper to say that we have exhausted the sources of information on the st'bject 
within our reach. 

1 If. ai.t 1 1 Resorts. 

Next in order, would seem to come some notice of the summer and health resorts of Wiscon- 
sin, which, significant of the salubrity of the state, are not only becoming more numerous, but 
also more frequented from year to year. 

Madison, the capital of the state, with apopuJation of 11,000, is built on an isthmus between 
two considerable lakes, from 70 to 125 feet above their level; 80 miles west of Milwaukee, in 
latitude 43 5' north, and longitude 89 20' west, in the northern temperate region. The lake 
basins, and also the neck of land between them, have a linear arrangement, trending northeast and 
southwest. The same linear topography characterises the whole adjacent country and the boun- 
dary lines of its various geological formations, this striking feature being due to the former move- 
ment of glacier ice over the face of the country. At two points, one mile apart, the Capitol and 
University hills, respectively 348 and 370 feet above the level of Lake Michigan, rise prominently 
above the rest of the isthmus. Both of these hills are heaps of drift material from 100 to 126 feet 
thickness, according to the record of the artesian well. The neck of land on which Madison stands 
is of the same material. The same boring discloses to us the underlying rock structure, pene- 
trating 614 feet of friable quartzose sandstone belonging to the Potsdam series, io]4 feet of red 
shale belonging to the same series, and 209^ feet of crystalline rocks belonging to the An i 
In the country immediately around Madison, the altitude is generally coi | greater, and 

the higher grounds arc occupied by various strata, nearly horizontal, of sandstone and limestone. 
The Potsdam sandstone rises about 30 feet above the level of Lake Mendota, on its northern 
shore, where at McBride's Point it may be seen overlaid by the next and hitherto unrecognized 
layer, one of more or less impure, dark-colored, magnesian limestone, to which the name of Men- 
dota is assigned, and which furnishes a good building stone. The descent of these strata is about 



HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. 245 

9 feet to the mile in a due southerly direction. Overlying the Mendota beds are again sandstone 
layers, the uppermost portions of which are occasionally charged with 10 to 20 per cent, of calca- 
reous and dolomitic matter, and then furnish a cream-colored building stone of considerable 
value. Most of this stratum which has been designated as the Madison sandstone, is, however, 
quite non-calcareous, being either a ferruginous brown stone, or a quite pure, white, nearly loose 
sand. In the latter phase it is of value for the manufacture of glass. In a number of quarries, 
cuttings and exposed places around the city, the Madison beds are seen to be overlaid by a gray- 
ish, magnesian limestone, the lower magnesian, varying very considerably in its character, but 
largely composed of a flinty-textured, heavy-bedded, quite pure dolomite, which is burnt into a 
good quality of lime. Its thickness exceeds So feet. Madison, with the conveniences and com- 
forts of a capital city, from its easy access by railroads, from not only in itself being beautiful, 
but from its beautiful surroundings, from its good society, charming climate, and artesian 
mineral water, is naturally a great summer resort. 

Though there are no vital statistics of the city to refer to, a residence of nearly a quarter of 
a century has made us sufficiently acquainted with its sanitary history, which is more or less the 
sanitary history of this part of the state, and in a measure of the state itself. In 1844 and 1S45, 
it was visited by an epidemic malarial fever of a bilious type, and not unfrequently fatal, which 
passed very generally through the state, and was attributed to the turning up of the soil. It was 
most virulent in the autumns. Again in 1S54 it was visited by a light choleraic epidemic, which 
also swept the state, assuming very generally a particularly mild type. Again in 1857 it suffered 
lightly from the epidemic dysentery, which passed through the state. In 1865, it suffered from 
a visitation of diptheria, the disease prevailing generally over the state at that time. It hasalso 
had two visitations of the epidemic grip (grippe), or influenza. The last invasion, some five 
years since, commencing in a manner perhaps worthy of noting, by first affecting the horses very 
generally, and again, by beginning on the east side of the city, while the other epidemics for the 
past twenty-five years (unless the choleraic visitation was an exception) came in on the south- 
west side of the city, as has been the case, so far as we have been able to observe with the light 
epidemics to which children are subject. But little typhoid fever is found here, and the aguish 
fevers when they occur are light and easy of control. There is but little diarrhoea or dysen- 
tery. Pneumonia and its allied affections are more common, so is rheumatism, and so neuralgia. 
Inflammatory croup, however, is very rare, sporadic diptheria seeming to be taking its place. 
All the ordinary eruptive fevers of children are and always have been of a peculiarly mild 
type. 

Prairie du Chien, situated immediately at the junction of the Wisconsin with the Mississippi, 
is built about 70 feet above low water, and 642 feet above the level of the sea. The cliffs on 
both sides of the river present on their summits the lower strata of the blue Silurian limestone 
of Cincinnati, beneath which are found sandstone and magnesian limestone down to the water's 
edge. We give this notice of Prairie du Chien for the purpose of bringing to the knowledge of 
the public that it possesses one of the most superb artesian wells in the state, which is attracting 
many persons by its remedial mineral properties. 

Green Bay sanitarily may be considered as sufficiently indicated under the head of Fort 
Howard. It is, however, proper to add that from its geographical position and beautiful situa- 
tion at the head of the bay, its easy access both by railroad and steamboat, its pleasant days and 
cool summer nights, it has naturally become quite a popular summer resort, particularly for 
southern people. 

Racine, some 25 miles south by east by rail from Milwaukee and 62 by rail from Chicago, is 
built upon the banks and some 40 feet above the level of the lake. Its soil is a sandy loam and 



246 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

gravel, consequently it has a dry, healthy surface, and is much frequented in the summer for its 
coolness and salubrity. 

Waukesha, iS miles west of Milwaukee by railroad, is a healthy, pleasant place of resort at 
all times on account of its mineral water, so well known and so highly appreciated throughout 
the country. 

Oconomowoc, 32 miles by railroad west by north of Milwaukee, is a healthy and de- 
lightfully located resort for the summer. Its many lakes and drives form its chief attractions, 
and though its accommodations were considered ample, during the past summer they were found 
totally inadequate to meet the demands of its numerous visitors. 

The Dalles, at Kilbourn City, by rail 16 miles from Portage, is unsurpassed in the northwest 
for the novelty, romantic character, and striking beauty of its rock and river scenery. It is 
high and dry; has pure water and fine air. and every-day boat and drive views enough to fill 
up a month pleasantly. 

Lake Geneva, 70 miles by rail from Chicago, is built on the north side of the lake, is justly 
celebrated for its beauty, and its reputation as a summer resort is growing. 

Green Lake, six miles west of Ripon, and 89 northwest from Milwaukee, is some 15 miles 
long and three broad, surrounded by beautiful groves and prairies; and is claimed to be one of 
the healthiest little places on the continent. 

Devil's Lake is 36 miles by rail north of Madison. Of all the romantic little spots in Wis- 
consin, and they are innumerable, there is none more romantic or worthy of a summer visitor's 
admiration than this. It is, though shut in from the rude world by bluffs 500 feet high, a very 
favorite resort, and should be especially so for those who seek quiet, and rest, and health. 

rta, 246 miles by rail from Chicago, is pleasantly and healthily situated, and its artesian 
mineral water strongly impregnated with carbonate of iron, having, it is said, over 14 grains in 
solution to the imperial gallon, an unusually large proportion, attracts its annual summer 
crowd. 

Sheboygan, 62 miles by rail north of Milwaukee, from its handsome position on a bluff over- 
looking the lake, and from the beauty of its surroundings as well as from the character of its 
mineral waters, is an attractive summer resort. 

Elkhart Lake, 57 miles by rail north of Milwaukee, is rapidly acquiring a good name from 
those seeking health or pleasure. 

Chance ix I >i 5EAS] -. 

In order to ascertain whether the classes of diseases in the state at the date of Carver's 
travels are the same which prevail to-day, we have 1 ompared his description of them with those 
tabulated in the army medical reports of Forts Howard, Crawford and Winnebago, and . 
with those given in the 1 . S. Census for 1S70, and with the medical statistics of the city of 
Milwaukee ["hi ree di tincl and prominent classes prevailing from Carver's to the present 
time, are, in the order of prevalence, diseases of the respiratory organs, consumption, pneumonia, 
bronchitis, etc.; diseases of the digestive organs, enteritis, dysentery) diarrhoea, etc.; and the 
malarial fevers. \t Fort Howard alone do the diseases of the digestive organs seem to have 
outnumbered those of the respiratory organs. So far as it is possible to gather from the reports 
of the commissioners of Indian affairs, these features of the relative prevalence of the three 
classes of disease are not disturl 

There :ire. however, some disturbing or qualifying agencies operating and affecting the 
amount or distribution of these < lasses in different areas or belts. For instance, there are two 






HEALTH (IF WISCONSIN. 247 

irregular areas in the state; the one extending from the Mississippi east and north, and the other 
starting almost as low down as Madison, and running up as far as Green Bay, which are more 
subject to malarial diseases than are the other parts of the state. While it is found that those 
parts of the state least subject to diseases of the digestive organs are, a belt along the western 
shore of Lake Michigan, and a belt running from near Prairie du Chien north into the pineries. 
Again, it is found that the part of the state most subjec' to enteric, cerebro-spinal and typhus 
fevers, is quite a narrow belt running north from the southern border line into the center of the 
state, or about two-thirds of the distance toward the pineries. All along the western shore of 
Lake Michigan, and stretching across the country by way of Fond du Lac to the Mississippi, is 
a belt much less subject to these disorders. It is equally beyond question that the western shore 
of Lake Michigan, and the southern shore of Lake Superior, as well as the western half of the 
southern boundary line of the pineries, are less affected with consumption than the interior parts 
of the state. 

The tendency of these diseases is certainly to amelioration. The sanitary history of Wiscon- 
sin does not differ from that of any other state east of us, in this striking particular ; the farther 
you trace back the history of disease, the worse its type is found to be. It follows, then, that 
the improvement in public health must progress with the general improvement of the state, as 
has been the case with the eastern states, and that the consequent amelioration of our malarial 
diseases especially will tend to mitigate infectious diseases. The ameliorating influences, how- 
ever, that sanitary science has brought to bear upon disease, of which England is so happy an 
illustration, has scarcely as yet begun to be known to us. But the time has come at last when 
this science is moving both the hearts and minds of thinking and humane men in the state, and 
its voice has been heard in our legislative halls, evoking a law by which we are, as a people, to be 
governed, as by any other enactment. The organization of a state board of health is a new era 
in our humanity. In this board is invested all legal power over the state health. To it is com- 
mitted all the sanitary responsibility of the state, and the greatest good to the people at large 
must follow the efforts it is making. 

There are many other points of sanitary interest to which it is desirable to call the attention 
of those interested in Wisconsin. It is a popular truth that a dry climate, all other things being 
equal, is a healthy climate. Our hygrometrical records show Wisconsin to have one of the driest 
climates in the United States. Choleraic diseases rarely prevail unless in a comparatively 
stagnant state of the atmosphere, where they are most fatal. Where high winds prevail such 
diseases are rare. The winds in Wisconsin, while proverbially high and frequent (carrying away 
and dissipating malarial emanations), are not destructive to life or property, as is the case, by 
their violence, in some of the adjoining states. A moist, warm atmosphere is always provocative 
of disease. Such a state of atmosphere is rare with us, and still more rarely continuous beyond 
a day or two. Moist air is the medium of malarial poisoning, holding as it does in solution 
gases and poisonous exhalations. Its character is readily illustrated by the peculiar smell of 
some marsh lands on autumnal evenings. Such a state of moisture is seen only in our lowest 
shut-in marshes (where there is but little or no air-current), and then only for a very limited 
period, in very hot weather. 

But too much importance is attached by the public to a simply dry atmosphere for respira- 
tory diseases. The same mistake is made with regard to the good effects in such disorders of 
simply high elevations. Dry air in itself or a high elevation in itself, or both combined, are 
not necessarily favorable to health, or curative of disease. In the light and rare atmosphere of 
Pike's Peak, an elevation of 6,000 feet, the pulse is accelerated,' the amount of sleep is dimin- 
ished, and the human machine is put under a high-pressure rate of living, conducive only to its 



■248 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



injury. The average rate of the pulse in healthy visitors is from 115 to 120 per minute (the 
normal rate, in moderate elevations, being about 75). And where there is an)' organic affection 
of the heart, or tendency to bleeding from the lungs, it is just this very dry atmosphere and high 
elevation that make these remedies (!) destructive. Hence it is that Wisconsin, for the generality 
of lung diseases, especially when accompanied with hemorrhage, or with heart disease, is prefer* 
able to Colorado. It may be objected, that the diseases of the respiratory organs are in e 
of other diseases in Wisconsin. This feature, however, is not confined to the cold belt of our 
temperate latitudes — our proportion of respiratory diseases, be it noted, comparing most favor- 
ably with that of other states, as may be seen in the following table: 



Climatological Distribution of Pulmonary 1 Ms: 



Deaths 

by 
Phthisis. 



Per cent, 
of entire 
.Mortality. 



Deaths by all 
diseases of Res- 
piratory Organs. 



Massachusetts, 1S50, U. S. Census 

Ohio, 1S49-50, U. S. Census 

Michigan. 1S50. U. S. Census 

Illinois, 1S49-50. U. S. Census 

Wisconsin, 1S49-50, U. S. I 



3,426 


17.65 


2,558 


S.S3 


657 


M-55 


S66 


7-36 


290 


9-99 



t.4I~ 
3.9S8 
L0S4 
1.799 

535 



Per cent. 
of entire 
Mortality. 



22.27 

13-77 
24.00 
15.00 



Now, while the mortuary statistics of the United States census for 1850 are acknowli 
to be imperfect, they are. nevertheless, undoubtedlj correct as to i>es of mortality. But 

besid itistical evidence of the climatological causes of disease, there are certain relative 

general, if not special, truths which serve to guide us in our estimate. Respiratory diseasi ol 
all kinds increase in proportion as the temperature decreases', the humidity of the air being the 
same. Another equally certain element in the production of this class of diseases is variabli 
of climate. Still, this feature of our climate is only an element in causation, and affi 1 
we shall see in the table below, very little as compared with other states. Indeed, it is still 
disputed whether there is not more consumption in tropical 1 limates than in temperate clirn 
This much is admitted, however, that consumption is rare in the arctic r( Dr. Terry says 

the annual ratio of pulmonary diseases is lower in the northern than in the southern 1 ol 

the United States, and Dr. Drake, an equally eminent authority, recommends those suffering 
from or threatened with pulmonary affections, to retreat to the colder districts of the country, 
citing among others localities near Lake Superior — a recommendation which our experience of 
nearly half a century endor 

Proportion "i " umption in nn Different States. 



res. 






STATES. 








2.553 
866 


895 
647 


ia 


562 

1,288 
290 


664 
429 




Illinois 









When we compare the gi neral death-rate of Wisconsin with that of the other states of the 
Union, we find that it i ompares most favorably with that of Vermont, the healthiest of the New 
Englai The l nited - f 1 -50, i860 and 1870, gives Wisconsin 94 deaths 

to 10,000 of the population, while it mtont 101 to every 10,000 of her inhabitants. The 



STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN. 



249 



census of 1870 shows that the death-rate from consumption in Minnesota, Iowa, California and Wis- 
consin are alike. These four states show the lowest death-rate among the states from consumption, 
the mortality being 13 to 14 per cent, of the whole death-rate. 

Climatologically considered, then, there is not a more healthy state in the Union than the 
state of Wisconsin. But for health purposes something more is requisite than climate. Climate 
and soil must be equally good. Men should shun the soil, no matter how rich it be, if the climate 
is inimical to health, and rather choose the climate that is salubrious, even if the soil is not so 
rich. In Wisconsin, generally speaking, the soil and climate are equally conducive to health, 
and alike good for agricultural purposes. 



STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN. 

1875. 



ADAMS COUNTY. 





POPULATION. 


Towns, Cities and 
Villages. 


White. 


Colored 






- 






bo 

V 

Ed 

to 
■< 




200 

77 

244 
164 
261 
117 
204 
240 
163 
444 
74 
126 
121 
199 
189 
501 
127 


198 
71' 
221 
153 
200 
100 
193 
i, * > 9 
137 
4113 
62 
118 
99 
131 
182 
433 
115 


2 


4 


398 


Biff Flats 




465 




















469 














Richfield 
















White Creek 








Total 


3,451 


3.045 





4 


6.502 





ASHLAND COUNTY. 





268 
141 


180 

141 






448 




282 




Total 


409 


321 






730 





Bayfield. 



BAYFIELD COUNTY. 



538 493 1 .. 



1,032 



BARRON COUNTY. 







POPULATION. 




Towns, Cities and 


White. 


Colored 








r. 
- 




g 


to 

03 

U 
< 




343 
459 
364 
326 
211 
122 
240 


2S5 
397 
319 
216 

182 

84 

186 






628 




856 




542 








206 




426 








2.068 


1,669 






3,737 





BROWN COUNTY. 






210 

143 
371 
410 
943 
291 

1,889 
591 

3.966 
581 
784 
687 
519 
499 
765 
616 
384 
838 
434 
774 
477 
982 

1,222 


175 
136 
337 
358 
956 
208 

1,721 
482 

4,017 
542 
705 
579 
467 
408 
633 
529 
335 
792 
372 
696 
452 
941 

1,058 


3 
5 

29 

2 

6 

S 


6 
25 

6 

7 


385 
279 




711 




768 




1.911 




499 




3.610 




1.073 




8.037 




1,123 




1.489 

1,266 

986 




909 




1,398 




1,145 




719 




1,642 




806 




1,470 




929 




1.923 
2.295 








18.376 


16,899 


53 


4S 


35,373 



250 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



BURNETT COUNTY. 







POPULATION. 




Towns. Cities and 


White. 


Colored 


2 

M 
b 

S 
-5 


Villages. 


"3 
S 


a! 
3 




a; 

E 




433 
231 

87 


379 

191 

82 


11 

5 
12 


4 

1 1 


827 




434 




195 








751 


652 


3s 


25 


1,456 





BUFFALO COUNTY. 





296 
34 
307 
138 
376 
869 
292 
277 
413 
339 
275 
315 
402 
841 
717 
899 
552 

500 


254 
293 
279 
137 
336 
321 
282 
227 
3T2 
309 
240 
313 
383 
306 
671 
664 
501 
421 
494 


2 


:: 


550 




637 




586 




275 




712 


Door 

GUmanton 

G/lencoe 


690 
574 
504 
785 
648 




515 




427 




785 




lilT 




1.388 




1.563 




1.053 




HMi 


Fountain city village 


994 




7,517 


6,702 


:.' 


a 


14,219 







CALUMET COUNTY. 



Brothertown . 

lirlllloa 

Chilton 

CharlesUmn., 
Harrison., . . 

\ i V, II 

Rantoul 

Stockbrldge... 
WoodvlUe 

Total.... 



864 


809 


12 


7 





507 






1,061 


1. 


16 


16 


668 




H 


4 


l.oos 


875 


1 




1,016 


949 






837 


768 






910 




li.l 


166 


690 


639 






7,720 


6.9*9 


198 


183 



CLARK COUNTY. 



1,693 

1.173 

1.367 
1.884 
1.965 
1.590 
8,092 
1,829 



15.085 





106 

57 

r,s 
262 

HI 

161 

:s 1 7 
l|j 
789 
86 
133 
182 
186 

336 
'.II 
11 1 


91 
210 
142 

47 
310 

43 
123 

337 
71 
113 
3117 
133 

786 

37 
13H 
in. 
131 
168 

r,s 
186 






197 
518 

• 
104 
668 

lol 

828 



























26 1 

66 I 
260 













252 
239 


1 








York 


306 






::,:iss 


3,294 






7.282 





CHIPPEWA COUNTY. 





POPULATION. 


Towns, cities and 


White. 


1 m],h f. 1 






I 


"3 

9 






5 
= 


at 
HI 

a> 

fa 

en 

HI 
< 




361 

.iss 

65 1 
3.286 

339 
1.360 
1,046 

846 

443 


269 
420 
606 

1,755 
288 

1,074 
638 
252 
368 






630 




6 


3 
4 


908 




1,260 




5,050 
617 




2.434 




1,688 




598 




810 






Total 


8.312 


5,670 


6 


7 


13,995 







COLUMBIA COUNTY. 



Arlington 

Caledonia 

Columbus town 

Columbus city 

Oourtlund 

Dekorra 

Fort Winnebago 

Fountain Prairie 

Hampden 

Leeds 

Lewlston 

Lodl 

Lowvllle 

Biarcellon 

Newport 

i H . go 

Pacific 

Portage city 

Randolph 

Bcotl 

Spring Vale, 

w esl Polni 

ina 

\\ i i w. VII. of Randolph 

Total 



512 


497 






• 9 


584 






481 


■li mi 






912 


991 






663 


647 






662 


618 






876 


351 






71 '.J 


712 






515 


497 






596 


506 


1 




541 


505 






705 


743 






449 


437 






411 


409 


4 


1 


853 


862 


3 


3 


759 


737 






130 


119 






3.16 1 


2.161 


7 


6 




556 






409 


374 






428 








4'-.; 


113 








540 






33 


::i 






14,710 


14,069 


1.-, 


'.) 



CRAWFORD COUNTY. 



Bridgeport 

Clayton 

Eastman 

Preeman 

Banes 

Marietta 

I' : 

Prairie 'in Chli 

First ward 

Second ward 

Third ward 

Pourtn ward,. 
Boon 

SOI a 

I'll, a 

Waozeka 

Total 



1.009 
1,223 

881 
1.903 
1,309 
1,280 

737 
1.461 
1.1113 
1,103 
1.046 
1.448 

886 

858 
1.721 
1.496 

249 

1,186 
788 

770 

B2§ 

1,120 

67 



28,803 



177 


186 






Sal 


re 






755 


C-.H 






798 


766 








268 






49S 


104 


1 


3 


394 


826 






411 








139 




., 


X 


404 


13 1 






184 


209 


12 


5 


4H5 


•II, s 






Till 


687 






773 


697 






68 1 


Ml 








7,276 


Is 


11 



363 
1,616 
1,448 
1,664 

r,71 

'IH3 

730 

763 
964 
828 
898 
968 

1.391 

ro 

1,094 

15.035 



DOUGLAS COUNTY. 



Superior . 



886 ! 846 ! 3 6 



741 



STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN. 



251 



DOOR COUNTY. 





POPULATION. 


Towns, Cities and 


White. 


Colored 






6 


a 

V 




oj 

a 

to 

- 


ea 
M 

a, 
u 

CO 

-5 




210 
359 
344 
244 
420 
208 
377 
166 
394 
286 
268 
290 
331 
286 
220 


186 
316 
279 
210 
382 
206 
325 
107 
278 
192 
211 
259 
301 
244 
181 






396 




675 




623 




454 




802 
414 




702 




273 




672 




418 




479 




549 




632 

530 




401 






Total 


4,343 


3.677 






8,020 



DUNN COUNTY. 



Colfax 

Dunii 

Eau Galle.... 
Elk Mound.. 

Grant 

Lucas 

Menomonee 
New Haven.. 

Pew 

Red Cedar... 
Rock Creefc .. 

Sheridan 

Sherman 

Spring Brook 

Stanton 

Tainter 

Tiffany 

Weston 

Total . . . 



178 


170 






578 


458 






577 


490 






261 


231 






490 


463 




1 


239 


190 






1,959 


1,467 


5 


2 


130 


124 






130 


115 






349 


313 






327 


203 


1 




156 


146 






379 


308 






628 


548 






271 


229 


1 


2 


400 


263 






128 


117 






212 


188 






7,394 


6,021 


7 


5 



348 

1,036 

1,067 

492 

954 

429 

3,433 

254 

245 

662 

531 

302 

687 

1.176 

503 

663 

245 

400 

13.427 



DODGE COUNTY. 





742 
794 

1,656 
567 
593 
451 
694 
701 
724 
471 
451 
985 

1,143 
591 
907 
156 
833 
832 

1,014 

1,318 
532 

1,006 
668 
956 
149 
559 

1,072 
956 
586 
615 

1,435 
628 


700 
707 

1,795 
524 
519 
403 
636 
701 
632 
381 
508 
911 

1,097 
599 
841 
154 
804 
759 
929 

1,245 
537 
951 
653 
912 
168 
506 

1,026 
806 
558 
618 

1,520 
441 


4 

25 
3 

1 

1 

1 


1 

2S 

"3" 

1 


1,442 
1,501 
3,455 
1,091 
1,112 

854 
1,330 
1,402 
1,356 

853 
1.012 
1.896 
2.240 
1.190 
1,748 

310 
1.637 
1,597 
1X3 
2,563 
1.069 
1,958 
1.321 
1,868 

318 
1,065 
2,098 
1,762 
1,145 
1.23.3 
2,955 
1.070 






















Hubbard 




















Randolph village, E. ward 
Shields 








"Watertown city, 5 & 6 w'ds 
Waupun village, 1st ward,'. 


Total 


24,785 


23,541 


35 


33 


48.394 





BASE COUNTY. 





POPULATION. 


Towns, Cities and 


White. 


Colored 








"3 

a 




•0 

a 


% 
bo 

a, 

(. 

to 
bo 

■< 




679 
592 
451 
555 
559 
579 
575 
853 
580 
703 
597 
493 
677 
586 
576 
419 
4,858 
813 
726 
866 
540 
655 
530 
470 
569 
592 
553 
522 
728 
585 
515 
283 
547 
546 
562 
813 
629 
518 


582 
543 
446 
474 
631 
558 
546 
740 
549 
727 
571 
413 
575 
587 
575 
361 
5,174 
818 
691 
850 
538 
704 
444 
448 
£87 
559 
504 
495 
664 
622 
457 
806 
479 
491 
555 
808 
558 
484 


1 

1 

1 

4 

41 

3 

Q 

1 

1 
1 

3 
1 


4 
20 

i 

2 
1 

1 


1.261 
1,135 

897 
1,030 
1,090 
1,137 
1,121 
1,593 
1,130 
1.430 
1,168 

906 
1,253 
1,173 
1.051 

788 
10,093 
1,635 
1.417 
1.718 
1,079 
1,359 

974 

919 
1.057 
1,151 
1,057 
1,018 
1.392 
1,207 






















































589 
1,026 
1,039 
1,118 
1,621 
1,191 
1,003 


















26,894 


25,814 


60 


30 


52,798 





FON DU LAC COUNTY. 





1,064 
877 

685 
723 
763 
527 
840 
768 
793 
582 

1,109 

1.156 

1.085 

1,374 

594 

739 

655 

726 

780 

lis 

1,0.-,.-, 

Vis 

I1S-I 
1130 
611 

872 
777 
642 
783 
666 
498 


938 
799 
686 
661 
649 
713 
490 
747 
676 
686 
524 

1,175 

1.248 

1,204 

1.398 

563 

727 

659 

753 

731 

919 

891 

673 

667 

581 

534 

981 
862 
580 
717 
644 
478 


4 

7 
1 

1 

5 
3 
3 
1 

8 
28 
23 

1 

1 

"4" 

"3" 

1 
2 


5 

11 

3 
1 

7 
27 
21 

1 

"4" 

l" 

1 
5 

"l" 


2.006 




1,676 




1,411 




1.346 




1,372 




1,476 




1,029 




1,587 




1,445 




1.479 




1,107 


Fond ilu Lao city— 


2,300 




2.409 




2.295 




2,774 
1,157 




1,481 


Seventh ward 


1,369 
1.523 
1.513 






1,838 




1,952 
1,421 




1,851 




1,211 




1,200 


Riponcity — 


1,854 




1.647 




1.222 




1.500 




1.311 


Waupun village, N. ward.. 


979 




25,149 


24,604 


'.IS 


80 


5U.241 







252 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



EAU CLAIRE COUNTY. 





POPULATION'. 


Towns. Cities axd 


White. 


Colored 






■- 


Z 




6 

- 

■- 


a 

to 

< 




549 
461 
419 
4,646 
82 1 
158 
701 

360 

93 
327 
393 


383 

387 

3,777 

178 

553 
463 
243 
78 
290 
327 


18 


■1 


1,056 

Ml 

706 

8.4 40 

400 












1.254 
959 
503 
171 
617 
720 














Total 


8,724 


7,250 


13 


4 


15,991 





GREEN COUNTY. 





476 
565 
585 
669 
695 
758 
848 

867 
540 
462 
1,525 
550 
030 
639 
446 

520 


437 
585 
554 
750 
654 
751 
350 
438 
KIT 
486 
Hi 

658 

-1 1 5 


"l" 

2 

1 


8 

1 


913 
1.150 
1,188 
1,428 
1,349 
1,510 

71 i 1 
































1,110 












York.... ....::::::'::.::::::. 










11,102 


10,900 




22,027 









GRANT COUNTY. 



11 



1 


865 
971 
•1st 
425 

till 

1,876 

ln9 

298 


884 

inl 

I.,'. 


'-'7 
2 


'.'li 
3 


1,717 




i.2i it; 


Clifton 












2 




1.770 
1,1 14 




2.121 




1 


1 












i 


■ 














HlllTllle 






2 

1.. 

1 


1 










I lie 




















Wlngvillo 
















20,087 


18,944 




w 







GREEN LAKE COUNTY. 



POPfLATION'. 



Towns. Cities ami 


White. 




£ 

B 

u 
u 
M 

■4 






r. 
= 








548 

1,586 

707 

729 

630 
737 

1.076 

232 


1,755 
691 

1,015 

336 
223 




1.102 




l .... 
8 B 

1 .... 






1,399 








895 
1,285 




1.119 




1,058 




2,091 
726 






458 








7.632 


7,642 


9 I'. 


15,274 









lO-vVA COUNTY. 



Arena 

r> 

ml 

i n 

Mifflin 

ral Point 

Mini r il l'oi.u city 

Moscow 

Pulaski 

Rldfreway 

Walriwick 

Wyoming 



Ms 



Total 12.884 11,71 i 



924 

■ 
705 

715 

..''-I 

712 
.174 
4:j4 



JACKSON COUNTY. 



Albion 

Alma 

ii Valley. 

in 



hi 

Northfield .. . 
Springfield 

Total 



1.428 






1 


699 








































613 


546 














1 is 
















6,039 


5,294 




1 



1,930 

T57 

1127 
1.497 

2. 173 
lil I 
720 



21.133 



2,768 
1, in 
1.028 

1.257 

4 23 

210 

11,339 



JEFFERSON COUNTY. 



Aztalan 

Concord 

Cold Spring 

iigton 

i 





Koslikouong 

i nils 

ird 

i 

a 

Sullivan 

r 



age 

Walertown i>>\\ n 

Watertowii city, 1 sr. go, 8d, 
4th, and 7iii wards 











4 








8 


375 






» 


1,218 






5 






















2 








1 


1 






21 


13 




7:. 2 














798 
















2 is 










489 


1 




lis 








1,115 










8,888 






17.702 


17,137 


in 





1.312 
1.522 
! I 
2 116 
1.273 
1.777 
4,04] 

1.499 

I 576 
1,488 

1,016 

6.569 
31,908 



STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN. 



253 



JUNEAU COUNTY. 





POPULATION. 


Towns, Cm es \xn 


White. 


Colored 


u 








o> 


C 


- 

it 




117 
135 
397 
390 
309 
553 
556 
274 
859 
17S 

.MS 

1,001 
558 

'.'■., 
748 
419 
510 
774 


119 
115 

343 
333 
349 
519 
5 1 
■Jill 
22 1 
160 
569 
Sill 

1 

■.'IS 

690 

M77 
46U 
719 


1 


"l" 

1 
1 


236 

250 
740 




Kildare 

Lemon weir 


558 
1.072 

1,066 

514 

483 

338 

1,118 

1,865 

1,133 

516 

1,438 

796 

970 

1,495 




L\ ndon 

Marion 


N ecedah 














7,993 


7.301 


3 


3 


15.300 





KENOSHA COUNTY. 



Brighton 

Bristol 

Kenosha city.,.. 

Pai is 

P 

Randall 

Somers 

Salem 

Wheatland 

Total 



561 


505 






5 


553 


« 


•>. 


2.426 


2.533 


7 


7 


539 


!! 






734 


733 


5 


5 


297 


252 






793 


1 ■ 


5 


5 


697 


1 






434 








7,066 


6,803 


19 


19 



1,066 
1.137 
4,959 
1,018 
1,457 

549 
1,450 
1,366 

867 

13,907 



KEWAUNEE COUNTY. 



Ahnapee town 

a lui.ij i mage 

Carlton 

i lasco 

Franklin 

\\rw aunee tow n <5 village 

Lincoln 

Montpelier, 

Pierre 

Red River 



Total., 



687 


633 






532 


506 






roe 








I 


6 






747 


736 






1.337 


1.233 








1 m 








534 






III , 


780 






718 


685 






' 7,506 


6,899 







1.319 
1,038 
1,412 
1.399 
1,473 
2,570 

1.157 
1 697 

1.403 



14,405 



LA CROSSE COUNTY. 





366 


348 

604 






714 
1,271 




667 










485 

375 

Dill 

380 
839 

403 






991 



1,862 

Sill, 

1.708 


Camp ii ii 




-> 










1 












1 




Holland 


461 












V irst u .ml 


1.131 


1.205 


:;:: 


23 


2,392 


Second ward 


735 


640 


6 


-> 


1,373 


Third ward: 


1,784 


1,916 


5 


H 


3.711 


Fourth ward 


596 




3 


?, 


1.354 


1' mil wind 


1,195 


982 


3 




2,182 


Onalaska town 


713 


666 






Onalaska village 


393 


S87 






680 


Shelby 




355 

433 






837 
932 




499 








Total 


12,263 


11,590 


55 


37 


33.945 



LA FAYETTE COUNTY. 





POPULATION. 


Towns. Cities and 


White. 


Colored 




Villages. 


9 


QJ 


% 


- 

s 


- 

M 

< 




583 
660 
886 
373 
1.330 
510 
602 
866 
468 
888 

532 
1,253 
554 
231 
555 
935 


571 
591 
795 
25S 

1,341 
433 
595 
855 
420 
231 
883 
416 

1,287 
527 
2 1 5 
509 
866 


"l" 


1 

2 

1 


1.154 
1,251 

1,681 
539 

2.671 
933 

1.197 

1.721 
SNS 
Ii. II 

1,805 

i';s 
2,540 
1.081 

i ii, 
1,064 
1,801 
















Miiutirt'llo 

New Diggings 








1 








Total 


11.3S8 


10,781 


2 


1 


33.169 





LINCOLN COUNTY. 



523 372 



3IARQUETTE COUNTY. 







370 
330 
338 

371 
425 


1 




'. 12 
714 
719 
531 

ssl 
70S 










381 






Harris 








459 
356 












Moundville 


319 


179 






398 


\ 1 ' A '. 


831 


338 






669 


N<-! I 


277 








530 


Oxford 


274 


368 






5 1 3 


Packwaukee 










669 


Shield 


343 


i". 






650 


Springfield 


163 


146 






309 


UVslli.'ld 


338 








643 


Totnl 


4,490 


4,207 


1 




S.697 





MARATHON COUNTY. 



Bergen 

tton 



know Iton 

Ml 

llOU 

nee... . 

Stettin 

Texas 

Ml 

Wausau city. 
Weln 

on 



109 
585 

135 
414 

333 

479 
159 
139 
1.560 
110 
16 ; 



Total 5,524 



50 
539 
22.1 

2:<s 

139 
351 
235 

130 

119 
38 i 
1.360 
114 
215 



159 

1.124 

582 

61 I 
364 
765 
467 
545 
909 
278 

2.830 
334 
479 



10,111 



254 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 



MANITOWOC COUNTY. 





population. 


Towns, Cities and 


White. 








^ 


- 




1 

- 
Is, 


3 
a 

bo 

bfl 

< 




951 

V.'4 

881 
773 
935 
934 

1,176 
7 '.'8 

8.228 
606 
885 

1,1 

779 
1,057 

594 
1,005 
1,019 

843 


955 
780 

s-3 
791 
887 
875 

l."-4 
692 

3,498 
528 
767 
853 

1.014 
644 

1,016 
549 
953 
932 
857 
313 






1.906 






1 








1,564 
1.822 
1.809 










1,420 

! 
1.234 
1.652 
1.754 
2,074 
1,423 














1,148 

l.'.l.'S 
1.951 
1,715 
















19,535 








38,456 







MILWAl'K EE COUNT Y. 



Milwaukee city— 


4,427 

5.025 
1,815 

8.897 
2.026 

'.i ; -i 
1.843 
2, 1 1 
1,232 

1.812 


5,101 
6.617 

5 I'll 

8,677 
8,250 
1,988 

1,299 

1,815 
1,199 

1.051 

1.755 


1 

B 

•in 
T 

7 


3 
6 

10 
2 


9.532 
18 191 










Set entb v. ai ii 

iih ward 


8.668 
6.641 










ii ward 

Tweifih ward 


Thirtec-iitii ward 


Franklin 

Greenfield 


"g 

1 


1 


2.646 

2,206 
5.246 
8,667 












61.758 


60,979 


'.in 


'.il 








MONROE COUNTY. 





37:1 
27 1 
198 
408 
70S 
887 

422 

4UI 

482 

-1 

178 

400 
l.s] 1 
1,154 

li.M 

1 1,000 


308 
691 

277 
881 

7 1 

Mil 

1.H77 

:-.'.i 7 

294 






681 








1 



ii 


1 
11 


881 


Clifton 






1 297 


■ hi 


715 




966 




1 in 




886 


LlttlH Fall- 


742 
618 








156 








B86 




1,1 in 
712 




"., 






3 750 




857 






1 "-, 

















9.925 




21,026 







OCONTO COUNTY'. 



POPULATION. 



Towns. Cities and 


White. 










« 

B 

3J 




- 

o 
h 


■a 
to 
» 

i 
< 


Glllett 


196 

551 

1 52 

1,446 

563 

2,871 

1.495 

744 

268 


179 

361 

108 

l.nsn 

453 

2 iis'l 

1,022 

537 

185 


3 
1 

2 

il 


2 

1 


375 




912 




260 




2.587 




1,017 
4,457 






2.520 




1,281 
453 


Stiles 






Total 


7.786 


6.017 


13.812 



OUTAGAMIE COUNTY'. 





3.307 
489 

MS 
546 
836 
238 
536 
1711 
689 
850 
842 
719 
562 
980 
283 
408 
111 
100 
290 


3.403 
492 
429 
463 

71s 
179 
516 
140 
655 
731 
811 
669 
533 
937 

888 

92 
100 

247 
624 


11 
4 
4 

\! 
1 


9 

3 
1 

7 


6.730 






'17 1 




1,009 










1,052 






1.853 

1.653 

1.3SS 
1.095 















499 








203 




2011 










Total 


13.233 




22 


20 


25,558 



OZAUKEE COUNTY. 



Cedarburg 

B ■- 1 

Preuonla 

Grafton 

n 

Port Washington 
Siitikvill 

Total 



1,876 

910 
1.617 
1,497 
1,081 


1,009 

84 I 
1.522 
1,481 

" i 9 




"I 


1 


1 


8,516 


8,029 


1 


1 



PIERCE COUNTY. 



2,644 

3.139 



16.545 





388 

307 

ill.-, 

628 
124 

.-.il 
484 

480 

!',, 

408 
513 


324 

313 

101 
:.l 1 
480 
415 
54 1 
| |4 

111 
327 
454 

258 


1 




712 




1. 2i III 




723 




1.17U 
225 


Isabella 


VI hi. II 


1 070 





1,024 




in 


24 

9 


899 
1 182 




1,916 








4 


1 










973 








679 






Total 




7.045 


II 


86 


15.101 



STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN. 



255 



POLK COUNTY. 





POPULATION 


Towns. Cities and 


White. 


Colored 


o 




6 
3 


6 

s 


g 

~ 




bo 
to 

< 




510 

376 
266 
209 
425 
399 
209 
61 
160 
105 
486 
208 
134 


447 
318 
268 
174 
352 
322 
141 

45 
157 

85 
428 
198 
110 


12 

56 
10 


9 

47 
"9 


957 




H94 




555 




383 




777 




721 




453 




106 




317 




209 




914 

406 




244 








Total 


3.548 


3,045 


78 


65 


6,736 



PORTAGE COUNTY. 





650 
376 
248 
394 
277 
126 
522 
309 
244 
541 
571 
141 
651 
783 
234 

719 
741 
315 


575 
345 
230 
332 
232 
120 
497 
295 
199 
496 
514 
130 
616 
711 
134 

612 

687 
289 


1 




1,225 




478 


Buena Vis! a 


726 






Hull 


1,019 














1.085 
271 






1.494 




Stevens Point city- 


1.331 




1,438 












Total 


7,842 


7.0" 


1 




14.856 





PEPIN COUNTY. 





194 
497 
271 
311 
759 
315 
' 593 
120 


181 
478 
233 
274 
644 
288 
535 
117 


2 
















585 
1,406 

606 
1,128 












Total 


3.060 


2,750 


2 




5,816 





ROCK COUNTY. 





445 
377 

2.162 
506 
542 
966 

1,060 
613 
463 

5,040 
611 
434 
598 
662 
945 
483 
639 
609 
522 
580 
592 

1,009 


433 
314 

2,371 
473 
498 
952 
950 
523 
400 

5,015 
576 
387 
533 
515 
930 
471 
603 
546 
497 
558 
537 

1,015 


■> 
39 

o 

' Q 

T 

34 
4 

1 

1 
1 

2 

1 


83' 
"l" 

O 

26 

1 

1 


878 






4,605 










1.923 






1.136 








1.191 






1.131 

1.079 
1,877 










1.242 
1,155 
1,019 
1,138 
1 13 












Total 


19.758 


19,127 


90 


til 


39.039 





RACINE COUNTY. 



Towns. C (TIES AND 

Villages. 





POPULATION. 




White. 


Colored 


















s 




















u 






























55 


fc 


£ 


■■=- 


< 



Burlington . 
Caledonia... 

Dover 

Mt. Pleasant 

Norway 

Racine city. 
Raymond.'.., 
Rochester. .. 
Waterford.., 
YorkviUe... 

Total . . 



1,403 


1.424 


1 




1,502 


1.345 






538 


455 


1 




1,237 


1.104 






506 


457 


4 


« 


6.571 


6,590 


62 


51 


824 


710 






436 


408 


1 




789 


725 






810 


755 






14,611! 


18,973 


69 


53 



RICHLAND COUNTY. 



ST. CROIX COUNTY. 



SAUK COUNTY, 



Barahoo.... 
Bear Creek 

Helton. 

D^llona 

Excelsior .. 
Fairfield.... 
Franklin ... 
Freedom. . . 



2,026 


1,931 


11 


8 


406 


402 






416 
311 


413 
281 










567 


485 




1 


382 


342 






483 


449 






560 


497 







2.827 
2.847 

993 
2,341 

963 

13.-74 

L534 

£44 
1.&I4 
1.565 



28.702 





361 
685 
660 
573 
598 
190 
163 
622 
463 

902 
749 
588 
527 
527 
435 


381 

614 
526 
525 
587 
422 
44S 
597 
440 
334 
965 
690 
544 
483 
477 
403 






742 












1.098 




1,185 








5 

1 

10 


3 


911 




1.219 
903 






687 




1.874 


Rich wood 


1,440 
1,132 
1.010 






1,004 
851 


Willow 






Total 


8,896 


8.436 


16 


S 


17,353 







160 
355 
184 
235 
636 
173 
277 
648 
346 
979 
394 
361 
329 
604 
277 
372 
259 
358 
164 
520 
378 


119 
247 
145 
209 
567 
128 
250 
572 
297 
993 
831 
260 
316 
635 
261 
308 
223 
314 
166 
396 
304 












60S 






831 








447 




"2 :', 










62^' 








1.220 
643 






4 
1 


1 


1,977 
725 






621 








1,140 




538 




680 




482 




672 




1 




330 




916 




683 






Total 


8.009 


6,941 


6 


1 


14.966 







3.976 
308 
J29 
692 

1.053 
7-.M 
932 

1,057 



256 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN". 



SAUK COUNTY.— Cont'd. 





POPULATION. 


Towns, citi bs and 


White. 


Colored 






- 
5 


3 
= 


a> 
S3 


S3 

E 


eg 
to 



Green:: 
Bom ■ ' 

I 

La \ ftile 

mack 

■ 
Re i 

Sumpter 

i i ■ 

Bt on... 
Westfleltl 

w -id 

Woodland 

Total 



391 




1 




766 


648 








1.270 


678 








1,811 


604 








1,168 


456 








sv f ; 


954 


1 ii i , 






1.999 


1,114 


1,186 


2 




2,242 


533 


516 






1.049 


392 


381 






773 


551 


.-in] 






1.052 


567 








1.093 


683 


632 


:', 


•J 


1,320 


439 


S78 








645 


575 






1.220 


13,816 


13,088 


11 


11 


26.932 



SHAWANO COUNTY. 





53 

106 
363 
272 

117 

80 

164 

72 
131 
105 

' 
218 


30 
180 

345 
l'.IS 

124 

411 

89 

60 

93 

862 

197 


■14 
■12 


»a 




•3 
■10 




Belle Plaine 


708 




170 




291 








■ i 


282 

lis 





166 
800 











. - 

ban 


789 

415 


Total 


3.548 


3.048 


■.'ii 


18 


6,635 





Indians, 



SHEBOYGAN COUNTY. 





1,004 

796 

1,150 
786 
918 

616 


1,146 

,.,H 

710 

681 
1,192 

606 






1,978 






2,287 


1 






2,318 




1 








1,181 




1,098 










1 569 








1,604 




i.ihi; 























i.Sio 


1 

ii . village . . 








1,228 








17.368 


16.652 


1 




84,021 







TREMPEALEAU COUNTY. 







POPULATION. 




Towns, Citibs and 


Will to. 


■ 




Villages. 


■-" 
s 
E 


d 

■- 




--" 

= 
Z 


C9 

be 

V 

(- 

ha 

bO 

< 



Areadla 

Albion 

Burnstde 

Caledonia 

Dodge 

Etti fck 

Qale 

Hale 

■ in 

Presti >n 

i 

ni r 

Trempt 

Total.... 



1.464 


1.368 








■Jul 








370 




493 






1,040 


293 


212 






510 




291 






576 




i u 






1,615 


889 








1.745 


557 


463 






1,020 


no 


335 






746 


755 




:t 




I, 164 


316 


3U3 






619 


406 


112 










795 


1 




1,678 


7,844 


7,144 


1 




14,992 



TAYLOR COUNTY. 




12 2971 711 3 1 


849 


VERNON COUNTY. 



Bergen 

ana 

Clinton 

Coon 

Forest 

Franklin 



■■'■ 'Mill . . . 

Hamburg 

■ 
•rough. 

■ on 

Kickapoo 



Stark 

■ 

Viroqua 

p 

Wheatland.... 
itown... 



176 




1 


1 


731 


640 








156 








151 












58 


















151 


434 






650 
















584 












554 


661 






2 5 I 








464 


485 






659 










266 


1 


1 


1,046 












1 




1 12 


441 
344 










11.166 




58 


55 



1,81 I 

957 
812 

717 
88G 

1,006 
I 108 
1,194 
1,115 

117 
§99 

21,524 



W UWOHTII COUNT! . 





591 
510 

541 
51 1 
506 

786 

1,001 


149 

181 
616 


7 

1 

1 
7 

i 


9 

"8" 


1,107 












I] u 


1,099 




1 680 




l'oofi 














926 




1,989 
1,180 

1.011 


SprlllK J 




1.270 




1,895 




.1 




13,067 




25 









STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN". 



25". 



WASHINGTON COUNTY. 





population. 


Towns, Cities and 
Villages. 


White. 


Colored 




9 


"3 
5 

ft 


6 


B 


eS 

w 

<u 

u 
EC 
Ml 



Addison 

Barton 

Erin 

Farmington 

Germantown 

Hartford 

Jackson 

Kewaskum 

Folk 

Richfield 

Schleisiugerville.. 

Trenton 

Wayne 

West Bend town... 
West Bend village 

Total 



951 

660 

612 

878 

1.030 

1,403 

1,028 

731 

936 

921 

220 

1,005 

451 

Hi il 


857 
689 
571 
839 
955 
1.821 
1,014 
703 
820 
819 

lfio 

907 
855 
444 
624 


• 
1 




1.808 

1.350 






1,717 

1.985 


3 




2.727 
2.042 
1,434 
1,756 
1,740 










1,912 

1.710 

893 

1.225 






i :.2s2 


11.576 


4 




83,862 



WAUKESHA COUNTY. 





1,128 
792 

617 
746 
761 
1,205 
778 
562 

887 

164 

759 

996 

1,054 

619 

657 

1,031 

1.318 


1.095 
716 
605 

1 ■■■ 

658 

1,143 

736 

820 

419 

710 

1,115 

1,016 

540 

588 

700 

1.449 






2,228 
1.509 




.... i 




1.224 





1,376 
1,421 




2,348 




4 
4 


4 
5 




1,135 

1,450 
1.707 


M askego 




893 








2,121 




2.0S0 
1.159 






1.247 




4 
21 


16 


1,735 




2,807 






Total 


15.140 


14,196 


:,:; 


26 


29.425 



W ALPACA COUNTY. 





393 
478 
426 
131 
111 
456 
111 
478 
388 
408 
534 
588 
192 
510 
875 
511 
566 
448 
205 
938 
413 
261 
127 


384 
451 
390 
119 
363 
402 
112 
439 
376 
363 
203 
532 
182 
426 
801 
495 
512 
397 
184 
1,036 
369 
237 
388 


1 




















2 


4 










223 












Lind 


1,037 
1,120 


Little Wolf 










1,682 








1,078 




389 




1,976 








498 

815 








10,146 


9,451 


5 


4 


19,646 







WAUSHARA COUNTY. 







POPULATION. 




Towns. Cities and 
Villages. 


White. 


Colored 




^ 


03 
i. 


ol 

- 


■J 

r. 
-_ 


CO 
blj 

60 

< 




537 
692 
137 
256 
122 
223 
443 

309 

300 
331 
459 
473 
193 
180 
3S1 
245 
322 
347 


473 
666 
147 
244 
114 
256 
399 
279 
369 
277 
397 
437 
185 
186 
319 

325 

861 


4 


6 


1,020 

1.358 

284 

500 

236 














842 
588 
569 
608 
856 
910 
378 
366 
703 
471 
647 
708 










Rldifnrd 










Total 


5.953 


5,560 


4 


6 


11,523 





WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 





393 
459 
691 
389 

1.579 
2711 
697 
573 

2 062 

HlH 

1.622 
6,672 

■79 
588 
596 

1.312 

4110 


396 

438 
609 
331 

1,961 
252 
578 
550 

1.961 
510 

1.690 

8,263 

405 
1,018 
499 
553 
535 
1,230 
417 


3 


3 


789 

897 

1.300 

720 

3.170 








1,275 
1,123 








1 
31 
"3 

4 


3 

4l" 
"3" 

1 








Oshkosh i iiy 


17.015 








1.078 








2.577 
877 






Total 


23,106 


21,825 


51 


51 


45,033 



WOOD COUNTY. 





102 
429 
191 
737 
376 
231 
193 
255 
79 

231 
183 
125 


74 
371 
113 
680 
297 
194 
117 
217 

73 
144 
201 
165 
104 


1 

1 
3 

1 


"l" 


176 
800 
304 
1,418 
677 
425 
810 
















152 
303 








349 
229 


Wood 




Total 


3,291 


2,750 


6 


1 


6,048 





258 



IIIM'ORY OF WISCONSIN. 



POPULATION BY COUNTIES. 

SUMMARY FROM STATE AND FEDERAL CENSUS. 



CODNT1ES. 


1840. 


1850. 


1855. 


1860. 


1865. 


1870. 


1875. 






187 


6,868 


6.492 

515 

13 

12 
7.895 

l.V.lj 

789 
24.441 

42.818 

812 
2,704 

84,154 

19,808 

18.688 

18.967 

1,170 


5.698 
256 

6,776 

171 
8,688 

1,1)11 

11.011 

Itl.Ml 

8 098 

5.170 

5.281 

42.089 

20,646 

10,018 
1 1,884 


5 18 

344 

85,168 

11,123 

L2, 136 

8.311 

28,802 

13. 075 

6 1, 

4.919 
1,128 

10,769 
88,611 

10.281 

16.562 

18, 1 1" 

10.0113 

10.640 
26.742 
15.786 

11,089 


6 502 
























1.032 








i, 699 
832 


















275 


1.713 
615 

2,498 

19,138 


3,631 

838 

282 

1? 965 

385 
1,796 


















1,502 
814 

67 






















711 








18.427 








15,991 




139 


14.510 

Hi. INS 

8,566 


14.827 

1,098 
26,869 


60, 2 1 1 




89 086 




22,027 




1 .'i 274 






9.522 
15.817 


24.133 




1 1,339 




'.1 1 












10,784 


12,897 
1.109 

16,064 

18,048 

1.427 
16.265 

1.501 
4,914 

12.'.)7:i 








1 1.405 






11,531 






895 








S 


608 


82,416 

62, '• 1 8 

B, Ill I 

4,672 

1, kiii 
7.507 


26.7112 

8,1 15 
22.884 
18,186 




Hi.lll 
122 




18 






21,026 




































1,720 

517 

5,151 

20,678 

5.584 

254 






624 






102 






























133 




84,021 










22,662 
18.897 


11.007 


87.029 
1 1.208 














































135 


45 033 


\Y 1 
















80.945 


806 


552.109 


775.881 














in :i note to >ry ol [ndlftna returns appears the following: 

Blppl, I ih:il. limits. 



•On the 1st of August, 1800, Pralrlt* ilu Cblen, on tin 



STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN. 



25? 



NATIVITY BY COUNTIES. 

CENSUS OF 1S/0. 





Native. 










Foreign 


Born. 












COUNTIES. 


a: 

S3 

z 
o 

a 




O 
H 

1.250 

47 

292 

56 

10.4 1H 

4.269 

562 

4.674 

3,586 

6gg 

9. 150 
3.463 

19.640 

18,327 

2,113 

410 

3.22U 

3.375 

14.796 
9,414 
5.0 ; 9 
4,097 
9.178 
1.923 

12,293 
3.011 
4,081 
5.486 
8.602 
6 724 

16.496 
2,746 
2.928 

42 233 
4,038 
3.730 
6.689 
6.836 
1.30S 
2.498 
1.173 
3.421 

10,791 
1.777 
8.318 
6.552 
1.478 

12.557 
3.584 
4,393 
5.040 
5.150 

10.051 
9.906 
4,528 
2.577 

12.070 
1,374 


ri 

| i 
pq 


n 

S 




o 
a 
so 


| 

03 




9 

u 


4 

C - 
03 O 


. 

I 
a 
a 
o 
a 


B 


a 
o 

a 


3 

a 

a 
© 

a 




5.351 

174 

246 

288 

14.728 

6.854 

144 

7.661 

4.725 

2.751 

19.652 

9.612 

33.456 

28.708 

2,806 

712 

6,268 

7,394 

31.477 

28,565 

18.532 

9.098 

15,366 

5,764 

21.747 

9.361 

9,066 

4.642 

11,695 

15.935 

16868 

3.139 

5.128 

47.697 

12,512 

4,591 

11,741 

8.728 

3,351 

7.460 

2249 

7,213 

15.949 

13.954 

30.712 

17.308 

1.08N 

19.192 

7.451 

6,339 

13.605 

20.822 

13.868 

18.368 

11.011 

8.702 

25.209 

2,538 


2,649 

148 

132 

175 

11,098 

4,433 

100 

5,658 

2,764 

1,196 

12.233 

5.SII8 

22,738 

20,934 

1.903 

340 

3.177 

3.336 

20.112 

19.390 

10.643 

4.535 

12.562 

2,966 

15.407 

5.359 

5.959 

4.208 

6.779 

11.346 

15,109 

2.333 

3.342 

37.183 

6,722 

2.677 

8.060 

8.21 l 

1.612 

3,618 

931 

4.337 

11.336 

6,547 

15,209 

9.795 

1.133 

14.957 

4,158 

3.700 

7.232 

11.214 

12,504 

13,304 

6.225 

it-m 

1.587 


127 
12 

127 
23 

1,687 

173 

4 

165 

1,437 
226 
511 
397 
684 
565 
290 
133 
437 
767 

1,754 
386 
272 
290 
346 
291 
369 
336 
138 
159 
580 
186 
518 
216 
151 
884 
356 

1.645 
796 
110 
208 
310 
191 
401 
270 
168 
755 
386 
111 
323 
816 
2119 
184 
391 
97 
332 
508 
264 

1,558 
636 


142 
4 
2 
a 

273 

56 

4 

167 

120 

81 

2,046 

186 

1.631 

1,236 

89 

41 

147 

242 

1.291 

2.531 

598 

597 

3,897 

151 

934 

395 

650 

47 

570 

2,281 

223 

49 

252 

1,973 

510 

111 

171 

48 

91 

102 

46 

217 

1,878 

222 

1,382 

765 

27 

303 

1511 

185 
189 
921 
110 

2.0115 
260 
508 

1.531 
42 


225 

18 
7 
4 

1.442 

242 

1 

500 

417 

45 

1.332 
906 

2.955 

2.301 

228 

66 

227 

487 

2.572 

1.281 
942 
412 

1.239 
137 

1.0H7 

1.104 
813 
313 
488 

2,345 

1.133 
103 
537 

4,604 
641 
422 
792 
475 
118 
422 
102 
369 

1,039 
431 

2.870 

946 

24 

943 

1.202 
286 
3 011 

1,729 
882 

1.593 
517 
307 

1.399 
171 


26 
1 
1 

23 

112 

125 

1 

13 

39 

18 

629 
48 

465 

256 

23 

6 

51 

54 

317 

189 
50 
62 
86 
92 

182 
81 

100 
16 

109 

111 
52 
26 

198 

502 
87 
38 
85 
18 
29 
34 
19 
99 

289 
46 

490 

103 

5 

38 

56 

141 
87 

148 
35 

397 
60 
42 

146 
34 


133 

8 

41 

3 

2,733 

1.971 

1 

3.267 

958 

235 
2,774 

640 
6.276 
12,656 

426 
60 

842 

835 
7.372 
3,585 

892 
2,634 
1,447 

250 
8445 

518 
2.082 
1.611 
2.831 

729 
9.335 
2.239 
1,661 
29.019 
1,601 

797 
3.262 
4,422 

300 

449 

172 
1.223 
3.859 

481 
1.142 
3.433 
1.096 
8.497 

294 

776 

661 
1.173 
8.213 
4,335 
1,243 

816 
5.261 

299 


5 

"68 
39 

"51 
34 

4 

30 

35 

160 

187 

27 

4 
17 
34 
125 
83 
39 

8 
21 
29 
41 
11 
39 
22 
52 
17 
93 
19 

1 
288 
38 
23 
61 
92 
27 
16 
27 
39 
82 
25 
78 
65 

4 
119 

6 
22 
30 
81 
134 
37 
39 
11 
53 

3 


537 

3 

98 

1 

451 

556 

551 

3 

439 

79 

1.515 

764 

6.601 

383 

31 1 

93 

1.336 

871 

156 

543 

1,017 

1.647 

944 

384 

379 

29 

97 

2,646 

993 

1.420 

73 

31 

636 

573 

321 

37 

98 

484 

1.052 

483 

795 

1.0S8 

237 

1,428 

93 

146 

234 

940 

2.633 

3,138 

579 

40 

486 

1,225 

220 

762 

106 


4 

i'e'2 

67 

168 

34 

1 

34 

402 

195 

167 

43 

'"» 

7 

547 

4 

343 
12 

309 

3 

11 

2,011 

489 

2,360 
3 

1.524 
40 
72 

11 

" "i 

n 

703 

124 

6 

8 

"38 

"« 
281 

1 

296 

54 

8 

"26 


9 

"14 

"31 
941 

"82 

35 

1 

67 

46 

216 

97 

16 

2 

44 

39 

193 

118 

1,247 

1 

31 

6 

144 

11 

30 

27 

271 

21 

153 

3 

1 

447 

43 

3 

54 

20 

7 

76 

8 

5 

67 

11 

50 

601 

12 

99 

3 

16 

35 

40 

79 

96 

65 

3 

300 

23 


6 

947 
4 

"92 
29 

"44 

3 

17 

77 

3 

2 

3 

1 

627 

71 

3 

2 

13 

1 

19 

1 

44 

48 

94 

3 

51 

"4 

Sill 
25 
79 

785 
34 

"l'i 

1 
5 

49 
4 
6 

34 
8 

1.6S2 

38 

6 

3 

15 

58 

48 



1 

23 


32 














371 










22 
20 

3 
49 
11 
131 
37 
82 

3 
51 
21 
98 
13 




Chirk 




Dane 


















15 
3 








15 

55 
71 
44 
55 
3 
38 
















5 

130 

2 

60 

56 

16 
















19 

106 

47 

1.294 

3 
52 

9 
23 

8 
71 

9 
39 
28 

2 


Polk 


















Trempealeau 




Washington 




557 
369 
723 






Wood 







260 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN". 



VALUATION OF PROPERTY 



IX THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. 



assessed Valuation of Taxable Property for the 

year 1876. 



a ites. 



mg 

Ashland 

Barron 

hi 

Bron n 

Buffalo 

Burnetl 

Calumet 

Chippewa 

Clark 

Columbia ... . 
Crawford. . . . 
Daiip 

Dodge 

Dooi 

Douglas 

Iitinn 

Eau Claire... 
Pond ilu Lac. 



n Lake,. 

Iowa 

Jackson 

Jeffei 

.' nneau 

Kenosha 

Kewaunee... 

•M- 

La l i 

■ ii 

M;uiit'>\\ ur . . 
Mai allien 

Marquette .. . 
Hllwai 
Honroe 

in 

Outagfl 
Ozaukee 



Pleice 



Portage 

Racine 

Richland 



Bt Croll 



Bbewano 

Sheboygan 

Vim 

■I til... , 

ngton., 

tana 

ica 

bara 

Winnebago. .. 
i .T..... 

Total 




VALUA i SB P] IPBRTY, FROM 

375 AND 1S76. 



* 



Co . town, 

rili and 

property. 






< 



6,147 

3.3-10 



6,800 

15.800 

" ijbo 

29,785 

i 
45.800 

'l7il68 

"raiuo 

•19.330 

25,650 

"iKJm 
600 

12, i 

"i&SOO 
10.750 
81,000 



28,210 

:, ..-,, 
6,368 

'"id! ibo 

5,280 
18,950 

28.000 



10,725 

70,200 

a o 

21,850 
6,880 
1,500 



School, cor 
lege and 

property. 



Church and 
cemetery 
property. 



82 00 l,(iiM 



S 9.900 
4,935 

""li'lon 
1.500 

""s'.i'eo 

115.6115 
11,000 

8,200 
16,988 

191 105 

i.n.s;.-. 

"86.774 

"oolsdo 

'"'•iiYii'rir. 
17,720 

55.930 

li. 

21,248 
27,202 

8.735 

13.300 

l s . 1 1 r> 
B.247 

10,940 
25,916 

■ 6 



7,211 
4,125 

2,000 

21,080 
29, 195 






125 

1,800 
91.1 12 

II 

2,351 

259 900 
109, 105 

23,840 

l Di 

173.300 

19,280 

110,648 

71.610 

"MUK i 
16,825 

I 

38.100 

42,470 

236,000 

87.915 

41,870 

:ii. no 
22.524 

4,774.828 









'i 1,025 
150 



78 



175,885 
64 095 

110.0110 

84,400 



421,604 

627,155 

95, 150 

2,000 

"eiisbo 

75,000 

51,800 
800 

"1021600 



146,901 

1.371. lino 
17,685 

22 026 



70, 100 
250,975 

22,500 

' lMl.lillll 









7.1 u 7.li37 



U. S., state 
property. 



$ 400 



HUH 



10, 121 

Inn 

14,400 

200 



li'M 

16.780 
82,245 

600 

31 300 

10.500 
2,525 

400 
3.595 



682,800 

"3.01)6 
3.-I70 
9.8 IS 

1 1 

900 
1,150 



11,800 

1 n 



3.:!3:> 
1,200 
1.550 

7.710 



S 21,168 

14,898 

181.875 

lisl 520 

170 120 

88.070 

188.680 

,1. 00 

49 516 
264.048 

10.040 

II 1,820 

l 10 

III ,111 
82,047 

1 17,1 86 

88,440 
11 1.120 

191 77S 





STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN". 



261 



ACREAGE OF PRINCIPAL CROPS 
GROWN IN 1876. 



. riES. 


NUMBER OF ACRES. 


Wheat. 


Corn. 


Oats. 


Barlej 


Kj'e. 


Hops. 




Flax-seed. 




5.146 
5 
4.070V 

16.384 

18,507! 

1,179 

10,442 

2.-157 

ill. 172 

19.054 

89 453 

128 70S 

4.771 


11,456 

26 

639K- 

20 

13,923 

9,213* 
216K 

4.583 

2,734 

1,596 
40.274 
19.173 
84,072 
29,401* 
352 
5 

9.671 
11.765 
1S.20S). 
9S.709 
5S.16S 
15.608 
Iti.'.isi) 

s.ii. I 1 
28,379 ' 
11.84RH 
15,1- i 

l.i .. , 
10,581 
61.54!) 


5,353 
84 
3.477X 

15 

5.732 

12.573M 

637 

9 858 

9,032 

■.'. 108 

84.071 

10.5S4 

67,120 
25,592* 

3.391 

50 

13, 833 

7,183 
2(1.763 
62.054 
34,191 

8,013 
34,433 
1 U89J 
16,845 

I 1,272* 
14.174 
)1 632 

349 

. 1 94 

712 

21, ma 
5,020 

4,87 1 
10.213* 

12 f .1 
3, 1 1 a 

2. 147* 
9.473 
4.47 > 
8,3 i 
,8 12 
9 086* 
15.24 1* 

I I 606! 
60 103 
17.5 41 
24.169V 

1 108! 
16 704 
54)4 

23.055 

88 '.'2.-, 
14.104 
18.980 

7 1 is 

s si; 
13,813 

1,029 


83 


8,488 


660 


5* 

2 

IX 










759M 


282V 


27 




i.n field 






5.012 
2,751 

58 
4. ills'. 
1,258 
208 
7.694 
3.912 

23,499 

11.463 
696 


5.354 

S7l) 
264 

23 1M 

185 
95 
7 648 
1.588 
7.410 
2,134* 

788 


17* 

9* 






Buffalo 














39 

10}<i 

3 

593V 

18 
317X, 
136 


9 


















2V 
45 
153* 
IX 




15 

2.459* 
8 
















'5 

. .12 

29,643 

1, .mi 

37.064 

81.676 
19,95 
33,568 
1 1,598! 

1.7s. 
17.702 
38, 

4. . 
262 

1, , s 

9 ill 
11.771 
31.6 1 

2,490 

I5)i 
jOK 

11 187 
9,293 

15.701X 
7.884* 
13,22 ', 
12.384J4 
77. sin 
27.701 
6,485 
45.959 

60*1 
53.656 
42,277 
80,588 
53 691 
34 1 10 

12 573 

49 999 

'1 ;, 


1,560 
1,242 

8 554 
2,839 

1,66'. 
1,170 
2,609* 
1,739 " 
8,773 

445 

1,649 
2,164 

3,045 

1.273 

20 

4,299 

670 

93 

5,063 

1.769 

357 

940* 
4.116H 

613* 
2.S51 

1 HI 

1 284M 
2.22BK 

19.424 

2 022 

2.197'. 

205 

7 519 

2 

2 381 * 

5,512 

8.984* 
6.614 
8,587 
1,060 

636 h 
1.427 
29* 


1,156 

933 

i 5 1 1 

3.296 

3,793)4 

3.455 

' 1.892 

613 

7.611 

3,137 

611 

8.520 

3,177 

1.735 


68 

11 

44 

118* 

28 

179K 
71« 
840 

1.160 

8 

2 

249* 

13 




IX 




H 






Grant 


29 
44 


25,217 
363 








1 


10,145 






100 






6 






3,434 




7 
Ji 

2* 








16.670 






854* 

355 
15,181 

' inn; 

■1 761 

■ „SI>, 

6,924 

B.9I 4 
4,104 
■ .076 

nl 
160* 

■ . 1 ! .. 

33.816! 

1 904 

8.244 

32 

12.106 

88,499 

15.456 

11.613 

26.31 S 

. g ■ 1 

18.726)4 

15, 104 

958 


5.333 
116 
10.503 
1,074* 

1.377 
734 
514 

2,43054 
563 
258 
326 

7,665* 

2,212 

1.77H 1 . 

15.038k' 

173 

6.164* 

l.iiiox 

1 332 

3 

550 

633 

1.875* 

r, 002 

7.659 

4,363 

15.416 

982 

372X 


3 


1 










139 
65 

II. 
■■', 

HM 

15 

25* 

3 


7 






22 


Monroe 








X 








Ozaukee 




11* 














Polk 





3 




58 1 ; . 
31! 

499', 
41* 


4.285M 




4* 
2ii 

2.105.H 






282 








3, US', 








a 






19 

* 

42 
187 
101 

"' 
239 
295 
340 

1111 
11 


13 
















14 
11* 


9 




1.169 




113 




5 
3 


3 




3 




9 






3 




2 








Total 


1.445.650K 


i.ii':.-,.sim 


854 B61! 


183.030V 


175.314* 


11.184* 


4.842 


62 mis -. 







262 



II1STOHV OF WIm O.KSIN. 



ACREAGE OF PRINCIPAL CROPS 
GROWN IN i'676. 



COl NTIES. 






NUMBER OF ACUKS 






1 loi ,1 seed 


Cultivated 
Grass* 


Potatoe 


Knots. 


A.pples. 


' 1. vnteil 
Cl' illii' 1 1 It's. 


Timber. 


Bushels 




3.161 
241 

1,84834 
100 


771 
266 
84154 
80 
150 

1 \ 

120K 
1.1117 


6 
75 
55V 


58 


4K 


1,152,000 
24,175 


553 








5 
















Illllfillo 


5.769K- 
39 
18,361 


25X 
17K 

87 


219 


4.000 


12,739 
57,468 










552M 


1.718 








Clark 


9.348 

82,826 

I.92S 

53.219 

29.552 

257 

100 

10.032 

41.609 
87,792 

28,833 
18,920 
15,666 

5.311; 

17,407 

B.705 

29.856 

1 1.890 

82.719 

816 

32.256s 

5,453 

3 881 
211,557 
14,217 

li. 170 
11,681 

8.528 


425 
1.918V 
2 198 

- 

3,780) 

20 

100 

989 




78 
1.533)4 
2.460 
1,8 10)4 
16,254 




1 ! 

51,879 






104 

lilS 

so 
89 


36 


1,689 




50 




311 


111.463 
49.869)4 


2 969)4 




2 1-V-. 


Door . . . 




10 

219 


2 
61M 




• 

5, 1 1 1 




Dunn 




8 










2. Till'.. 

8.038 

1,159 

921 
1,650)4 

510 
2.209 
1,788 
1.080 
1. 181 

7S1 
1,638 

108 
2.251 

667 

926 
8.080)4 
1,520 

836 

51 

1,666V 


61K 


2,935 . 
2.766 

5.980V 

1,-li.T 

1.987)4 

Hill 
2,233 

889 

2.17H 

II 

239 

994 




14,986 
126.118 

22,398 

53 B80 

33.771 


1.- 








16 

5 
46 
41 
94 
52 H 
18V 
10 
99 
26 




1.1137 




45 


566 




1,515 




520 

2,757'. 


107 




5.269 




7S1 




18 896 

', , 573 

- 
21.11,17 


1 324 






1.174 




2 


30 




I 11117 










HIS 
138 

50 
187* 

99 

71 

13 
100 


689 
46 

1.K56 

1,984* 

406 




257,341 


774s 








151 

1 

4,412 

20 


20.525 

1 1, i 1 1 

19.483 

22.077 


1.1173 




118 




1,666 










97 




1,266 . 

77 
11 

60V 
16.004 
179 
8,676 
157 
1.054V 
73* 
1.730 
2 
279X 

1.056! 

5 5 

1,959 
205 

1,661 


1 


1,849 








12.97-1 
2,642 
10.1 12)4 
21,515! 
18,924! 
57,182)4 
1 1 298 
25,222V 

4.111 
40,123 

18,1 18 
20,197 

15 09 1 

6 513 

88 629 

1 I S40 

2 1,483 

SSII Ills', 


724 

591 

2.0161i 

1,548V 

1,153', 

2.980 
1.176 

MS 

2.723 

1111 

B78X 
1 2 1 1 
2.183X 

11. i n 

8.982 
1,695 

iiiii 
121 


•11 
ITS 
128V 

li,'-. 

10» 
122b 

111 
llll'. 

1,1', 
133 

31 

41H 
140 
- 
9,480 

98 

1 i 
85 




182.671 

,. g i 

--. 058! 
80,538 
68.057 


121 


Pbll 




2 




580 
H 


313 




840 


ki.-iiuii.i 


2,160)4 


Etoek 




5,416 






80 






1 2 In', 




1 101 


16 
111.738 


T»3 lor 


! 
IV 






12 1 111 
111 mi 
511.221 
50 080 
42,890 
82.965 
86,510 
25.737 


2 7ii 




1.131 


H nl worth 


137* 

30 

1S5 

1.053 

I'll 

urn 
1;. 1,1,1 






16 080 




1,529 




1,111 




117 




720 


\\ 1 












Total 


18 ,,.'i 


139.891 » 


4.091' 


7',,'.il5'-, 







* ABSTRACT OF LAWS 

WISCONSIN. 



ELECTORS AND GENERAL ELECTIONS. 

Sec. 12. Every male person of the age of twenty-one years or upward, belonging to 
either of the following classes, who shall have resided in the State for one year next preceding 
any election, shall be deemed a qualified elector at such election : 

1. Citizens of the United States. 

2. Persons of foreign birth who shall have declared their intention to become citizens con- 

formably to the laws of the United States on the subject of naturalization. 

3. Persons of Indian blood who have once been declared by law of Congress to be citizens 

of the United States, any subsequent law of Congress to the contrary notwithstanding. 

4. Civilized -ins of Indian descent not members of any tribe. Every person convicted 

of briben shall be excluded from the right of suffrage unless restored to civil rights ; 
and no person who shall have made or become directly or indirectly interested in any 
bet or wager depending upon the result of any election at which he shall offer to vote, 
shall be permitted to vote at such election. 

Sec. 13. No elector shall vote except in the town, ward, village or election district in which 
he actually resides. 

Sec. 14. The general election prescribed in the Constitution shall be held in the several 

towns, wards, villages and election districts on the Tuesday next succeeding the first Monday in 

November in each year, at which time there shall be chosen such Representatives in Congress, 

Electors of President and Vice President, State officers, and county officers as are by law to be 

. elected in such year. 

Sec. 15. All elections shall be held in each town at the place where the last town-meeting 
was held, or at such other place as shall have been ordered at such last meeting, or as shall have 
been ordered by the Supervisors when they establish more than one election poll, except that the 
first election after the organization of a new town shall be held at the place directed in the act 
or proceeding by which it was organized; and all elections in villages constituting separate elec- 
tion districts and in the wards of cities, shall be held at the place to be ordered by the Trustees 
of such village, or the Common Council of such city, at least ten days before such election, un- 
less a different provision is made in the act incorporating such village or city. 

Sec. 16. Whenever it shall become impossible or inconvenient to hold an election at the 
place designated therefor, the Board of Inspectors, after having assembled at or as near as prac- 
ticable to such place, and before receiving any votes may adjourn to the nearest convenient place 
for holding the election, and at such adjourned place shall forthwith proceed with the election. 
Upon adjourning any election as hereinbefore provided, the Board of Inspectors shall cause proc- 
lamation thereof to be made, and shall station a Constable or some other proper person at the 
place where the adjournment was made, to notify all electors arriving at such place of adjourn- 
ment, and the place to which it was made. 



264 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN 



Sec. 20. A registry of elector.? shall annually be made : 

1. In each ward or election district of every city which, at the last previous census, had 

a population of three thousand or more. 

2. In each ward or election district of every incorporated village in which, by law, sep- 

arate elections are held; which village at the hist preceding census, had a popula- 
tion of fifteen hundred or more. 
;!. In every town containing a village which, at said census, hail a population of fifteen 
hundred or more, in which village separate general elections are not by law required to 
be held. 
4. In all towns any part of which shall have bem embraced in any part of any city or 

village in which a registration by this chapter is required. 
Such registration shall be made in the manner provided by this chapter. The persons 
authorized by law to act as [nspectors of Election in each of such towns, wards or election dis- 
tricts shall constitute the Board of Registry therefor. 

21. The said Inspectors shall have their iirst meeting on Tuesday, four weeks pre- 
ceding each genera] election, al the place where said election is to be held; and in election 
districts at which there were polled at the previous general election three hundred votes or 
less, they shall sit for one day, and in districts at which there were more than three hui 
votes polled, they shall have power to sit two days if necessary, for the purpose of making 
list. They shall meet at !• o'clock in the forenoon and hold their meetings open until 8 
o'clock in the evening of each day during which they shall so sit. The Clerks appointed by law 
to acl as Clerks ol Election shall act as Clerks of the Board of Registry on the day of election 
only. The proceedings shall be open, and all electors of the district shall be entitled to be 

heard in relation to correct ions or additions to said registry. They shall have the Same powers 
to presi i •■ order which [nspectors of Election have on election days, and in towns vacancies in 
the Board shall be filled in the same manner that vacancies are filled at elections. 

Sec. 22. The said [nspectors at their first meeting, and before doing any business, shall 
severally take and subscribe the oath of Inspectors at a general election, and said I nspectors shall 
at their firsi meeting make a registry of all the electors of their respective districts, placing 
thereon the full names, alphabetically arranged according to surnames, in one column, and in 
another the residence by number and name of street or other location, if known. If any electoi - 
residence is at any hotel or public boaiding-liousc the name of the hotel or boarding house shall 
bo Mated in the registry. They shall put thereon the names of till persons residing in their elec- 
tion district appearing on the poll list kept at the last preceding general election, and are author- 
ized to take therefor such poll-list from the office where kept, omitting such as have died or 
removed from the district, and adding the names of all other persons known to them to be elect- 
ors in such district. In case of the formation of anew election district since the last preci 
general election, the said Board therein may make such registry from the best means al their 
command, an d may, if necessary, procure therefor certified copies of the last poll-list. They shall 

complete said registry as far as practicable at their first meeting, and shall make four copies 
thereof, and certify the original and each copy to be a true list of the electors in their district bo far 
as the same are known to them. < Ine of said copies shall be immediately posted in a conspicuous 
place iii t ! i ■ ■ in in w Inch their meeting was held, and be accessible to any elector for examina- 
tion or making copies thereof, and one copy shall be retained by each Inspector for revision and 
correction at the second meeting. They shall within two days after said first meeting file the original 
registry made by them, and said poll list in the office of the proper town, city or village clerk, 
ami may, in their discretion, cause ten printed copies of said registry to be made and posted in 
ten of the most public places of Baid election district, or may publish the same in a newspaper at 
an ex pd i -e not exceeding ci nt for each name. 

Sec. 23. The Inspectors shall hold their second meeting at the same place designated for 
holding elections on th fuesday two works preceding the election. They shall meet at 9 o'clock 
in the forenoon. In election districts having less than three hundred voters, as shown by the 



ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 265 

preliminary registry, the Board shall complete the registry on the same clay ; but if there are more 
than that number of voters, they shall sit two days. They shall remain in session until 8 o'clock in 
the evening. They shall revise and correct the registry first by erasing the name of any person 
who shall be proved to their satisfaction by the oaths of two electors of the district to be not 
entitled to vote therein at the next ensuing election, unless such person shall appear and if chal- 
lenged, shall answer the questions and take the oath hereinafter provided ; secondly, by entering 
thereon the names of every elector entitled to vote in the district at the next election who shall 
appear before the Board and require it, and state his place of residence, giving street and num- 
ber, if numbered, or location, as hereinbefore provided, if challenged answer the questions, and 
take the oaths provided in case of challenge at an election ; but if any person shall refuse to 
answer all such questions or to take such oath, his name shall not be registered. Any person 
who is not twenty-one years of age before the date when the registry is required to be corrected, but 
will be if he lives until the day of election, shall have his name put on the registry if he be other- 
wise qualified to he an elector. Any elector who did not vote at the previous general election 
shall be entitled to be registered either at the preliminary or the final registration of electors by 
appearing before the Board of Registration of his election district and establishing his right to 
be registered, or, instead of a personal appearance, he may make his application to be registered 
to the Board in writing. Such application shall state the name and period of continuous resi- 
dence in the election district and place of residence therein, giving the number and street of the 
applicant, and, in case the person making the application is of foreign birth, he shall state when 
he came to the United States and to the State of Wisconsin, and the time and place of declaring 
his intention of becoming a citizen of the United States, and that he is entitled to vote at the 
election. Upon receiving such application, the Board of Registration shall register the name of 
such applicant, if it appears to the Board that the applicant is, by his statement, entitled to 
vote. Such statement shall be made under oath, and shall be preserved by the Board and be 
filed in the office of the village or city, clerk, as the case may be. All city and village clerks 
shall keep blanks for making the application for registration, as provided by this section. The 
form shall be prescribed by the Secretary of State. Every person named in this section shall be 
subject to the same punishment for any false statement or other offense in respect thereto as 
is provided in case of such false statement or other offense by an elector offering to vote at an 
election. After such registry shall have been fully completed on the days above mentioned, 
no name shall be added thereto by any person or upon any pretext. Within three days after the 
second meeting the said Board shall cause four copies of the registry to be made, each of which 
shall be certified by them to be a correct registry of the electors of their district, one of which 
shall be kept by each Inspector for use on election day, and one shall forthwith be filed in the 
office of the proper town, city or village clerk. All registries shall at all times be open to pub- 
lic inspection at the office where deposited without charge. 

Sec. 24. On election day the Inspectors shall designate two of their number at the'opening 
of the polls, who shall check the names of every elector voting in such district whose name is on 
the registry. No vote shall be received at any general election in any ward or election district 
defined in Section 20, if the name of the person offering to vote be not on said registry made at 
the second meeting as aforesaid, except as hereinafter provided ; but in case any one shall, after 
the last clay for completing such registry, and before such election, become a qualified voter of 
the district, he shall have the same right to vote therein at such election as if his name had been 
duly registered, provided he shall, at the time he offers to vote, deliver to the Inspectors his affi- 
davit, in which he shall state the facts, showing that he has, since the completion of such regis- 
try, become a qualified elector of such district, and the facts showing that he was not such 
elector on the day such registry was completed, and shall also deliver to such Inspectors the affi- 
davits of two freeholders, electors in such election district, corroborating all the material state- 
ments in his affidavit. In case any person who was a voter at the last previous general election 
shall not be registered, such person shall be entitled to vote on making affidavit that he was enti- 
tled to vote at the previous election, and that he has not become disqualified by reason of removal 



266 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

from the (lection district or otherwise, since that election, which affidavit shall also be corrobo- 
rated by the affidavits of two freeholders, as is provided for other non-registered voters. No one 
freeholder shall be competent to make at any one election corroborating affidavits for more than 
three voters. All of said affidavits shall be sworn to before some officer authorized by the laws 
of this State to take depositions. The Inspectors shall keep a list of the names and residence 
of the electors voting whose names are not on said completed registry, and attach said list to the 
registry and return it, together with all such affidavits, to the proper town, city or village clerk. 
No compensation shall be paid or received for taking or certifying any such affidavits. On the day 
following the election, one of said poll-lists and one copy of the registry so kept and checked shall be 
attached together and filed in the office of the proper town, city or village clerk, and the other of 
said poll-lists and copy of the registry so kept and checked shall be returned to the County 
Clerk with the returns of the election. Such Inspectors shall give notice by advertisement in a 
newspaper printed in the city, village or town where such registration was made, of the registry, 
and shall include in such notice all additions to and omissions from the preliminary list, and 
shall also state where the election is to be held. In case there be no newspaper printed in such 
city, village or town, such notice shall be given by posting copies thereof in three or more public 
places in each ward or election district in such city, village or town. For publication of such 
notice in any such newspaper the publisher thereof shall be entitled to tne same compensation 
per folio as is prescribed for publishing other legal notices. 

- COMMON SCHOOLS. 

Sec. 413. The formation of any school district shall be by written order of the Town 
Board, describing the territory embraced in the same, to be filed with the Town Clerk within 
twenty days after the making thereof. The Supervisors shall deliver to a taxable inhabitant of 
the district their notice thereof in writing, describing its boundaries, and appointing a time and 
place for the first district meeting, and shall therein direct such inhabitant to notify every quali- 
fied voter of the district, either personally or by leaving a writ tin notice at his place of resi- 
dence, of the time and place of such meeting, at. least five days before the time appointed 
therefor, and said inhabitant shall notify the voters of such district accordingly, and indorse 
thereon a return containing the names of all persons thus notified, and said notice and return 
shall be recorded as a part of the record of the first meeting in such district. 

Sec. 414. In case such notice shall not be given, or the inhabitants of a district shall neg- 
lect or refuse to assemble and form a district meeting when so notified, or in case any school dis- 
trict having been formed or organized shall afterward be disorganized, so that no competent 
authority shall exist therein to call a special district meeting, in the manner hereinafter pro- 
vided, notice shall be given by the Town Hoard, and served in the manner prescribed in the pre- 
ceding section. Whenever a district meeting shall be called as prescribed in this ami the 
preceding section, it shall be the duty of the electors of the district to assemble at the time 
and place so directed. 

Sec. 1 15. Whenever it shall be necessary to form a district from two or more adjoining 
towns, tin? Town Boards of such towns shall meet together and form such districts by their writ- 
ten order, describing the territory embraced in such district, signed by at leasl two of the Super- 
visors of each town; and shall lib' one Such onler with the Town Clerk of each town, and 
deliver the notice of formation to a taxable inhabitant of such district, and cause the same to be 
served and returned in the time and manner hereinbefore prescribed : ami any such district may 
be altered only by the joint action of the Town Boards of such towns in the same manner that 
other districts are altered. 

H6. Every school district -hall be deemed duly organized when any two of the offi- 
cers elected :i< the first legal meeting thereof shall have consented tOBerve in the offices to which 
they have been respectively elected, by a written acceptance thereof filed with the clerk of the 
first meeting, and recorded in the minutes thereof; and every school district shall be considered 



ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 267 

as duly organized after it shall have exercised the franchises and privileges of a district for the 
term of two years. 

Sec. 425. The annual meeting of all school districts in which graded schools of two or 
more departments are taught, shall be held on the second Monday of July, and of all other 
school districts on the last Monday of September, in each year. The hour of such meeting shall 
be seven o'clock in the afternoon, unless otherwise provided by a vote of the district, duly 
recorded at the last previous annual meeting; but at any annual meeting a majority of the 
electors present may determine that the annual meeting of such district shall be held on the last 
Monday of August instead of the last Monday of September. Said determination to take effect 
when a copy of the proceedings of said annual meeting in reference to such change shall have 
been filed with the Town Clerk in which the schoolhouse of such district is situated, and to 
remain in force until rescinded by a like vote of the electors of such district. 

Sec. 426. The Clerk shall give at least six days' previous notice of every annual district 
meeting, by posting notices thereof in four or more public places in the district, one of which 
shall be affixed to the outer door of the schoolhouse, if there be one in the district, and he shall 
give like notices for every adjourned district meeting when sucli meeting shall have been 
adjourned for more than one month ; but no annual meeting shall be deemed illegal for want of due 
notice, unless it shall appear that the omission to give such notice was willful and fraudulent. 

Sec. 427. Special district meetings may be called by the Clerk, or, in his absence, by the 
Directors or Treasurer, on written request of five legal voters of the district, in the manner 
prescribed for calling an annual meeting ; and the electors, when lawfully assembled at a special 
in eting, shall have power to transact the same business as at the first and each annual meeting, 
except the election of officers.- The business to be transacted at any special meeting shall be 
particularly specified in the notices calling the same, and said notices shall be posted six full 
days prior to the meeting. No tax or loan or debt shall be voted at a special meeting, unless 
three-fourths of the legal voters shall have been notified, either personally or by a written notice 
left at their places of residence, stating the time and place and objects of the meeting, and 
specifying the amount proposed to be voted, at least six days before the time appointed therefor. 

Sec. 428. Every person shall be entitled to vote in any school district meeting who is 
qualified to vote at a general election for State and county officers, and who is a resident of such 
school district. 

ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF DISTRICT TAXES. 

Sec. 469. All school district taxes, unless otherwise specially provided by law, shall be 
assessed on the same kinds of property as taxes for town and county purposes; and all personal 
property which, on account of its location or the residence of its owner, is taxable in the town, 
shall, if such locality or residence be in the school district, be likewise taxable for school district 
purposes. 

BORROWING- MONEY. 

Sec. 474. Whenever, upon any unusual exigency, any school district shall, before the annual 
meeting, vote a special tax to be collected with the next levy, the district may, by vote, author- 
ize the District Board to borrow for a period not exceeding one year a sum not exceeding the 
amount of such tax, and by such vote set apart such tax when collected to repay such loan, and 
thereupon the District Board may borrow such money of any person and on such terms and exe- 
cute and deliver to the lender such obligation therefor, and such security for the repayment, 
including a mortgage or pledge of any real or personal property of the district, subject to the 
directions contained in the vote of the district as may be agreed upon and not prohibited by 
law. 

Sec. 498. Every District Clerk who shall willfully neglect to make the annual report for 
his district as required by law shall be liable to pay the whole amount of money lost by such 



HISTORT OF WISCONSIN. 

district in consequence of his neglect, which shall be recovered in an action in the name of and 
for the use of the district. 

199. Every Town Clerk who shall neglect or refuse to make and deliver to the County 
Superintendent his annual report, as required in this chapter within the tune limited therefor, 
shall be liable on his official bond to pay the town the amount which such town or any school 
district therein, shall lose by such neglect or refusal, with interest thereon : and every County 
Superintendent who shall neglect or refuse to make the report required of him by this chapter 
to the State Superintendent shall be liable to pay to each town the amount which such town or 
any school district therein shall lose by such neglect or refusal, with interest thereon, to be 
recovered in either case in an action prosecuted by the Town Treasurer in the name of the 
town. 

Sec. 503. Every member of a district board in any school district in this State in which 
a list of text-books has been adopted according to law, who shall, within three years from the 
date of such adoption, or thereafter, without the consent of the State Superintendent, order a 
change of text-books in such district, shall forfeit the sum of fifty dollars. 

Sec. f>l;}. Every woman of twenty-one years of age and upward may be elected or 
appointed as director, treasurer or clerk of a school district, director or secretary of a town board 
under the township system ; member of a board of education in cities, or county superintendent. 

Sec. 560. In reckoning school months, twenty days shall constitute a month and one hun- 
dred days five months. 

ASSESSMENT OF TAXES. 
• 

Sec. 1035. The terms "real property," " real estate " and ''land." when used ia this 
title, shall include not only the land itself, but all buildings, fixtures, improvements, rights and 
privii pertaining thereto. 

Sec. 1036. The term " personal property," as used in this title, shall be construed to mean 
and include toll-bridges, saw-logs, timber and lumber, either upon land or afloat, steamboats, 
ships and other vessels, whether at home or abroad; buildings upon leased lands, if such build- 
ings have not been included in the assessment of the land on which they are erected : 
ferry-boats, including the franchise for running the same; all debts due from solvent debtors, 
whether on account, note, contract, bond, mortgage or other security, or whether such debts are 
due or to become due ; and all goods, wans, merchandise, chattels, moneys and effects of any 
nature or description having any real or marketable value and not included in the term " real 
property ." as above defined. 

Sec. 1037. The improvements on all lands situated in this State, which shall have been 
entered under the provisions of the act of Congress entitled " An act to secure homesteads to act- 
ual settlers on the public domain," approved May twentieth, one thousand eight hundred and 
sixty-two. ami which shall lie actually occupied and improved by the person so entering the same, 
or his heirs, shall be subject to taxation, and such improvements shall be assessed as personal 
property. All taxes levied thereon shall !»■ collected out of the personal property of the occu- 
pant of such lands, and in no other manner. 

Sec. L038. The property in this section described is exempt from taxation, to wit : 

1. That owned exclusively by the United States or by this State, but no lands contracted to 

he sold by the State shall he exempt. 

2. That owned exclusively by any county, city, village, town or school district; but lands 

purchased by counties at tax sales shall he exempt only in the cases provided in Sec- 
tion Eleven Hundred and Ninety-one. 

3. Personal property owned by any religious, scientific, literary or benevolent association, 

used exclusively for the purposes of such association, and the real property, if not 
leased, or not otherwise used for pecuniary profit, necessary for the locution and con- 
venience of the buildings of such association, and embracing the same not exceeding 



ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 269 

ten acres : and tlie lands reserved for grounds of a chartered college or university, 
not exceeding forty acres; and parsonages, whether of local churches or districts, an 1 
whether occupied by the pastor permanently or rented for his beneiit. The occasional 
leasing of such buildings for schools, public lectures or concerts, or the leasing of such 
parsonages, shall not render them liable to taxation. 

4. Personal property owned and used exclusively by the State or any county agricultural 

society, and the lands owned and used by any such society exclusively for fair grounds. 

5. Fire engines and other implements used for extinguishing fires, owned or used by any 

organized fire company, and the buildings and necessary grounds connected therewith, 
owned by such company, and used exclusively for its proper purposes. 

6. The property of Indians who are not citizens, except lands held by them by purchase. 

7. Lands used exclusively as public burial-grounds, and tombs and monuments to the dead 

therein. 

8. Pensions receivable from the United States. 

9. Stock in any corporation in this State which is required to pay taxes upon its property 

in the same manner as individuals. 

10. So much of the debts due or to become due to any person as shall equal the amount of 
bona-fide and unconditional debts by him owing. 

11. Wearing apparel, family portraits ami libraries, kitchen furniture and growing crops. 
1-. Previsions and fuel provided by the head of a family to sustain its members for six 

months ; but no person paying board shall be deemed a member of a family. 

13. All the personal property of all insurance companies that now are or shall be organized 
or doing business in this State. 

14. The track, right of way, depot grounds, buildings, machine-shops, rolling-stock and 
other property necessarily used in operating any railroad in this State belonging to any 
railroad company, including pontoon, pile and pontoon railroads, and shall henceforth 
remain exempt from taxation for any purpose, except that the same shall be subject to 
special assessments for local improvements in cities and villages and all lands owned or 
claimed by such railroad company not adjoining the track of such company, shall be 
subject to all taxes. The provision of this subdivision shall not apply to any railroad 
that now is or shall be operated by horse-power, whether now or hereafter constructed 
in any village or city. 

15. The property, except real estate, of all companies which are or shall be engaged in the 
business of telegraphing in this State. 

16. The real estate of the Home of the Friendless in the city of Milwaukee, not exceeding 
one lot in amount, is exempted, so long as the same shall continue to he used as such home. 

17. All property of any corporation or association formed under the laws of this State for 
the encouragement of industry by agricultural and industrial fairs and exhibitions, 
which shall be necessary for fair grounds, while used exclusively for such fairs and 
exhibitions, provided the quantity of land so exempt shall not exceed forty acres. 

18. Such tree-belts as are or may be planted and maintained in compliance with chapter 
sixty -six of one of these statutes. 

Sec. 1191. Real property, upon which the county holds any certificates of tax sale, shall 
continue liable to taxation and to sale for unpaid taxes, and the county shall be the exclusive 
purchaser at the sale ; but when a tax deed shall be issued to the county, and it shall hold tax 
certificates of sale unredeemed on the same property for two successive years subsequent to the 
date of the sale on which such deed shall issue, including certificates of sale made prior to the 
passage of these statutes, such property shall thereafter be exempt from taxation until the same 
is sold by the county. The County Clerk slutll annually, before the first day of June, furnish 
to the Assessors of each town a list of the lands in such town exempt under this section. Noth- 
ing in this section shall be so construed as to apply to lands owned by minors, married women, 
widowed women, idiots or insane persons. 



HISTORY OF WISCONSIN 



COLLECTION OF TAXES. 

Sec. L089. The Town Treasurer of each town, on the receipt (if the tax-roll for the cur- 
rent year, shall forthwith post notices in three or four public places in such towns, that the tax- 
roll for such town is in his hands for collection, and that the taxes charged therein are subject 
to payment at his office at any time prior to the first day of January in such year; and after 
the said first day of January he shall proceed to collect the taxes charged in such roll and 
remaining unpaid, and for thai purpose shall call at least once on the person taxed, or at any 
place of his usual residence, if within the town, and demand payment of the taxes charged to 
him on such roll. 

Sec. L090. On all taxes paid or tendered at the office of such Treasurer prior to said first 
day of January, be shall remit all of the 5-per-cent collection fees, except so much thereof as 
he is authorized by law to have for his fees upon taxes so paid. 

Sec. 1091. Town orders shall be receivable for taxes in the town where issued, and shall 
tie allowed the Town Treasurer on settlement of town taxes; and county orders and jurors' cer- 
tificates shall he receivable for taxes in the county where issued, ami shall lie allowed such Treas- 
urer on settlement of county taxes with the County Treasurer, but no Town Treasurer shall 
receive town orders in payment for taxes to a larger amount than the town taxes included in his 
assessment-roll exclusive of all taxes for school purposes, nor county orders and jurors' certifi- 
cates to a greater amount than the county tax included therein. 

Sec. L097. [n case any person shall refuse or neglect to pay the tax imposed upon him, 
the Town Treasurer shall levy the same by distress and sale of any goods ami chattels belong- 
ing to such person, wherever the same may be found within his town : and if a sufficient amount 
of such property cannot be found in such town, the Town Treasurer may levy the same by dis- 
tress and sale of the goods and chattels belonging to such person, wherever the same may be 
found in the county or in any adjoining counties. 

Sec. 1098. Tin' Town Treasurer shall give public notice of the time and place of such 
sale, at least six days previous thereto, bv advertisement, containing a description of the prop- 
erty to be sold, to he posted up in three public places in the town where the sale is to he made. 
The sale shall he at public auction, in the daytime, and the property sold shall he present; 
such property may he released by the payment of the taxes ami charges for which the same is 
to be -"Id: if the purchase money on such sale shall not he paid at such time as the 
Treasurer may require, he may again, in his discretion, expose such property for sale, or sue, in 
his name of office, the purchaser for the purchase-money, and recover the same with costs and 

10-per-centum damages. 

Sec. 1099. If the property so levied upon shall be sold for more than the amount of tax 
and costs, the surplus shall he returned to the owner thereof; and if it cannot lie sold for want 
of bidders, the Treasurer shall return a statement of the fact, and return the property to the 
pi rson from whose possession he took the same; and the tax, if unsatisfied, shall be collected in 
the same manner as if no lew had been made. 



HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES. 
Sec. 1223. The Supervisors of the several towns shall have the care and supervision of 

the highways and bridges therein, and it shall be their dot; : 

I. To give directions t'"v repairing the highways and bridges within their respective towns. 

and cause to he removed all obstructions therefrom. 
•_'. To cause such of the roads used as highways as have been laid out hut not sufficiently 
described, and such as have been lawfullv laid out and used as such up to the then 
present time, hut not fully ami sufficiently recorded, to be ascertained, described and 
entei cord in the Town < llerk's office. 



ABSTRACT OF LAWS 271 

3. To cause bridges which are or may be erected over streams intersecting highways to be 

kept in repair. 

4. To divide their respective towns into so many road districts as they shall judge conven- 

ient, and specify every such division in writing under their hands, to be recorded in 
the office of the Town Clerk ; but no such division shall be made within ten days next 
preceding the annual town meeting. 

5. To assign to each of the said road districts such of the inhabitants liable to pay taxes 

on highways as they think proper, having regard to the nearness of residence as much 
as practicable. 

6. To require the Overseers of Highways from time to time, and as often as they shall 

deem necessary, to perform any of the duties required of them by law. 

7. To assess the highway taxes in their respective towns in each year, as provided by law. 

8. To lay out and establish upon actual surveys, as hereinafter provided, such new roads in 

their respective towns as they may deem necessary and proper ; to discontinue such 
roads as shall appear to them to have become unnecessary, and to widen or alter such 
roads when they shall deem necessary for public convenience, and perform all other 
duties respecting highways and bridges directed by this chapter. 

INTOXICATING LIQUORS. 

Sec. 1548. The Town Boards, Village Boards and Common Councils of the respective 
towns, villages and cities may grant license to such persons as they may deem proper, to keep 
groceries, saloons or other places, within their respective towns, villages or cities, for the sale in 
quantities less than one gallon of strong, spirituous, malt, ardent or" intoxicating liquors, to be 
drank on the premises ; and in like manner may grant licenses for the sale in any quantity of 
such liquors not to be drank on the premises. The sum to be paid for such license for the sale 
of such liquor to be drank on the premises shall not be less than twenty-five nor more than one 
hundred and fifty dollars ; and for the sale of such liquors not to be drank on the premises shall 
be not less than ten nor more than forty dollars. 

Sec. 1549. Every applicant for such license shall, before delivery thereof, file with such 
town, village or city clerk a bond to the State in the sum of five hundred dollars, with at 
least two sureties, to be approved by the authorities granting the license, who shall each justify 
in double its amount over and above their debts and liabilities and exemptions, and be freehold- 
ers and residents of the county, conditioned that the applicant, during the continuance of his 
license will keep and maintain an orderly and well-regulated house ; that he will permit no 
gambling with cards, dice or any device or implement for that purpose, within his premises or 
any out-house, yard or shed appertaining thereto ; that he will not sell or give away any intoxi- 
cating liquor to any minor, having good reason to believe him to be such, unless upon the writ- 
ten order of the parents or guardian of such minor, or to persons intoxicated or bordering upon 
intoxication, or to habitual drunkards ; and that he will pay all damages that may be recovered 
by any person, and that he will observe and obey all orders of such Supervisors, Trustees or 
Aldermen, or any of them, made pursuant to law. In case of the breach of the condition of 
any such bond, an action may be brought thereon in the name of the State of Wisconsin, and 
judgment shall be entered against the principals and sureties therein named for the full penalty 
thereof; and execution may issue thereupon by order of the court therefor, to satisfy any 
judgment that may have been recovered against the principal named in said bond, by reason of 
any breach in the conditions thereof, or for any penalties of forfeitures incurred under this chap- 
ter. If more than one judgment shall have been recovered, the court, in its discretion, may 
apply the proceeds of said bond toward the satisfaction of said several judgments, in whole or 
in part, in such manner as it may see fit. 

Sec. 1550. If any person shall vend, sell, deal or traffic in or for the purpose of evading 
this chapter, give away, any spirituous, malt, ardent or intoxicating liquors or drinks in any 



272 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

quantity whatever without first having obtained license therefor, according to the provisions of 
this chapter, lie shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and. on conviction thereof shall be 
punished bv fine of not less than ten nor more than forty dollars, besides the costs of suit, or, 
in lieu of such fine, by imprisonment in the county jail of the proper county not to exceed sixty 
days nor less than twenty days ; and, in case of punishment by fine as above provided, such per- 
son shall, unless the fine and costs be paid forthwith, be committed to the county jail of the proper 
county until such fine and costs are paid, or until discharged by due course of law ; and, in case 
of a second or any subsequent conviction of the same person during any one year, the punish- 
ment may be by both fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court. 

Sec. 1551. Upon complaint made to any Justice of the Peace by any person that he 
knows or has good reason to believe that an offense against tins chapter, or any violation thereof, 
has been committed, he shall examine the complainant on oath, and he shall reduce such com- 
plaint to writing ami cause the same to be subscribed by the person complaining. And if it 
shall appear to such Justice that there is r<a<onable cause to believe that such offense has been 
committed, he shall immediately issue his warrant, reciting therein the substance of such 
plaint and requiring the officer to whom such warrant shall be directed forthwith to arrest the 
accused and bring him before such Justice, to he dealt with according to law ; and the same war- 
rant may require the officer to summon such persons as shall be therein named to appear at the 
trial to give evidence. 

Sec. L552. The District Attorney of the proper county shall, on notice given to him by 
the Justice of the Peace before whom any such complaint shall be made, attend the trial before 
such Justice and conduct the same on behalf of the State. 

Sec. 1553. Every supervisor, trustee, alderman and justice of the peace, police officer? 
marshal, deputy marshal and constable of any town, village or city wdio shall know or be credi- 
bly informed thai any offense has been committed against the provisions of this chapter shall 
make complaint against the person so offending within their respective towns, villages or cities 
proper Justici of the Peace therein, and for every neglect or refusal so to do every such 
officer shall forfeit twenty-five dollars, and the Treasurer of such town, village or city shall pros 
.cute therefor. 

Sec. L557. Any keeper of any saloon, shop or place of any name whatsoever for the sale 
of strong, spirituous or malt liquors to be drank on the premises in any quantity less than one 
gallon, who shall sell, vend or in any way deal or traffic in or for the purpose of evading this 
chapter, give away any spirituous, ardent or malt liquors or drinks in any quantity whatsoever 

with a minor, having good reason to believe him to be such, or to a person intoxicated or 
on a state of intoxication, or to any other prohibited person before mentioned, shall he 
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor; nor shall any person sell or in any way deal or traffic in. or, 
for the purpose of evading this chapter, give away, any spirituous, ardent, intoxicating or malt 
liquors or drinks in any quantity whatsoever within one mile of either of the hospitals for the 
insane; ami any person who shall so sell or give away any such liquors or drinks shall lie 
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. 

BILLS OF EXCHANGE AND PROMISSORY NOTES. 

P'iTo. All notes in writing made and signed by any person or for any corporation, 
ami all certificates of the deposit of money issued by any person or corporation, whereby be or 
dl promise to pay to any person or order, or unto the bearer, any sum of money, as therein 
mentioned, shall be die and payable as therein expressed, and shall have the same effeel and 
shall be negotiable in like manner as inland bills of exchange, according to the custom of mer- 
chants. Put no order drawn upon or accepted by the Treasurer of any county, town, city, village 
or school district , whether drawn by any officer thereof or any other person, ami no obligation nor 
instrumenl made by such corporation or any officer thereof, unless expressly authorized by law 



ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 273 

to be made negotiable, shall be, or shall be deemed to be, negotiable according to the customs of 
merchants, in whatever form they may be drawn or made. 

Sec. 1680. On all bills of exchange payable at sight, or at future day certain, within 
this State, and all negotiable promissory notes, orders and drafts payable at a future day cer- 
tain, within this State, in which there is not an express stipulation to the contrary, grace should 
be allowed in like manner as it is allowed by the custom of merchants on foreign bills of exchange 
payable at the expiration of a certain period after date or sight. The provisions of this section 
shall not extend to any bill of exchange, note or draft payable on demand. 

Sec. 1684. All notes, drafts, bills of exchange or other negotiable paper maturing on 
Sunday or upon any legal holiday shall be due and payable on the next preceding secular day. 

HOURS OF LABOR. 

Sec. 1728. In all manufactories, work-shops and other places used for mechanical or 
manufacturing purposes, the time of labor of children under eighteen years of age and of women 
employed therein, shall not exceed eight hours in one day ; and any employer, stockholder, 
director, officer, overseer, clerk or foreman who shall compel any woman or any child to labor 
exceeding eight hours in any one day, or who shall permit any child under fourteen years of age 
to labor more than ten hours in any one day in any such place, if he shall have control over 
such child sufficient to prevent it, or who shall employ at manual labor any child under twelve 
years of age in any factory or work-shop where more than three persons are employed, or who 
shall employ any child of twelve and under fourteen years of age in any such factory or work- 
shop for more than seven months in any one year, shall forfeit not less than five nor more than 
fifty dollars for each such offense. 

Sec. 1729. In all engagements to labor in any manufacturing or mechanical business, 
where there is no express contract to the contrary, a day's work shall consist of eight hours, and 
all engagements or contracts for labor in such cases shall be so construed ; but this shall no' 
apply to any contract for labor by the week, month or year. 

FORM OF CONVEYANCES. 

Sec. 2207. A deed of quitclaim and release of the form in common use or of the form 
hereinafter provided, shall be sufficient to pass -all the estate which the grantor could lawfully 
convey by deed of bargain and sale. 

t>EC. 2208. Conveyances of land may be in substantially the following form: 

WARRANTY DEED. 

A B, grantor of County, Wisconsin, hereby conveys and warrants to C D, grantee, 

of County, Wisconsin, for the sum of dollars, the following tract of land in 

County. 

{Here describe the premises.) 

Witness the hand and seal of said grantor this day of , 18 — . 

In the presence of] 

> [seal.] 

j quitclaim deed. [seal.] 

A B, grantor, of County, Wisconsin, hereby quitclaims to C D, grantee, of 

County, Wisconsin, for the sum of dollars, the following tract of land in County, 

(Here describe (he premises.) 

Witness the hand and seal of said grantor this day of , 18 — . 

In presence of ] 

V [SEAL.] 

J [seal.] 



274 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Such deeds, when executed and acknowledged as required by law, shall, when of the first 

of the above forms, have the effect of a conveyance in fee simple to the grantee, his heirs and 

as of the premises therein named, together with all the appurtenances, rights and privileges 

thereto belonging, with a covenant from the grantor, his heirs and personal representatives, that 
he is lawfully seized of the premises: has good right to convey the same ; that he guaran- 
tees the grantee, his heirs and assigns in the quiet possession thereof; that the same are free from 
all incumbrances, and that the grantor, his heirs and personal representatives will forever war- 
rant and defend the title and possession thereof in the grantee, bis heirs and assigns against all 
lawful claims whatsoever. Any exceptions to such covenants may be briefly inserted in such 
deed, following the description of the land ; and when in the second of the above forms, shall 
have the effect, of a conveyance in fee simple to the grantee, his heirs and assigns, of all the right, 
title, interest and estate of the grantor, either in possession or expectancy, in and to the prem- 
ises therein described, anil all rights, privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging. 

MORTGAGES. 

Sec. 2209. A mortgage may be substantially in the following form : 

A B, mortgagor, of County, Wisconsin, hereby mortgages to C D, mortgagee, of 

County. Wisconsin, for the sum of dollars, the following tract of land in 



County. 

(Here describe the premises.) 

This mortgage is given to secure the following indebtedness : 

'Here slate amount or amounts and form of indebtedness, whether on note, bond or otherwise, time or times when due, rate 

of interest, by and to whom pat/able, etc.) 

The mortgagor agrees to pay all taxes and assessments on said premises, and the sum of 
dollars attorney's fees in case of foreclosure thereof. 

Witness the hand and seal of said mortgagor this day of , 18 — . 

In presence of | 

I [SEAL.] 

j [SEAL. J 

when executed and acknowledged according to law shall have the effect of a conveyance of 
the land therein described, together with all the rights, privileges and appurtenances thereunto 
belonging in pledge to the mortgagee, his heirs, assigns and legal representatives for the payment 
of the indebtedness therein set forth, with covenant from the mortgagor that all taxes and assess- 
ments levied and assessed upon the land described during the continuance of the mortgage shall 
be paid previous to the day appointed by law for the sale of lands for taxes, as fully as the forms 
of mortgage now and heretofore in common use in this State, and may be foreclosed in the same 
manner and with the same effect, upon any default being made m any of the conditions thereof 
;ls to payment of either principal, interest or taxes. 

ASSIGNMENT OF MORTGAGE. 

Sec. 2210. An assignment of a mortgage substantially in the following form : 
For value received I, A B, of , Wisconsin, hereby assign to C D, of , Wis- 
consin, the within mortgage (or a certain mortgage executed to by E F and wife, of 

County, Wisconsin, the day of , IN — , and recorded in the office id' the Register of 

Deeds of County, Wisconsin, in Vol. of mortgages, on page ), together with 

the and indebtedness therein mentioned. 

Witless my hand and seal this day of , 18 — . 

Tn presence of 1 






1 



A B. [seal.] 



ABSTRACT OF I.AWs 275 

shall be sufficient to vest in the assignee for all purposes all the rights of the mortgagee 
under the mortgage, and the amount of the indebtedness due thereon at the date of assignment. 
Such assignment, when indorsed upon the original mortgage, shall not require an acknowledg- 
ment in order to entitle the same to be recorded. 

TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY BY DESCENT. 

Sec. 2270. When any person shall die, seized of any lands, tenements or hereditaments, or 
any right thereto, or entitled to any interest therein in fee simple, or for the life of another, not 
having lawfully devised the same, they shall descend subject to his debts, except as provided in 
the next section, in the manner following: 

1. In equal shares to his children, and to the lawful issue of any deceased child, by right 

of representation ; and if there be no child of the intestate living at his death, his 
estate shall descend to all his other lineal descendants ; and if all the said descendants 
are in the same degree of kindred to the intestate, they shall share the estate equally, 
otherwise they shall take according to the right of representation. 

2. If he shall leave no lawful issue, to his widow ; if he shall leave no such issue or widow, 

to his parents, if living; and if either shall not be living, the survivor shall inherit 
his said estate. If a woman shall die, leaving no issue, her estate shall descend to 
her husband, if she shall have one at the time of her decease, and if she shall leave, 
surviving her, neither issue nor husband, to her parents, if living; and if either shall 
not be living, the survivor shall inherit her said estate. 

3. If he shall leave no lawful issue, nor widow, nor father, nor mother, his estate shall 

descend in equal shares to his brothers and sisters, and to the children of any deceased 
brother or sister, by right of representation. 

4. If the intestate shall leave no lawful issue, widow, father, mother, brother nor sister, 

his estate shall descend to his next of kin in equal degree, except that when there are 
two or more collateral kindred in equal degree, but claiming through different ances- 
tors, those who claim through the nearest ancestor shall be preferred to those claiming 
through an ancestor more remote ; provided, however, 

5. If any person die leaving several children, or leaving one child, and the issue of one or 

more other children, and any such surviving child shall die under age, and not having 
been married, all the estate that came to the deceased child, by inheritance from such 
deceased parent, shall descend in equal shares to the other children of the same parent, 
and to the issue of any such other children who shall have died, by right of representation. 

6. If, at the death of such child, who shall die under age, and not having been married, all 

the other children of his said parent shall also be dead, and any of them shall have left 
issue, the estate that came to said child by inheritance from his said parent, shall 
descend to all the issue of the other children of the same parent ; and if all the said 
issue are in the same degree of kindred to said child, they shall share the said estate 
equally ; otherwise they shall take according to the right of representation. 

7. If the intestate shall have no widow nor kindred, his estate shall escheat to the State, 

and be added to the capital of the school fund. 
Sec. 2271. When the owner of any homestead shall die, not having lawfully devised the 
same, such homestead shall descend free of all judgments and claims against such deceased 
owner or his estate, except mortgages lawfully executed thereon, and laborers' and mechanics' 
liens, in the manner following : 

1. If he shall have no lawful issue, to his widow. 

2. If he shall leave a widow and issue, to his widow during her widowhood, and, upon her 

marriage or death, to his heirs, according to the next preceding section. 

3. If he shall leave issue and no widow, to such issue, according to the preceding section. 

4. If he shall leave no issue or widow, such homestead shall descend under the next pre- 

ceding section, subject to lawful liens thereon. 



27<i HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

OF WILLS. 

2277. Every person of full age. and any married woman of the age of eighteen years 
and upward, being of sound mind, seized in his or her own right of any lands, or of any right 
thereto, or entitled to any interest therein, descendible to his or her heirs, may devise and dis- 
pose of the same by last will and testament in writing; and all such estate not disposed of by 
will, shall descend as the estate of an intestate, being chargeable, in both cases, with the pay- 
ment of all his debts or her debts, except as provided in the next preceding chapter, and in sec- 
tion twenty-two hundred and eighty. 

Sec 2:27S. Every devise of land in any will shall be construed to convey all the estate 
of the devisor therein, which he could lawfully devise, unless it shall clearly appear by the will 
that the devisor intended to convey a less estate. 

2279. Any estate, right or interest in lands acquired by the testator, after the making 
of his will, shall pass thereby in like manner as if possessed at the time of making the will, if 
such shall manifestly appear, by the will, to have been the intention of the testator. 

2280. When any homestead shall have been disposed of by the last will and testa- 
ment of the owner thereof, the devisee shall take the same, free of all judgments and claims 
against the testator or his estate, except mortgages lawfully executed thereon, and laborers' and 
mechanics' liens. 

Sec. 2281. Every person of full age, and every married woman of the age of eighteen 
years and upward, being of sound mind, may, by last will and testament in writing, bequeath 
and dispose of all his or her personal estate remaining at his or her decease, and all his or her 
rights thereto and interest therein, subject to the payment of debts ; and all such estate not dis- 
posed of by the will shall be administered as intestate estate. 

Sec. 2284. All beneficial devises, legacies and gifts whatsoever, made or given in any will 
to a subscribing witness thereto, shall be wholly void, unless there be two other competent sub- 
scribing witnesses to the same ; but a mere charge on the lands of the devisor for the payment 
of debts, shall not prevent his creditors from being competent witnesses to his will. 

Sec. 22s"). But if such witness, to whom any beneficial devise may have been made or 
given, would have been entitled to any share of the estate of the testator, in case the will was 
not established, then so much of the share that would have descended or been distributed to 
such witness as will not exceed the devise or bequest made to him in the will, shall be saved to 
him, and he may recover the same of the devisees or legatees named in the will, in proportion 
to and out of the parts devised or bequeathed to them. 

Sec. 2286. When any child shall be born, after the making of his parent's will, and no 
provision shall be made therein for him, such child shall have the same share in the estate of the 
testator as if he had died intestate; and the share of such child shall be assigned to him, as pro- 
vided by law, in case of intestate estates, unless it shall be apparent from the will that it was 
the intention of the testator that no provision should be made for such child. 

Sec. 2290. No will, or any part thereof, shall be revoked, unless by burning, tearing, can- 
celing or obliterating the same, with the intention of revoking it, by the testator, or by some 
person in bis presence, ami by his direction, or by some other will or codicil in writing, executed 
as prescribed in this chapter, or by some other writing, signed, attested and subscribed in the 
maimer provided in this chapter, for the execution of a will ; excepting, only, that nothing con- 

l in this section shall prevent the revocation implied by law, from subsequent changes in 
the condition or circumstances of the testator. The power to make a will implies the power to 
revoke the same. 

OF THE ADOPTION OF CHILDREN. 

Sec. 4021. Any inhabitant of this State may petition the County Court, in the county of 
his residence, for leave to adopt a child not Ins nun by birth; but no such petition made by a 
married person shall be granted, unless the husband or wife of the petitioner shall join therein : 



ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 277 

nor shall any such petition be granted, unless the child, if of the age of fourteen years, or more, 
shall consent thereto in writing, in the presence of the court. 

Sec. 4022. No such adoption shall be made, without the written consent of the living 
parents of such child, unless the court shall find that one of the parents has abandoned the child, 
or gone to parts unknown, when such consent may be given by the parent, if any, having the 
care of the child. In case where neither of the parents is living, or if living, have abandoned 
the child, such consent may be given by the guardian of such child, if any ; if such child has no 
guardian, such consent may be given by any of the next of kin of such child, residing in this State, 
or, in the discretion of the court, by some suitable person to be appointed by the court. 

2. In case of a child not born in lawful wedlock, such consent may be given by the mother, 
if she is living, and has not abandoned such child. 

Sec. 4028. If upon such petition and consent, as herein provided, the County Court shall 
be satisfied of the identity and the relations of the persons, and that the petitioners are of suffi- 
cient ability to bring up, and furnish suitable nurture and education for the child, having refer- 
ence to the degree and condition of its parents, and that it is proper that such adoption shall 
take effect, such court shall make an order, reciting said facts that, from and after the date 
thereof, such child shall be deemed, to all legal intents and purposes, the child of the petitioners ; 
and by such order the name of such child may be changed to that of the parents by adoption. 

Sec. 4024. A child so adopted, shall be deemed for the purposes of inheritance and succes- 
sion by such child, custody of the person and right of obedience by such parents by adoption, 
and all other legal consequences and incidents of the natural relation of parents and children, 
the same to all intents and purposes as if such child had been born in lawful wedlock of such 
parents by adoption, excepting that such child shall not be capable of taking property 
expressly limited to the heirs of the body of such parents. 

The natural parents of such child shall be deprived, by such order of adoption, of all legal 
rights whatsoever, respecting such child, and such child shall be freed from all legal obligations of 
maintenance and obedience to such natural parents. 

INTEREST. 

The legal rate of interest is 7 per cent. A higher rate of interest, not exceeding 10 per 
cent, may be contracted for, but the same must be clearly expressed in writing. If a higher 
rate than 10 per cent is collected or paid, the party so paying may, by himself or his legal rep- 
resentative, recover treble the amount so paid above the 10 per cent, if the action is brought 
within one year, and all bills, notes, or other contracts whatsoever, whereby ahigher rate than 10 
per cent is secured, shall be liable for the principal sum, but no interest shall be recovered. 

JURISDICTION OF COURTS. 

The Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal actions within their 
respective circuits, subject to a re-examination by the Supreme Court. 

The County Courts shall have jurisdiction over the probate matters in their respective 
counties, and shall have exclusive appellate jurisdiction in the counties of Brown, Dodge, Fond 
du Lac, Milwaukee and Winnebago in all cases of appeals from Justices of the Peace in civil 
actions, and all cases commenced in Justices' Courts therein, there shall be an answer put in, 
showing that the title of lands will come in question. 

And such Courts shall have concurrent and equal jurisdiction in all civil actions and pro- 
ceedings with the Circuit Courts of said counties to the following extent respectively: 

The County Court of Brown, when the value of the property in controversy, after deduct- 
ing all payments and set-offs, shall not exceed five thousand dollars. 

The County Court of Dodge County, when such value shall not exceed twenty-five thousand 
dollars. 



2T8 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

The County Court of Fond du Lac, when such value shall not exceed twenty thousand 
dollars. 

The County Court of Milwaukee, when such value does not exceed five million dollars. 

The County of Winnebago, when such value does not exceed twenty thousand dollars. 

They shall have jurisdiction of all actions for foreclosure where the value does not exceed 
the above amounts, and of all actions for divorce or for affirmation or annullment of marriage 
contract. 

Justices of the Peace have jurisdiction in civil matters where two hundred dollars or less 
are involved. 

The criminal jurisdiction of Justices extends to all cases where the fine is one hundred dol- 
lars, or the imprisonment six months. 

JURORS. 

All persons who are citizens of the United States, and qualified electors of the State shall 
be liable to be drawn as jurors, except as provided as follows: 

The following persons shall be exempt from serving as jurors: 

All officers of the United States, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, 
Attorney General, State Superintendent and Treasurer ; all Judges, Clerks of Courts of Record ; 
all county officers, Constables, attorneys and counselors at law, ministers of the Gospel of any 
religious society, practicing physicians, surgeons, dentists, and the President, professors and 
instructors of the University and their assistants, and of the several colleges and incorporated 
academies ; all teachers of the State Normal Schools, one teacher in each common school, the 
officers and employes of the several State institutions, one miller in each grist-mill, one ferry- 
man at each licensed ferry, one dispensing druggist in each prescription drug-store, all telegraph 
operators and superintendents, conductors, engineers, firemen, collectors and station-agents of 
any railroad or canal, while in actual employment as such ; all officers of fire departments, and 
all active members of fire companies organized according to law ; all persons more than sixty 
years of age, and all persons of unsound mind or subject to any bodily infirmity amounting to 
disability ; all persons who have been convicted of any infamous crime, and all persons who have 
served at any regular term of the Circuit Court as a grand or petit juror within one year, except 
he shall be summoned on a special venire or as a talesman. 

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. 

Capital punishment has been abolished in this State. 

WOLF SCALPS. 
A bounty of five dollars is paid for each wolf scalp. 

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

Whenever either of the articles, as commodities hereafter mentioned, shall be sold by the 
bushel, and no special agreement as to measure or weight thereof shall be made by the parties, 
the measure shall be ascertained by weight, and shall be computed as follows: 

Sixty pounds for a bushel of wheat, clover seed, potatoes or beans. 

Fifty pounds for a bushel of green apples: fifty-six pounds for a bushel of rutabagas, flax- 
seed, rye or Indian corn shelled, and seventy pounds of Indian corn unshelled ; fifty pounds for 
a bushel of rape seed, buckwheat, beets, carrots or onions; forty-eight pounds for a bushel of 
barley ; forty-five pounds for a bushel of timothy seed ; .forty-four pounds for a bushel of pars- 
nips ; forty-two pounds for a bushel of common flat turnips ; thirty-two pounds for a bushel of 
nats : and twenty-eight pounds for a bushel of dried apples or dried peaches. 



ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 279 

No person shall sell, buy or receive in store any grain at any weight or measure per bushel 
other than the standard weight or measure per bushel fixed by law ; and, for any violation, the 
offender shall forfeit not less than five nor more than fifty dollars. 

DAMAGES FOR TRESPASS. 

Any person who shall willfully, maliciously or wantonly destroy, remove, throw down or 
injure any fence, hedge or wall inclosing any orchard, pasture, meadow, garden, or any field 
whatever on land belonging to or lawfully occupied by another, or open and leave open, throw 
down, injure, remove or destroy any gate or bars in such fence, hedge or wall, or cut down, root 
up, sever, injure, destroy or carry away when severed, any fruit, shade, ornamental or other tree, 
or any shrub, root, plant, fruit, flower, grain or other vegetable production, or dig up, sever or 
carry away any mineral, earth or stone, or tear down, mutilate, deface or injure any building, 
signboard, fence or railing, or sever and carry away any part thereof, standing or being upon the 
land of another or held in trust, or who shall willfully, maliciously or wantonly cut down, root 
up, injure, destroy or remove or carry away any fruit, ornamental or other tree, or any shrub, 
fruit, flower, vase or statue, arbor, or any ornamental structure, standing or being in any street 
or public ground in any city or village, in any private inclosure or highway, or destroy, remove, 
mutilate or injure any milestone or board, or any guide-post or board erected in any highway or 
public way, or on any turnpike, plank-road or railroad, or deface or obliterate any device or inscrip- 
tion thereon, or cut down, break down, remove, mutilate or injure any monument erected or tree 
marked for the purpose of designating the boundaries of any town or tract of land or subdivision 
thereof, or deface or obliterate any figures, letters, device or inscription thereon, made for such 
purpose, or break, remove, destroy or injure any post, guard, railing or lamp-post or lamp 
thereon, erected or being on any bridg§. street, sidewalk, alley, court, passage, park, public 
ground, highway, turnpike, plank or rail road, or extinguish or break any lamp on any such 
lamp-post, or tear, deface, mutilate or injure any book, map. pamphlet, chart, picture or other 
property belonging to any public library, or take and carry awajr the same with intent to con- 
vert to his own use, or shall injure or destroy any personal property of another, shall be pun- 
ished by imprisonment in the county jail not more than six months, or by fine not exceeding 
one hundred dollars. 

Any person who shall willfully, maliciously or wantonly kill, maim, mutilate, disfigure or 
injure any horse, mule, cattle, sheep or other domestic animal of another, or administer poison 
to such animal, or expose any poison, with intent that the same may be taken or swallowed by 
such animal ; and any person who shall overdrive, overwork, overload, maim, wound, torture, 
torment, cruelly beat or kill any such animal belonging to himself or another, or being the owner 
or having the care or charge thereof, shall fail to provide necessary food, water or shelter for any 
such animal, or who shall turn out and abandon, without proper care and protection, or cruelly 
work any such animal when old, diseased, disabled or unfit for work, or shall carry or confine 
any live animal, fowl or bird, in a cruel or inhuman manner, or who shall cause, procure or abet 
any cruelty above mentioned, or the fighting or baiting of bulls, dogs or cocks, shall be punished 
by imprisonment in the county jail not more than six months or by fine not exceeding one hun- 
dred dollars. 

ESTRAYS. 

No stray, except horses and mules, shall be taken up by any person not a resident of the 
town in which it is found ; nor unless it is found upon land owned or occupied by him. Every 
finder for a stray must notify the owner, if he is known, within seven days, and request him to 
pay all reasonable charges and take the stray away. If the owner is not known, he must file a 
notice with the Town Clerk within ten days, who shall transmit a copy thereof to the County 
Clerk. 

If the stray is not worth five dollars, the finder shall post a copy of such notice in two pub- 
lic places in such town ; if it exceed five dollars in value, lie shall publish such notice four 



280 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

successive weeks either in some newspaper published in the county or in an adjoining county, if one 
be published nearer his residence than any published in his county ; but if no newspaper is pub- 
lish. m1 within twenty miles of his residence, then he must post such notice in three public places 
in his county. Such notice shall describe the stray by giving its marks, natural or artificial, as 
near as possible, the name and residence of the finder, specifying the section and town, and the 
time when such stray was taken up. For neglect to post up or publish as required, the finder 
shall be liable to double the amount of damages sustained by the owner. For neglect to post or 
publish for one year, the finder shall be liable for its full value, to be recovered in the name of 
the town, and the amount recovered to be added to the school fund of such town. 

The finder shall, within one month, cause the stray to be appraised by a Justice of the Peace 
and a certificate of such appraisal signed by such Justice filed in the Town Clerk's office. The 
finder shall pay the Justice fifty cents for such certificate, and ten cents per mile for each mile 
necessarily traveled to make the same. 

The owner may have the same restored to him any time within one year after such notice 
is filed in the town Clerk's office, by proving that the stray belongs to him, and paying all lawful 
charges incurred in relation to the same. If the owner and finder cannot agree as to the charges, 
either party, on notice to the other, may apply to a Justice of such town to settle the same. who. 
for that purpose, may examine witnesses upon oath, and the amount found due, with the 
costs, shall be a lien upon such stray. If no owner applies for the return of such stray, as pro- 
vided, and the same is not worth more than ten dollars, it shall become the absolute property of 
such finder: but if the appraisal shall exceed ten dollars, it shall be sold at public auction by 
the Sheriff or any Constable of the county, on the request of the finder, and he shall be entitled 
to one half the proceeds, and the other half shall be paid to the Treasurer of the town within 
ten days. If the finder shall neglect or refuse to cause such sale, he shall pay to the town the 
value of such stray, to be recovered by the town. 

If any person, without the consent of the owner, shall take away such stray, without first 
paying the lawful charges, he shall be liable to the finder for the value of such stray. If the finder 
shall neglect to do any act prescribed above, he shall be precluded from acquiring any right in 
such stray, and from receiving any charges or expenses relative thereto. 

FENCES. 

The Overseers of Highways in their respective towns, the Aldermen of cities in their 
respective wards, and the Trustees of villages in their respective villages, shall be Fence Viewers. 
and in towns having less than three road districts, the Supervisors shall be Fence Viewers. 

All fences four and a half feet high, and in good repair, consisting of rails, timber, boards 
or stone walls, or any combination thereof, and all brooks, rivers, ponds, creeks, ditches and 
hedges or other things which shall be considered equivalent thereto, in the judgment of the 
Fence Viewers, within whose jurisdiction the same may be, shall be deemed legal and sufficient 
fences. Every partition of a fence, or line upon which a fence is to be built, made by the owners 
of the adjoining lands, in writing, sealed and witnessed by two witnesses, or by Fence Viewers 
in writing, under their hands, after being recorded in the Town Clerk's office, shall oblige such 
owners and their heirs, as long as they remain owners, and after parting with the ownership, 
until a new partition is made. A division of a partition fence, or line upon which a partition 
fence between adjoining lands shall be built, may be made by Fence Viewers in the following 
cases : 

1. When any owner of uninclosed lands shall desire to inclose the same, he may have the 
line between his land and the adjoining land of any other person divided, and the portion upon 
which the respective owners shall erect their share of the partition fence assigned, whether such 
adjoining land be inclosed or not. 

'1. When any finds belonging to different persons in severalty. shaJl have been occupied 
in Common, or without a partition fence between them, and one of the occupants shall be desirous 



i 



ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 281 

to occupy his part in severalty, and the others shall refuse or neglect, on demand, to divide 
with him the line where the fence ought to be built, or to build a sufficient fence on his part of 
the line, when divided, the occupant desiring it may have the same divided, and the share of 
each assigned. 

3. When any controversy shall arise about the right of the respective occupants in parti- 
tion fences, or their obligations to maintain the same, either party may have the line divided, and 
the share of each assigned. 

In either case, application may be made to two or more Fence Viewers of the town where 
the lands lie, who shall give reasonable notice in writing to each party, and they shall in writing 
under their hands, divide the partition fence or line, and assign to each owner or occupant his 
share thereof, and in the second and third cases direct within what time each party shall build 
or repair his share of the fence, having regard to the season of the year, and shall file such deci- 
sion in the Town Clerk's office. If either party shall neglect or refuse to build or repair within 
the time so assigned, his part of the fence, the other may, after having completed his own part, 
build or repair such part, and recover double the expense thereof. 

Where the whole or a greater share than belongs to him has been built by one of the occu- 
pants, before complaint to the Fence Viewers, the other shall be obliged to pay for his share of 
such fence. 

Where uninclosed land is afterward inclosed, the owner shall pay for one-half the partition 
fence upon the line between him and any other owner or occupant. 

If any person shall determine not to keep inclosed any part of his land adjoining any par- 
tition fence, and shall give six months' notice of such determination to all adjoining occupants, 
he shall not be required to maintain any part of such fence during the time his lands shall lie 
open. 

LANDLORD AND TENANT. 

The common law right to destrain for rent is abolished. 

The atonement of a tenant to a stranger shall be absolutely void, and shall not in anywise 
effect the possession of his landlord, unless it be made 

1. With the consent of the landlord; or 

2. Pursuant to, or in consequence of, a judgment or order of a court of competent juris- 
diction; or 

3. To a purchaser upon a judicial sale, who shall have acquired title to the lands by a 
conveyance thereof, after the period for redemption, if any, has expired. A tenancy, a will or 
sufferance may be determined by the landlord, giving one month's notice to quit, or the tenant 
giving one month's notice of his intention to quit, or if the terms of payment are for less than a 
month, notice equal to the time between payments, or for non-payment of rent, fourteen days' 
notice to quit. Such notice shall be served by delivering the same to such tenant, or to some 
person of proper age residing on the premises, or if no such person can be found, by affixing the 
same in a conspicuous part of the premises, where it may be conveniently read, and. at the expi- 
ration of the time required after the service of such notice, the landlord may re-enter, or main- 
tain an action for the recovery of the possession thereof, or proceed in the manner prescribed by 
law to remove such tenant without further or other notice to quit. If, after giving notice of deter- 
mination to quit, the tenant neglects or refuses to deliver up the premises, he shall be liable to 
double the rent agreed upon, to be collected the same as single rent. 

MARKS AND BRANDS. 

Every Town Clerk shall, on application of any person residing in his town, record a 
description of the marks or brands with which such person may be desirous of marking his 
horses, cattle, sheep or hogs ; but the same description shall not be recorded or used by more 
than one resident of the same town. If any person shall mark any of his horses, cattle, sheep 



282 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

or hogs, with the same mark or brand previously recorded by any resident of the same town. 
and while the same mark or brand shall be used by such resident, he shall forfeit for every such 
offense $5 ; if any person shall willfully mark or brand any of the horses, cattle, sheep or hogs, 
of any other person with his mark or brand, he shall forfeit for every such offense $10 ; and, if 
any person shall willfully destroy or alter any mark or brand upon any of the horses, cattle, sheep 
or hogs of another, he shall forfeit §10, and pay to the party injured double damages. 

SURVEYORS AND SURVEYS. 

A County Surveyor is elected every two years. 

The surveyor may appoint and remove deputies at will, on filing a certificate thereof with 
the County Clerk. He shall be responsible on his bond for the faithful performance by every 
deputy of his duties. 

It shall be the duty of the County Surveyor: 

(1.) To execute, himself or by his deputy, any survey which may be required of him by 
order of court, or upon application of any individual or corporation. 

(2.) To make a record of the plat and field notes of each survey made by him or his 
deputies, in record books kept therefor, and to so arrange or index the same as to be easy of 
reference, and to file and preserve in his office the original field notes and calculations thereof. 

(3.) To safely keep all books, records, plats, files, papers and property belonging to his 
office ; afford opportunity to examine the same to any person desiring, and deliver the same to 
his successor in office. 

(4.) To furnish a copy of any record, plat or paper in his office, to any person on demand 
and payment of his legal fees therefor. 

(5.) To administer to every chainman and marker assisting in any survey, before com- 
mencing their duties as such, an oath or affirmation faithfully and impartially to discharge the 
duties of chainman or marker, as the case may be ; and the surveyor and his deputies are 
empowered to administer the same. 

(6.) To perform such other duties as may be required by law. 

The surveyor and his deputies may demand and receive the following fees, except it be other- 
wise agreed upon with the parties employing them, to wit : 

For each day's service, $3. 

For each mile traveled in going from his office to the place of rendering service and return- 
ing, 10 cents. 

For plat and certificate, except town plats, 50 cents. 

For recording a survey, 50 cents. 

For each chainman and marker necessarily employed, $1.50 per day, unless they be fur- 
nished by the person for whom the survey is made. 

For making a copy, 10 cents a folio, and 25 cents for his certificate. 

SUPPORT OF THE POOR. 

Every town shall relieve and support all poor and indigent persons lawfully settled therein, 
whenever they shall stand in need thereof, excepting as follows: 

The father, mother and children, being of sufficient ability, of any poor person, who is blind, 
old, lame, impotent or decrepit, so as to be unable to maintain himself, shall, at their own 
charge, relieve and maintain such poor person in such manner as shall be approved by the Super- 
visors of the town where such person may be, and, upon the failure of any such relative so to do, 
the Supervisors shall apply to the County Judge for an order to compel such n Ik i 

Legal settlement may be acquired by one year's residence in a town of this State. 



ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 283 



MARRIED WOMEN. 



In Wisconsin, the marriage of a femme sole, executrix or administratrix, extinguishes her 
authority ; and of a female ward, terminates the guardianship as to custody of person, but not 
as to estate. The husband holds his deceased wife's lands for life, unless she left, by a former 
husband, issue to whom the estate might descend. Provisions exist by which powers may be 
given to married women, and regulating their execution of them. If husband and wife are 
impleaded, and the husband neglects to defend the rights of the wife, she applying before judg- 
ment, may defend without him ; and, if he lose her land, by default, she may bring an action 
for ejectment after his death. The real estate of females married before, and the real and per- 
sonal property of those after February 21, 1850, remain their separate property. And any 
married woman may receive, but not from her husband, and hold any property as if unmarried. 
She may insure the life of her husband, son, or any other person, for her own exclusive benefit. 
The property of the wife remains to her separate use, not liable for her husband's debts, and 
not subject to his disposal. She may convey her separate property. If her husband desert 
her, or neglect her, she may become a sole trader; and she may insure his life for her benefit. 
Her husband is not liable for her debts contracted before marriage ; the individual earnings of 
the wife are her separate property, and she may sue, and be sued alone, in regard to the same. 
She may make and hold deposits in savings-banks. She may, by a separate conveyance, release 
her dower in any lands which her husband has conveyed. 

If a woman has authority, she can transact all her husband's business for him ; and while 
they live together, the wife can buy all family things necessary for the support of the family, 
and for which he is liable. 

The husband is responsible for necessaries supplied to his wife, if he does not supply them 
himself; and he continues so liable, if he turns her out of his house, or otherwise separates him- 
self from her without good cause. But he is not so liable, if she deserts him (unless on extreme 
provocation), or if he turns her away for good cause. If she leaves him, because he treats her 
so ill, that she has good right to go from him, this is the same thing as turning her away, and 
she carries with her his credit for all necessaries supplied to her ; but what the misconduct must 
be, to give this right, is uncertain. In America the law must be, and undoubtedly is, that the 
wife is not obliged to stay and endure cruelty and indecency. 

If a man lives with a woman as his wife, and represents her to be so, he is responsible, the 
same as if she were his wife, even if it is known that she is not his wife. 

ACTIONS. 

All distinctions have been abolished, and there is now but one form, which must be prose- 
cuted in the name of the real party in interest, except in case of executors, administrators and 
trustees, and which is begun by the service of a summons on the defendant, to be answered 
within twenty days. 

ARREST. 

Defendant may be arrested: 1. In an action to recover damages not on contract, where 
the defendant is a non-resident, or is about to remove from the State, or where the action is for 
injury to the person or character, or for injury to, or wrong taking, detaining or converting 
property, or in an action to recover damages for property taken under false pretenses. 

2. In an action for a fine or penalty or for money received or property embezzled or 
fraudulently misapplied by a public officer or attorney, solicitor, or counsel or officer of a corpora- 
tion as such, or factor agent or broker, or for misconduct or neglect in official or professional 
employment. 

3. In an action to recover property unjustly detained where it is so concealed that the 
Sheriff cannot find the same. 



284 HISTORv' oF WISCONSIN. 

4. Where the defendant was guilty of fraud in contracting the debt, or in concealing or 
disposing of the property for the taking, detaining or disposing of which the action is brought. 

An affidavit must be made on the part of the plaintiff, stating the cause of action and one 
of the above causes. 

ATTACHMENT 

is allowed on an affidavit that the defendant is indebted to plaintiff, and stating the amount and 
that it is due on contract ; and, 

1. That defendant has absconded, or is about to abscond, or is concealed to the injury of 
his creditors. 

2. That defendant has assigned, disposed or concealed his property or is about to do so 
with intent to defraud creditors. 

3. That the defendant has removed, or is about to remove, his property from the State 
with intent to defraud creditors. 

4. That the debt was fraudulently contracted, 

5. That he is a non-resident. 

6. Or a foreign corporation. 

7. That he has fraudulently conveyed or disposed of his property with intent to defraud 
creditors. 

The amount sued for must exceed $50. 

GARNISHMENT 

is allowed on an affidavit on behalf of the creditor, that he believes that any third person (naming 
him) has property effects, or credits of defendant, or is indebted to him, also in execution, on a 
similar affidavit. 

JUDGMENT 

is a lien on real estate in the county where rendered from the date of docketing, and in other 
counties from the time of filing a transcript, and the lien continues for ten years. It bears 
interest at 7 per cent, or as high as 10 per cent if stipulated for in the contract. 

STAY LAWS. 

In Justices' Courts, on giving bond with surety within five days after judgment was ren- 
dered, stay of execution is allowed, as follows : 

On sums not exceeding $10, exclusive of costs, one month ; between $10 and $30, two 
months : between $30 and $50. three months ; over $50, four months. 

EXEMPTIONS. 

A homestead not exceeding forty acres, used for agriculture and a residence, and not 
included in a town plat or a city or village; or, instead, one-quarter of an acre in a recorded 
town plat, city or village. Also, 1, Family Bible; -. Family pictures and school-books: 3, 
Private library: 4, Seat or pew in church ; 5. Right of burial; 6, Wearing-apparel, beds, bed- 
steads and bedding, kept and used in the family, stoves and appurtenances, put up and used, 
cooking utensils and household furniture to the value of $200, one gun, rifle or fire-arm to the 
value of $•)<> ; 7. Two cows, ten swine, one yoke of oxen and one horse or mule, or, in lieu 
thereof, a span of horses or mules, ten sheep and the wih>1 therefrom, necessary food for exempt 
stock for one year, provided or growing or both, one wagon, cart or dray, one sleigh, one plow, 
one drag and other farm utensils, including tackle for the teams to the value of. $50 ; 8, Provis- 
ions and fuel for the family for one year; 9, Tools and implements or stock-in-trade of a 



ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 285 

mechanic or miner, used and kept, not exceeding $200 in value, library and implements of a 
professional man to the value of $200 ; 10, Money arising from insurance of exempt property 
destroyed by fire; 11, Inventions for debts against the inventor; 12, Sewing-machines; 13, 
Sword, plate, books or articles presented by Congress or Legislature of a State; 14, Printing- 
material and presses to the value of $1,500; 15, Earnings of a married person necessary for 
family support for sixty days previous to issuing process. 

LIMITATIONS OF ACTIONS. 

Real actions, twenty years ; persons under disabilities, five years after removal of the same. 
Judgments of Courts of Record of the State of Wisconsin and sealed instruments when the 
cause accrues within the State, twenty years. Judgments of other Courts of Record and sealed 
instruments accruing without the State, ten years. Other contracts, statute liabilities 
other than penalties and forfeitures, trespass on real property, trover detinue and replevin, 
six years. Actions against Sheriffs, Coroners and Constables, for acts done in their official 
capacity, except for escapes, three years. Statutory penalties and forfeitures, libel, slander, 
assault, battery and false imprisonment, two years. Actions against Sheriffs, etc., for escapes, 
one year. Persons under disabilities, except infants, may bring action after the disability ceases, 
provided the period is not extended more t li a n fire years, and infants one year after coming of 
age. Actions by representatives of deceased persons, one year from death ; against the same, 
one year from granting letters testamentary or of administration. New promise must be in 
writing. 

COMMERCIAL TERMS. 

$ — Means dollars, being a contraction of U. S., which was formerly placed before any 
denomination of money, and meant, as it means now, United States currency. 

£ — Means pou?ids, English money. 

@ — Stands for at or to ; lb for pounds, and bbl. for barrels ; ^ for per, or by the. Thus : 
Butter sells at 20@30c ^ ft, and Flour at $8(« 12 ^ bbl. % for per cent., and # for numbers. 

May 1. Wheat sells at $1.20@$1.25, " seller June." Seller June means that the person 
who sells the wheat has the privilege of delivering it at any time during the month of June. 

Selling short is contracting to deliver a certain amount of grain or stock at a fixed price, 
within a certain length of time, when the seller has not the stock on hand. It is for the interest 
of the person selling short to depress the market as much as possible, in order that he may buy 
and fill his contract at a profit. Hence the "shorts " are termed "bears." 

Buying long is to contrive to purchase a certain amount of grain or shares of stock at a 
fixed price, deliverable within a stipulated time, expecting to make a profit by the rise in prices. 
The " longs " are termed " bulls," as it is for their interest to " operate " so as to " toss " the 
prices upward as much as possible. 

SUGGESTIONS TO THOSE PURCHASING BOOKS BY SUBSCRIPTION. 

The business of publishing books by subscription having so often been brought into disre- 
pute by agents making representations and declarations not authorized by the publisher, in 
order to prevent that as much as possible, and that there may be more general knowledge of 
the relation such agents bear to their principal, and the law governing such cases, the following 
statement is made: 

A subscription is in the nature of a contract of mutual promises, by which the subscriber 
agrees to pay a certain sum for the work described ; the consideration is concurrent that the 
publisher shall publish the book named, and deliver the same, for which the subscriber is to 
pay the price named. The nature and character of the work is described by the prospectus 
and sample shown. These should be carefully examined before subscribing, as they are the 



286 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

basis and consideration of the promise to pay, and not the too often exaggerated statements of 
the agent, who is merely employed to solicit subscriptions, for which he is usually paid a com- 
mission for each subscriber, and has no authority to change or alter the conditions upon which 
the subscriptions are authorized to be made by the publisher. Should the agent assume to 
agree to make the subscription conditional or modify or change the agreement of the publisher, 
as set out by the prospectus and sample, in order to bind the principal, the subscriber should 
see that such condition or changes are stated over or in connection with his signature, so that 
the publisher may have notice of the same. 

All persons making contracts in reference to matters of this kind, or any other business, 
should remember that the law as written is, that they cannot be altered, varied or rescinded 
verbally, but, if done at all, must be done in writing. It is therefore important that all persons 
contemplating subscribing should distinctly understand that all talk before or after the sub- 
scription is made, is not admissible as evidence, and is no part of the contract. 

Persons employed to solicit subscript] ins are known to the trade as canvassers. They are 
agents appointed to do a particular busines in a prescribed mode, and have no authority to do 
it in any other way to the prejudice of their principal, nor can they bind their principal in any 
other matter. They cannot collect money, or agree that payment may be made in anything 
else but money. They cannot extend the time of payment beyond the time of delivery, nor 
bind their principal for the payment of expenses incurred in their business. 

It would save a great deal of trouble, and often serious loss, if persons, before signing 
their names to any subscription book, or any written instrument, would examine carefully what 
it is ; if they cannot read themselves call on some one disinterested who can. 




CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. 



CONDENSED. 



PREAMBLE. 



We, the People of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom ; in order to secure 
its blessings, form a more perfect government, insure domestic tranquillity, and promote the 
general welfare, do establish this Constitution. 

Article I. 

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS. 

Section 1. All men are born free and independent, and have, among other rights, those 
of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Governments are instituted to secure these rights. 

Sec. 2. There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except for the punish- 
ment of crimes. 

Sec. 3. Liberty of speech and of the press shall not be abridged. 

Sec. 4. The right of the people to peaceably assemble to consult for the common good 
shall never be abridged. 

Sec. 5. The right of trial by jury shall i - eraain inviolate. 

Sec. 6. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel pun- 
ishments inflicted. 

Sec. 7. In criminal prosecutions, the rights of the accused shall be protected. 

Sec. 8. Criminal offenses shall be prosecuted on presentment of a grand jury. No one 
shall be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense, nor be compelled to be a witness against 
himself. Every one shall have the right of giving bail except in capital offenses ; and the writ of 
habeas corpus shall not be suspended, except in case of rebellion or invasion. 

Sec. 9. Every person is entitled to a certain remedy for all injuries or wrongs. 

Sec. 10. Treason consists in levying war against the State, or giving aid and comfort to 
its enemies. Two witnesses are necessary to convict a person of the crime. 

Sec. 11. The people are to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures. 

Sec. 12. Bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, or laws impairing obligation of contracts, 
shall never be passed. 

Sec. 13. No property shall be taken for public use without compensation. 

Sec. 14. All laws in the State are allodial. Feudal tenures are prohibited. 

Sec. 15. The rights of property are the same in resident aliens and citizens. 

Sec. 16. No person shall be imprisoned for debt. 

Sec. 17. Wholesome exemption laws shall be passed. 

Sec. 18. Liberty of conscience and rights of worship shall never be abridged. The 
public money shall never be applied to sectarian uses. 

Sec. 19. No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification for any office. 

287 



288 HISTOBY OF WISCONSIN. 

Sec. 20. The military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power. 
Sec. 21. Writs of error shall never be prohibited by law. 

Sec. 22. A free government can only be maintained by adhering to justice, moderation, 
temperance, frugality and virtue. 

Article II. 

BOUNDARIES. 

Section 1. The boundary of the State, beginning at the northeast corner of the State of 
Illinois, runs with the boundary line of Michigan, through Lake Michigan and Green Bay, to 
the mouth of the Menominie River : up that stream and the Brule River to Lake Brule ; along 
the southern shore of that lake to the Lake of the Desert ; thence in a direct line to the head 
of Montreal River; down the main channel of that stream to the middle of Lake Superior; 
thence through the center of said lake to the mouth of St. Louis River; up the channel of that 
stream to the first rapids; thence due south to the main branch of the St. Croix: down that 
river and the Mississippi to the northwest corner of Illinois; thence due east with the northern 
boundary of that State to the place of beginning. 

Sec. 2. The propositions in the enabling act of Congress are accepted and confirmed. 

Article III. 

SUFFRAGE. 

Section 1. The qualified electors are all male persons twenty-one years of age or upward, 
who are(l.) white citizens of the United States: (2.) who are white persons of foreign birth that 
have declared their intentions, according to law. to become citizens ; (3) who are persons of 
Indian blood and citizens of the United States ; and (4.) civilized Indians not members of any 
tribe. 

Sec. 2. Persons under guardianship, such as are non compus mentis or insane, and those 
convicted of treason and felony and not pardoned, are not qualified electors. 

Sec. 3. All votes shall be by ballot, except for township officers when otherwise directed 
by law. 

Sec. 4. No person shall be deemed to have lost his residence by reason of his absence on 
business for the State or United States. 

Sec. 5. No person in the army or navy shall become a resident of the State in conse- 
quence of being stationed therein. 

Sec. 6. Persons convicted of bribery, larceny or any infamous crime, or those who bet 
on elections, may be excluded by law from the right of suffrage. 

Article IV. 

LEGISLATIVE. 

Section 1. The Legislative power is vested in a Senate and Assembly. 

Sec. 2. Members (if the Assembly shall never number less than fifty-four, nor more than 
one hundred; of the Senate, not more than one-third, nor less than one-fourth of the mem- 
bers of the Assembly. 

Sec. 3. Census shall be taken, every ten years, of the inhabitants of the State, beginning 
with 1855, when a new apportionment of members of the Senate and Assembly shall be made; 
also, after each United States census. 

Sec. 4. Members of the Assembly shall be chosen on the Tuesday succeeding the first 
Monday of November of each year. 

Sec. 5. Members of the Senate shall be elected for two years, at the same time and in 
the same manner as members of the Assembly- 



CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. 289 

Sec. 6. No person shall be eligible to the Legislature, unless a resident of the State one 
year, and a qualified elector. 

Sec. 7. Each House shall be the judge of the qualifications of its members. A majority 
shall be necessary to form a quorum. 

Sec. 8. Each House shall make its own rules. 

Sec. 9. Each House shall choose its own officers. 

Sec. 10. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceedings. 

Sec. 11. The Legislature shall meet at the seat of government once a year. 

Sec. 12. No member shall be eligible to any other civil office in the State, during the 
term for which he was elected. 

Sec. 13. No member shall be eligible to any office of the United States, during the term 
for which he was elected. 

Sec. 14. Writs of election, to fill vacancies in either House, shall be issued by the Gov- 
ernor. 

Sec. 15. Except treason, felony and breach of the peace, members are privileged from 
arrest in all cases ; nor subject to any civil process during a session. 

Sec. 16. Members are not liable for words spoken in debate. 

Sec. 17. The style of all laws shall be, " The people of the State of Wisconsin rep- 
resented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows: " 

Sec. 18. Private or local bills shall not embrace more than one subject. 

Sec. 19. Bills may originate in either House, and a bill passed by one House may be 
amended by the other. 

Sec. 20. Yeas and nays, at the request of one-sixth of the members present, shall be 
entered on the journal. 

Sec. 21. [Each member shall receive, as an annual compensation, three hundred and 
fifty dollars and ten cents for each mile traveled in going to and returning from the seat of gov- 
ernment]. As amended in 1867. 

Sec. 22. Boards of Supervisors may be vested with powers of a local, legislative and 
administrative character, such as shall be conferred by the Legislature. 

Sec. 23. One system only, of town and county government, shall be established by the 
Legislature. 

Sec. 24. The Legislature shall never authorize any lottery, or grant any divorce. 

Sec. 25. Stationery, for State use and State printing, shall be let by contract to the low- 
est bidder. 

Sec. 26. Extra compensation to any public officer shall not be granted after service is 
rendered, nor shall his compensation be increased or diminished during his term of office. 

Sec. 27. The Legislature shall direct, by law, in what manner and in what Courts suits 
against the State may be brought. 

Sec. 28. Public officers shall all take an oath of office. 

Sec. 29. The Legislature shall determine what persons shall constitute the militia, and 
may provide for organizing the same. 

Sec. 30. Members of the Legislature shall vote viva voce in all elections made by 
them. 

Sec. 31. [Special legislation is prohibited (1) for changing the names of persons, or con- 
stituting one person the heir-at-law of another ; (2) for laying out, opening or altering high- 
ways, except in certain cases; (3) for authorizing persons to keep ferries; (4) for authorizing 
the sale of the property of minors ; (5) for locating a county seat ; (6) for assessment of taxes ; 
(7) for granting corporate powers, except to cities; (8) for apportioning any part of the school 
fund ; and (9) for incorporating any town or village, or to award the charter thereof]. Added 
by amendment, in 1871. 

Sec. 32. [General laws shall be passed for the transaction of any business prohibited by 
Section 21 of this Article.] Added by amendment, in 1871. 



290 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Article V. 

Section 1. The executive power shall be vested in a Governor, who shall hold his office 
two years. A Lieutenant Governor shall be elected at the same time and for the same ?rm. 

Sec. 2. Governor and Lieutenant Governor must be citizens of the United Sta;es. and 
qualified electors of the State. 

Sec. 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected at the times and place3 of choosing 
members of the Legislature. 

Sec. 4. The Governor shall be (1) commander-in-chief of the military and naval forces of 
the State; (2) he has power to convene the Legislature in extra session ; (3) he shall communi- 
cate to the Legislature all necessary information ; (4) he shall transact all necessary business 
with the officers of the State; and (5) shall expedite all legislative measures, and see that thtf 
laws are faithfully executed. 

Sec. 5. [The Governor's salary shall be five thousand dollars per annum.] As amended 
in 1869. 

Sec. 6. The Governor shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons. 

Sec. 7. The executive duties shall devolve upon the Lieutenant Governor when, from any 
cause, the executive office is vacated by the Governor. 

Sec. 8. The Lieutenant Governor shall be President of the Senate. The Secretary of 
State shall act as Governor when both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are incapacitated 
from any causes to fill the executive office. 

Sec. 9. [The Lieutenant Governor shall receive a salary of one thousand dollars per 
annum.] As amended in 1869. 

Sec. 10. All legislative bills shall be presented to the Governor for his signature before 
they become laws. Bills returned by the Governor without his signature may become laws by 
agreement of two-thirds of the members present in each house. 

Article VI. 

ADMINISTRATION. 

Section 1. A Secretary of State, Treasurer and Attorney General shall be elected at the 
times and places of choosing members of the Legislature, who shall severally hold their offices 
for two years. 

Sec. 2. The Secretary of State shall keep a record of the official acts of the Legislature 
and Executive Department. He shall be ex officio Auditor. 

Sec. 3. The powers, duties and compensation of the Treasurer and Attorney General 
shall be prescribed by law. 

Sec. 4. Sheriffs, Coroners, Registers of Deeds and District Attorneys shall be elected 
every two years. 

Article VTI. 
judiciary. 

Section 1. The Senate shall form the Court of Impeachment. Judgment shall not 
extend further than removal from office; but the person impeached shall be liable to indictment, 
trial and punishment, according to law. 

Sec. 2. The judicial power of the State is vested in a Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, 
Courts of Probate, and in Justices of the Peace. Municipal courts, also, may be authorized. 

Sec. 3. The Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction only. Trial by jury is not 
allowed in any case. The Court shall have a general superintending control over inferior courts. 
and power to issue writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, injunction, quo warranto, certiorari, and 
•her original and remedial writs. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. 293 

Six. 4. [The Supremo Court shall consist of one Chief Justice, and four Associate 
Justices, each for the term often years.] As amended in 1877. 

Sec. 5. The State shall be divided into five Judicial Circuits. 

Sec. 6. The Legislature may alter the limits or increase the number of the circuits. 

Sec. 7. There shall be a Judge chosen for each Circuit, who shall reside therein; his 
term of office shall be six years. 

Sec. 8. The Circuit Courts shall have original jurisdiction in all matters civil and crim- 
inal, not excepted in this Constitution, and not prohibited hereafter by law, and appellate juris- 
diction from all inferior courts. They shall have power to issue writs of habeas corpus, man- 
damus, injunction, quo warranto, certiorari, and all other writs necessary to carry their orders 
and judgments into effect. 

Sec. 9. Vacancies in the office of Supreme or Circuit Judge shall be filled by the Gover- 
nor. Election for Judges shall not be at any general election, nor within thirty days before or 
after said election. 

Sec. 10. Judges of the Supreme and Circuit Courts shall receive a salary of not loss than 
one thousand five hundred dollars, and shall hold no other office, except a judicial one, during 
the term for which they are respectively elected. Each Judge shall be a citizen of the United 
States, and have attained the age of twenty-five years. He shall also be a qualified elector within 
the jurisdiction for which he may be chosen. 

Sec. 11. The Supreme Court shall hold at least one term annually. A Circuit Court 
shall be held at least twice in each year, in each county of this State organized for judicial pur- 
poses. 

Sec. 12. There shall be a Clerk of the Circuit Court chosen in each county, whose term 
of office shall be two years. The Supreme Court shall appoint its own Clerk. 

Sec. 13. Any Judge of the Supreme or Circuit Court may be removed from office by vote 
of two-thirds of all the members elected to both Senate and Assembly. 

Sec. 14. A Judge of Probate shall be elected in each county, who shall hold his office for 
two years. 

Sec. 15. Justices of the Peace shall be elected in the several towns, villages and cities of 
the State, in such manner as the Legislature may direct, whose term of office shall be two years. 
Their civil and criminal jurisdiction shall be prescribed by law. 

Sec. 16. Laws shall be passed for the regulation of tribunals of conciliation. These may 
be established in and for any township. 

Sec. 17. The style of all writs and process shall be " The State of Wisconsin." Criminal 
prosecutions shall be carried on in the name and by authority of the State ; and all indictments 
shall conclude against the peace and dignity of the same. 

Sec. 18. A tax shall be imposed by the Legislature on all civil suits, which shall consti- 
tute a fund, to be applied toward the payment of the salary of Judges. 

Sec. 19. Testimony in equity causes shall be taken the same as in cases at law. The 
office of Master in Chancery is prohibited. 

Sec. 20. Any suitor may prosecute or defend his case in his own proper person, or by 
attorney or agent. 

Sec. 21. Statute laws and such judicial decisions as are deemed expedient, shall be pub- 
lished. No general law shall be in force until published. 

Sec. 22. The Legislature at its first session shall provide for the appointment of three 
Commissioners to revise the rules of practice in the several Courts of Record in the State. 

Sec. 23. The Legislature may confer judicial powers on one or more persons in each 
organized county of the State. Powers granted to such Commissioners shall not exceed that of 
a Judge of a Circuit Court at chambers. 



294: HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Article VIII. 

FINANCE. 

Section 1. Taxation shall be uniform, and taxes shall be levied upon such property as the 
Legislature may prescribe. 

Sec. 2. [No money shall be paid out of the treasury except in pursuance of an appro- 

priation by law. Claims made against the State must be filed within six years after having 
accrued.] As amended in 1877. 

Sec. 3. The credit of the State shall never be given or loaned in aid of any individual, 
association or corporation. 

Sec. 4. The State shall never contract any public debt, except in the cases and manner 
provided in this Constitution. 

Sec. 5. A tax shall be levied each year sufficient to defray estimated expenses. 

Sec. 6. Debts not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars may be contracted by the State, 
which shall be paid within five years thereafter. 

Sec. 7. The Legislature may borrow money to repel invasion, suppress insurrection or 
defend the State in time of war. 

Sec. 8. All fiscal laws in the Legislature shall be voted on by yeas and nays. 

Sec. 9. State scrip shall not be issued except for such debts as are authorized by the sixth 
and seventh sections of this article. 

Sec. 10. No debt for internal improvements shall be contracted by the State. 

Article IX. 
eminent domain and property of the state. 

Section 1. The State shall have concurrent jurisdiction on all rivers and lakes border- 
ing on Wisconsin. 

Sec. 2. The title to all property which has accrued to the Territory of Wisconsin shall 
vest in the State of Wisconsin. 

Sec. 3. The ultimate property in and to all lands of the State is possessed by the 
people. 

Article X. 

EDUCATION. 

Section 1. The supervision of public instruction shall be rested in a State Superintend- 
ent and such other officers as the Legislature shall direct. The annual compensation of the 
State Superintendent shall not exceed twelve hundred dollars. 

2. The school fund to support ami maintain common schools, academies and nor- 
mal schools, and to purchase apparatus and libraries therefor, shall be created out of (1) the 
proceeds of lands from the United States; (2) out of forfeitures and escheats; (3) out of 
moneys paid as exemptions from military duty; (4) out of lines collected for breach of penal 
laws; (5) out of any grant to the State where the purposes of such grant are not specified; 6 
out of the proceeds of the sale of five hundred thousand acres of land granted by Congress Sep- 
tember 11, I v 1 1 ; and (7 i out of the five per centum of the net proceeds of the public lands to 
which the State .-hall become entitled on her admission into the Union (if Congress shall con- 
sent to such appropriation of the two grants last mentioned.) 

Sec. 3. District Bchools shall be established by law which shall be free to all children be- 
tween tli four and twenty years. No sectarian instruction shall be allowed therein. 

Sec. 4. Each town and city shall raise for common schools therein by taxation a sum equal 
to one-half the amount i I from the school fund of the State. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. 295 

Sec. 5. Provisions shall be made by law for the distribution of the income of the school 
fund among the several towns and cities for the support of common schools therein ; but no 
appropriation shall be made when there is a failure to raise the proper tax, or when a school 
shall not have been maintained at least three months of the year. 

Sec. 6. Provision shall be made by law for the establishment of a State University. The 
proceeds of all lands granted for the support of a university by the United States shall consti- 
tute "the University fund," the interest of which shall be appropriated to the support of the 
State University. No sectarian instruction shall be allowed in such university. 

Sec. 7. The Secretary of State, Treasurer and Attorney General shall constitute a Board 
of Commissioners to sell school and university lands and for the investments of the proceeds 
thereof. 

Sec. 8. School and university lands shall be appraised and sold according to law. The 
Commissioners shall execute deeds to purchasers, and shall invest the proceeds of the sales of 
such lands in such manner as the Legislature shall provide. 

Article XI. 

CORPORATIONS. 

Section 1. Corporations without banking powers may be formed under general laws, but 
shall not be created by special act, except for municipal purposes, and in cases where, in the 
judgment of the Legislature, the objects of the corporation cannot be attained under general laws. 

Sec. 2. No municipal corporation shall take private property for public use, against the 
consent of the owner, except by jury trial. 

Sec. 8. Cities and incorporated villages shall be organized, and their powers restricted by 
law so as to prevent abuses. [No county, city, town, village, school district, or other municipal 
corporation, shall become indebted to exceed five per centum on the value of the taxable property 
therein.] As amended in 1874. 

Sec. 4. Banks shall not be created except as provided in this article. 

Sec. 5. The question of " bunk " or "no bank " may be submitted to the voters of the 
State; and if a majority of all the votes cast shall be in favor of banks, the Legislature shall 
have power to grant bank charters, or pass a general banking law. 

Article XII. 

Section 1. Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed in either house of the Legis- 
lature, and referred to the next Legislature and published for three months previous. If agreed 
to by a majority of all the members elected to each house, then the amendment or amendments 
shall submit them to the vote of the people; and if the people shall approve and ratify such 
amendment or amendments, they shall become a part of the Constitution. 

Sec. 2. If a convention to revise or change the Constitution shall be deemed necessary by 
the Legislature, they shall recommend to the electors of the State to vote at the nexi general 
election for or against the same. If the vote shall be for the calling of such convention, then 
the Legislature, at its next session, shall provide for the same. 

Article XIII. 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. 

Section 1. The political year for Wisconsin shall commence on the first Monday in Jan- 
uary in each year. General elections shall be holden on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday 
in November. 

Sec. 2. A duelist shall not be qualified as an elector in this State. 

Sec. 3. United States officers (except Postmasters), public defaulters, or persons convicted 
of infamous crimes, shall not be eligible to office in this State. 



296 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Sec. 4. A groat seal for the State shall be provided, and all official acts of the Governor 
(except his approbation of the laws), shall be authenticated thereby. 

Skc. 5. Residents on Indian lands may vote, if duly qualified, at the polls nearest their 
residence. 

Sec. 6. Elective officers of the Legislature, other than the presiding officers, shall be a 
Chief Clerk, and a Sergeant-at-Arms, to be elected by each House. 

Si c. T. No county with an area of nine hundred square miles or less, shall be divided, 
without submitting the question to the vote of the people of the county. 

Sec. 8. [The Legislature is prohibited from enacting any special or private laws, for locating 
or changing any county seat.] See amendment adopted in 1871, as Sec. 31 (Subdivision 5) of 
Art. IV. 

Si c. 9. Officers not provided for by this Constitution shall be elected as the Legislature 
shall direct. 

Sec. 10. The Legislature may declare the cases in which any office shall be deemed 
vacant, and also the manner of filling the vacancy, where no provision is made for that purpose 
in this Constitution. 

Article XIV. 

.SCHEDULE. 

Section 1. All rights under the Territorial government are continued under the State 
government. Territorial processes are valid after the State is admitted into the Union. 

Sec. 2. Existing laws of the Territory of Wisconsin not repugnant to this Constitution 
shall remain in force until they expire by limitation or are altered or repealed. 

Sec. 3. All fines, penalties or forfeitures accruing to the Territory of Wisconsin shall 
inure to the use of the State. 

Sec. 4. Territorial recognizances, bonds and public property shall pass to and be vested 
in the State. Criminal prosecutions, offenses committed against the laws, and all actions at law 
and suits in equity in the Territory of Wisconsin shall be contained in and prosecuted by the 
State. 

Sec. 5. Officers holding under authority of the United States or of the Territory of Wis- 
consin shall continue in office until superseded by State authority. 

SEC. 6. The first session of the State Legislature shall commence on the first Monday in 
June next, and shall be held at the village of Madison, which shall be and remain the seat of 
government until otherwise provided by law. 

Sec. 7. Existing county and town officers shall hold their offices until the Legislature of 
the State shall provide for the holding of elections to fill such offices. 

Sec. 8. A copy of this Constitution shall be transmitted to the President of the United 
States to be laid before Congress at its present session. 

Sec. 9. This Constitution shall be submitted to the vote of the people for ratification or 
rejection on the second Mondav in March next. If ratified, an election shall be held for 
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Attorney General, members of the State Legisla- 
ture and members of Congress, on the second Mondav of May next. 

Sec. 10. [Omitted. See Section 1, Chapter 3, Acts of Extra Session of 1878.] 

Sec. 11. Tin several elections provided for in this Article shall be conducted according 
to the existing laws of the Territory of Wisconsin. 

Sic. l± | Omitted. See Section 1, Chapter 3, Acts of Extra Session of 1878.] 

.- 1 C L3. The common law in force in the Territory of Wisconsin shall continue in force 
in the State until altered or suspended by the Legislature. 

SEC. I I. The Senators first elected in the even-numbered Senate districts, the Governor, 
Lieutenant Governor and other State officers first elected under this Constitution, shall enter 
upon their duties on the Bral Monday of June next, and hold their offices for one year from the 
first Monday of January next. The Senators first elected in the odd-numbered districts and the 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 297 

members of the Assembly first elected shall enter upon their duties on the first Monday of June 
next, and continue in office until the first Monday in January next. 

Sec. 15. The oath of office may be administered by any Judge or Justice of the Peace, 
until the Legislature shall otherwise direct. 



We, the undersigned, members of the Convention to form a Constitution for the State of 
Wisconsin, to be submitted to the people thereof for their ratification or rejection, do hereby 
certify that the foregoing is the Constitution adopted by the Convention. 

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, at Madison, the 1st day of Feb- 
ruary, A. D. 1848. 

Morgan L. Martin, 
President of the Convention and Delegate from Brown County. 
Thomas McHt/gh, 

Secretary. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CONDEISTSED. 



PREAMBLE. 



We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, 
insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, ■promote the general zvelfare, 
and sea/re the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish 
this Constitution for the United States of America. 

ARTICLE I. 

Section 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress, which shall 
consist of a Senate and House of Representatives. 

Sec. 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of members chosen every second 
year by the people of the States, and electors shall have (qualifications for electors of the most 
numerous branch of the State Legislature. 

Representatives must be twenty-five years of age, and must have been seven years citizens 
of the United States, and inhabitants of the State in which they shall be chosen. 

Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several States according to 
population, which shall be determined, by adding to the whole number of free persons, including 
apprentices and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. The enumeration 
shall be made within three years after the first meeting of Congress, and every ten years there- 
after in such manner as Congress shall by law direct. States shall have one Representative only 
fur each thirty thousand, but each State shall have at least one Representative; and until such 
enumeration shall be made. New Hampshire shall choose three; Massachusetts, eight; Rhode 
Island, one; Connecticut, five; New York, six; New Jersey, four; Pennsylvania, eight; Del- 
aware, one; Maryland, six; Virginia, ten; North Carolina, five; South Carolina, five, and 
Georgia, three. 

Vacancies in the representation from any State shall be filled by elections, ordered by the 
executive authority of the State. 



298 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker ami other officers, and shall have 
the sole power of impeachment. 

Sec. 3. The Senate shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the 
Legislature thereof for six years ; and each Senator shall have one vote. 

Senators shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes immediately after assem- 
bling, in consequence of the first election. The first class shall vacate their seats at the expira- 
tion of the second year ; the second class, at the expiration of the fourth year, and the third 
lass, at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-third may be chosen every second year; 
;ind vacancies happening by resignation or otherwise during the recess of the Legislature of any 
State may be filled by temporary appointments of the Executive until the next meeting of the 
Legislature. 

All Senators shall have attained the age of thirty years, and shall have been nine years 
citizens of the United States, and shall be inhabitants of the State for which they shall be 
chosen. 

The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have 
no vote, unless they be equally divided. 

The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the 
absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the office of President, 

The Senate shall have the sole power to try impeachments, When sitting for that purp «e, 
they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the President is tried, the Chief Justice shall pre- 
side, and concurrence of two-thirds of the members present shall be necessary to conviction 

Judgment ia cases of impeachment shall be limited to removal from office and disqualifica- 
tion to hold any office under the United States ; but the party convicted shall be liable to trial 
and punishment according to law. 

Sec. 4. The Legislature of each State shall prescribe the times, places and manner of 
holding elections for Senators and Representatives, but Congress may make or alter such regu- 
lations, except as to the place of choosing Senators. 

Congress shall assemble annually, on the first Monday in December, unless a different day 
he appointed. 

Sec. 5. Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its 
own members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to d<> business; but a smaller 
number may adjourn from day to day, and may compel attendance of absent members, under 
penalties. 

Each House may determine its own rules of proceeding, punish its members, and. by a two- 
thirds vote, expel a member. • 

Each House shall keep a journal, which shall be published at their discretion, and one-fifth 
of those present may require the yeas and nays to be entered on the journal. 

Neither House shall adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other, 
nor to any other place than that in which they are sitting. 

Sec. 6. The compensation of Senators and Representatives shall be fixed by law, and 
paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall be privileged from arrest during 
attendance at the session of their respective Houses, except for treason, felony and breach of 
the peace, and shall not be questioned in any other place for any speech or debate in either 
I [i use. 

No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed 
to any civil office under the United States which shall have been created or the emoluments 
whereof shall have been increased during such time; and no person holding office under the 
-hall be a member of either House during his continuance in office. 

SEC. 7. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives, but 
may be amended by the Senate. 

Every bill passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate shall, before it becomes 
a. law, be presented to the President ; if he approve, he shall sign it ; but if not, he shall return 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 299 

it, with his objections, to that House in which it originated, who shall enter the objections on 
their journal and proceed to reconsider it. If, after reconsideration, two-thirds shall agree to 
pass the bill, it shall be sent, with the objections, to the other House, and, if approved by two- 
thirds of that House, it shall become a law. But in all such cases, the yeas and nays shall be 
taken, and entered upon the journal of each House, respectively. Any bill not returned by 
the President within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, shall 
be a law, as if he had signed it, unless Congress, by adjournment, shall prevent its return, in 
which case it shall not be a law. 

Every order, resolution or vote requiring the concurrence of the Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives (except a question of adjournment), shall be approved by the President before tak- 
ing effect ; or, being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by a two-thirds vote of each House, 
as in the case of a bill. 

Sec. 8. Congress shall have power : 

To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the 
common defense and general welfare of the United States ; but all duties, imposts and excises 
shall be uniform throughout the United States ; 

To borrow money on the public credit; 

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several States and with the 
Indian tribes ; 

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bank- 
ruptcies ; 

To coin money, regulate the value thereof and foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights 
and measures ; 

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United 
States ; 

To establish post offices and post roads ; 

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors 
and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries ; 

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court ; 

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offenses against 
the laws of nations ; 

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on 
land and water ; 

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer 
term than two years ; 

To provide and maintain a navy ; 

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces ; 

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insur- 
rection and repel invasions ; 

To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, and for governing such parts 
of them as may be employed in the service of the United States — the several States to appoint 
the officers and to train the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress ; 

To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases, over the seat of Government, and over all 
forts, magazines, arsenals, dock -yards and other needful buildings ; and 

To make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution all powers vested by this 
Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. 

Sec. 9. Foreign immigration or the importation of slaves into the States shall not be pro- 
hibited by Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty 
may be imposed not exceeding ten dollars for each person so imported. 

The writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless required by the public safety in 
cases of rebellion or invasion. 

No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed. 



300 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census or enu- 
meration hereinbefore directed to be made. 

No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any State. 

In regulating commerce or revenue, no preference sliall be given to the ports of one State 
over tlmse of another; nor shall vessels bound to or from one State be obliged to enter, clear or 
pay duties in another. 

No momy shall be drawn from the Treasury unless appropriated by law; and accounts of 
the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time. 

No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States ; and no person holding any 
office under them shall accept any present, emolument, office or title from any foreign State, 
without the consent of Congress. 

Sec. 10. No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance or confederation : grant letters of 
marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; make anything but gold and silver coin 
a tender in payment of debts; pass bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, or law impairing the 
obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility. 

No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or 
exports, except for the execution of its inspection laws; and all such duties shall be for the use 
of the United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control of Congress. 

No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops or 
ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another State or with a 
foreign power, or engage in war unless actually invaded or in imminent and immediate danger. 

Article II. 

Section 1. The executive power shall be vested in a President. He shall hold office for 
four years, and, together with the Vice President chosen for the same term, shall be elected as 
follows : 

Each State shall appoint in the manner directed by the Legislature, a number of electors 
eqnal to the whole number of its Senators and Representatives in Congress; but no Senator or 
Representative or person holding any office under the United States shall be appointed an 
elector. 

[ The third clause of this section has been superseded and amended by tin' 1 .'tli A mendment.~\ 

Congress may determine the time of choosing the electors, and the day on which they shall 
give their votes, which day shall be the same throughout the United States. 

A natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of this 
Constitution, only shall be eligible to the office of President; and he must have attained the age 
of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States. 

If the President be removed from office, die, resign, or become unable to discharge the duties 
of his office, the same shall devolve upon the Vice President, and Congress may provide by law 
for the case of removal, death, resignation or inability of both the President and Vice President, 
declaring what officer shall then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the 
disability be removed or a President elected.* 

The President sliall receive a compensation for his services, which shall be neither increased 
nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been electedf and within that period 
he shall not receive any other emolument from the United States or from any of them. 

Before entering upon office he shall take the following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly 
swear (or affirm) that 1 will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and 
will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United 
States." 

* Bj act of March 1 17' v. d,*ipnatin(r the President of the Senate pro ttmpart, or if there be none 

the Speaker of the House of RepresentauYos, t real <<f a vacancy iu the offices of both President 

ait<i Vii •• President 

t The President's salary was fixed February IS, 1703, at $25,000, and was increased March 3, 1873, to $50,000. 



CONSTITUTION" OF THE UNITED STATES. 301 

Sec. 2. The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of the army and navy of the 
United States, and of the militia of the several States, when in actual service of the United 
States; he may require the written opinion of the principal officers of the several executive 
departments upon subjects relating to the duties of their respective offices, and shall have power to 
grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. 

He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, 
provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur, and shall nominate to the Senate ambassa- 
dors, other public ministers and consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of 
the United States whose appointment is not otherwise provided for ; but Congress may vest the 
appointment of inferior officers in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of 
departments. 

The President may fill all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by 
granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session. 

He shall, from time to time, give Congress information of the state of the Union, and 
recommend measures to their consideration ; he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both 
Houses or either of them, and, in case of disagreement between them as to the time of adjourn- 
ment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive ambassadors 
and other public ministers ; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall com- 
mission all the officers of the United States. 

Sec. 4. The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall be 
removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes 
and misdemeanors. 

Article III. 

Section 1. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme 
Court, and in such inferior courts as Congress may establish. The Judges, both of the Supreme 
and inferior Courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and shall receive a compensa- 
tion which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office. 

Sec. 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this 
Constitution, the laws of the United States, treaties, cases affecting ambassadors, other public 
ministers and consuls, all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to controversies to which 
the United States shall be a party ; controversies between two or more States ; between a State 
and citizens of another State ; between citizens of different States ; between citizens of the same 
State claiming lands under grants of different States, and between a State or the citizens thereof 
and foreign States, citizens or subjects. 

In all cases affecting Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State is a party, the 
Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction. In all other cases mentioned, the Supreme 
Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, subject to exceptions and regu- 
lations made by Congress. 

All crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be tried by jury, and in the State where 
the crime was committed ; but Congress shall fix the place of trial for crimes not committed 
within any State. 

Sec. 3. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against them, 
or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of 
treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open 
court. 

Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, but no attainder of treason 
shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture, except during the life of the person attainted. 

Article IV. 

Section 1. Each State shall give full faith and credit to the public acts, records and judi- 
cial proceedings of every other State, and Congress may prescribe the manner in which such 
acts, records and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof. 



302 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Sec. 2. The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of 
citizens in the several States. 

Fugitives from justice in any State found in another State, shall, on demand of the Execu- 
tive, be delivered up and removed to the State having jurisdiction of the crime. 

No person held to service or labor in one State under the laws thereof, escaping into another, 
shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labor, 
but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due. 

Sec. 3. New States may be admitted to the Union, but no new State shall be formed 
within the jurisdiction of any other State; nor by the junction of two or more States, or parts 
of States, without the consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned, as well as of Congress. 

Congress shall have power to dispose of and to regulate and govern the territory or other 
property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to 
prejudice any claims of the United States, or any particular State. 

Every State shall be guaranteed a republican form of government, and shall be protected 
against invasion ; and on an application of the Legislature, or of the executive (when the Legis- 
lature cannot be convened), against domestic violence. 

Article V. 

Congress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amend- 
ments to this Constitution, or, on application of two-thirds of the Legislatures of the several 
States, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all 
intents anil purposes, as part of this Constitution when ratified by the Legislatures of three-fourths 
of the several States, or by conventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of 
ratification may be proposed by the Congress; provided that no amendment which may be made 
prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and 
fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no State, without its consent, 
shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate. 

Al: I K'l.F. VI. 

All existing debts and engagements shall be valid against the L^nited States under this 
Constitution. 

This Constitution and the laws of the United States made in pursuance thereof, and all 
treaties made under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land, 
and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby ; anything in the Constitution or laws of 
any State to the contrary notwithstanding. 

Senators and Representatives, members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive 
and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by oath 
or affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a 
qualification to any office or public trust under the United States. 

Article VII. 

The ratification of the Convention of nine States shall be sufficient for the establishment of 
this Constitution between the States so ratifying the same. 

DONE in convention by the unanimous consent of the States present, the seventeenth day 
of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the 
independence of the United States of America the twelfth. 

Ix hi i \t;ss u BEREOI we have hereunto subscribed our names. 

liKoKCK WASHINGTON. 
President and Deputy from Virginia. 
[Other signatures omitted.] 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 303 

Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America. 

Proposed by Congress and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to 
the Fifth Article of the original Constitution. 

Article I. 

Congress shall make no law respecting religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; 
or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press ; or of the right of the people peaceably to 
assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. 

Article II. 

A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the 
people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. 

Article III. 

No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the consent of the 
owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. 

Article IV. 

The right of the people to be secure in their persons and property against unreasonable 
searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, 
supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the 
persons or things to be seized. 

Article V. 

No person shall be held to answer for any infamous crime unless on an indictment of a 
grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual 
service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any person be twice put in jeopardy of life 
or limb for the same offense ; nor shall he be compelled, in any criminal case, to be a witness 
against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law; nor 
shall private property be taken for oublic use without just compensation. 

Article VI. 

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to speedy and public trial, 
by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, and 
to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation ; to be confronted with the witnesses 
against him ; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the 
assistance of counsel for his defense. 

Article VII. 

In suits at common law, when the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the 
right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise 
re-examined in any court of the United States than according to the rules of the common law. 

Article VIII. 

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual pun- 
ishments inflicted. 



304 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN. 

Article IX. 

The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or dis- 
parage others retained by the people. 

Article X. 

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it tc 
r he States, are reserved to the States respectively or to the people. 

Article XI. 

The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law 
or equity commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of another 
St;ite, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign State. 

Article XII. 

The electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by ballot for President and Vice 
President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same State with themselves; 
distinct ballots shall be made for President and Vice President, and distinct lists made of such 
ballots and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify ami transmit 
Bealed to the seat of government, addressed to the President of the Senate ; the President of the 
Senate shall, in presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, 
and the votes shall then be counted ; the person having the greatest number of votes for Presi- 
dent shall be President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ; 
if no person have such majority, then from those having the highest numbers, not exceeding 
three on the list of those voted for as President, the House of Representatives shall choose imme- 
diately by ballot the President. But, in choosing the President, the vote shall be taken by 
States, each State having one vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or mem- 
bers from two-thirds of the States, and a majority of all the States shall be necessary to a elm ice. 
If, whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, the I louse of Representatives shall not 
choose a President before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice President shall 

- President, as in the case of death or disability of the President. The person having the 
greatest number of votes as Vice President shall be the Vice President, if such number be a 
majority of the whole number of electors appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from 
the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice President; a quorum for 
the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the 
whole number .-hall be necessary to a choice. But no person ineligible to the office of President 
shall be eligible to that of Vice President of the United States. 

Article XIII. 

Si CTION 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime 
where"f the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any 
place subject to their jurisdiction. 

: ). Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. 

Article XIV. 

Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, or subject to the juris- 
diction there. if. are citizens of the United States, and of the State wherein they reside. No 
State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens 
of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty or property without 






CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 305 

due" process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the 
law. 

Sec. 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the States according to population, 
counting the whole number of persons in each State, including Indians not taxed. But when 
the right to vote is denied to any of the male inhabitants of a State, being twenty-one years of 
age and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in 
rebellion or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion 
which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty- 
one years of age in such State. 

Sec. 3. No person shall hold any office under the United States or under any State, who 
having previously, as an officer of the United States of any State, taken an oath to support the 
Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the 
same, or given aid and comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may, by a vote of two- 
thirds of each House, remove such disability. 

Sec. 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, including pensions and 
bounties, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume 
or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United 
States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave ; but all such debts, obligations 
and claims shall be held illegal and void. 

Sec. 5. Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions 
of this article. 

Article XV. 

Section 1. The right of citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United 
States, or by any State, on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. 

Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. 




306 



ALPHABETICAL LIST OF COUNTIES AND CITIES 

WITH GUBERNATORIAL AND PRESIDENTIAL VOTES. 

Note. — The Republican or Democratic majority in each county is given as between Smith and Mallory. Green- 
back majority is only given when the vote for Allis exceeds the others, and is taken from the highest vote. 



COUNTIES. 




GOVERNOIi 




PBJ SI DENT. 
1876 




Smith. 


M;t I lory 


Allis Maj. 


Hayes. 


Tilden. 


Maj. 




580 

86 
45! 

41 

i ■'■: 

1075 

336 

450 

685 

449 

2048 

806 

3618 

2888 

•177 

21 

1174 

1208 

3086 

2620 

1828 

*7" 

1461 

Sill' 

1917 

1045 

988 

247 

1409 

1866 
301 

417 
5843, 
1102 
L059 

777 

521 
1528 

916 
1080 
2804 


233 

163 

203 

34 

1740 

810 

24 

1180 

693 

153 

1697 

1008 

3903 

4267 

126 

28 

-1(17 

805 

3414 

1988 

849, 

896 

1175 

3911 

2418 

'Ji 17 

1115 

13(10 

16 

1951 

7 

730 

1096 

764 

2005 

1679 

171 
645 

917 


lit 


R. 347 
1). 77 
EL 25( 
R. 6 
D. 353 
R. 265 
R. 312 
D. 680 
V. 18 
G. 367 
R 451 
D. 202 
D. 290 
D. 1984 
R. 351 
D. 7 
R. 767 
R. 403 
D. 328 
R. 682 
It 974 


981 

109 

644 

86 

2755 

1186 

285 

1012 

1591 

1255 

13 

64 :■ 
8281 
109J 
42 
2081 
2266 
4845 
4723 
2601 
1739 

1507 

2874 

1714 

1610 

561 

264 1 

2424 

71 

2700 

668 

697 

9981 

1818 
1869 
583 
886 
2186 
1019 
1866 
3660 


44; 

189 

257 

74 


R 539 




D 80 




53 
2 

101-3 

7' 


R 387 




R 12 




3617 


n R<19 




1162 R 24 




28 K 257 




88! 
i8! 
Bit 
118 
146 
61 1 
881 
288 


2146 D 1133 




1774 D 178 


Clark 


660 R 595 




249:i R 1039 




1604 " "''> 




6721 
6861 

596 
67 

894 

- 


D 291 




D. 3125 
R 499 




D 25 




1 1 2 

597 

1249 

1087 

580 


R 1139 




R 4fi1 




ii D 815 




8198 K 1525 




17.;.") R 866 




215 i> 


1514 I! 225 




1021 
52] 
296 


R. 286 
R. 411 

n "in 


2848 R 303 




718 B 789 




4134 1> 1260 




468 R 1«2 


1458 R 256 




51 

20 

62 1 

If.' 1 


R. 81 

R. 853 
R. 109 
a 14-' 


1 182 R 17S 




1654 D 1098 




2481 1! 163 




2299 R 




17 1 D. 108 




98 D 
746 1- 1 

76 I>. 283 
1228 D 
1019 B R 


Ii 1208 




1796 
1112 


1) 1 1 28 




u. -i i r> 






D 2045 




2080 K. 628 




167 
992 

17 
128 
106 

60 
728 


R. 295 
H. 1228 
D. 1142 
It. 350 
11. 978 

R, 163 


117 1 R R89 




3608 

;, is.. 

862 
1794 

2NMI 


D. 1749 




h 1897 




i; H7 




11. 1162 


Polk 






i; 61 




112 


i 


R. 680 



307 



Gubernatorial and Presidential Votes— 1877-1876— Continued. 



COUNTIES— Continued. 



Richland . 

Rock 

St. Croix.. 
Sauk 



Shawano ... 
Sheboygan. 
Taylo 



Trempealeau. 

Vernon 

Walworth 

Washington... 

Waukesha 

Waupaca 

Waushara 

Winnebago ... 
Wood 



Appleton 

Beaver Dam 

Beloit 

Berlin 

Buffalo 

Centralia 

Chilton 

Chippewa Falls... 

Columbus 

Eau Claire 

Fond du Lac 

Fort Howard 

Grand Rapids 

Green Bay 

Hudson 

Janesville 

Kenosha 

La Crosse 

Madison 

Manitowoc 

Menasha 

Milwaukee 

Mineral Point 

Necnah 

New London 

Oconomowoc 

Oconto 

Oshkosh 

Plymouth 

Portage 

Prairie du Chien., 

Prescott 

Racine 

Ripon 

Shawano 

Sheboygan 

Stevens Point 

Watertown 

Waupaca 

Wausau 



CITIES. 





GOVERNOR. 






PRESIDENT. 






1877. 








187G. 




Smith. 


Mallnry. 


Allis. 


Maj. 


Hayes. 


Tilden. 


Maj. 


1201 


729 


705 


R. 


472 


2038 


1591 


R. 


447 


3375 


1620 


781 


R. 


1755 


5755 


2814 


R. 


2893 


1558 


1489 


93 


R. 


70 


1775 


1736 


R. 


39 


1826 


922 


574 


R. 


'.K)4 


3395 


2201 


R. 


1194 


269 


605 


92 


D. 


336 


582 


873 


D. 


291 


1598 


1737 


750 


D. 


139 


3224 


3633 


D. 


409 


195 


254 


53 


D. 


59 


240 


246 


D. 


6 


2483 


731 


176 


R. 


1 152 


2360 


790 


R. 


1570 


1678 


416 


846 


R. 


1292 


2764 


1117 


R. 


1647 


2904 


1374 


160 


R. 


l.Vin 


4212 


1970! R. 


2242 


994 


2187 


187 


D. 


1993 


1321 


3047 D. 


1726 


2484 


2388 


276 


R. 


96 


3129 


3335 


D. 


206 


1473 


990 


772 


R. 


483 


2642 


1592 


R. 


1050 


1282 


257 


377 


R. 


1025 


2080 


548 


R. 


1532 


2068 


2238 


1887 


D. 


170 


5092 


4426 


R. 


660 


247 


196 


601 


G 


354 


658 


745 


D. 


87 


231 


522 


201 


D. 


291 


549 


911 


D. 


362 


320 


361 


6 


D. 


41 


357 


465 


D. 


108 


377 


109 


240 


R. 


268 


745 


627 


R. 


118 


219 


197 


36 


R. 


22 


456 


312 


R. 


144 


25 


17 

5 




R. 
G. 


8 
81 


14 

64 


31 
93 


D. 
D. 


17 


16 


97 


29 


31 


128 
294 


33 
143 


D. 
D. 


97 
65 










229 


475 


572 


D. 


97 


210 


123 


3 


R. 


87 


254 


212 


R. 


42 


620 


459 


250 


R. 


161 


1205 


1013 


R. 


189 


862 


884 


520 


D. 


22 


1382 


1542 


D. 


160 


150 


85 


195 


G. 


45 


669 


288 


R. 


81 


50 


42 


110 


G. 


60 


121 


191 


D. 


70 


432 


333 


181 


R. 


99 


696 


647 


R. 


49 


226 


207 


Q 


R. 


19 


250 


224 


R. 


26 


771 


605 


31 


R. 


166 


1036 


848 


R. 


188 


281 


314 


42 


D. 


33 


514 


544 


D. 


30 


712 


671 


351 


R. 


41 


1085 


1549 


D. 


464 


740 


1057 


13 


D. 


317 


834 


1252 


D. 


418 


349 


284 


17 


R. 


61 


660 


512 


R. 


148 


146 


311 


67 


D. 


165 


291 


344 


D. 


53 


4816 


5027 


1050 


D. 


211 


8218 


9625 


D. 


1407 


260 


249 


21 


R. 


11 


348 


324 


R. 


24 


115 


146 


376 


G. 


2: it i 


511 


385 


R. 


126 


84 


125 


118 


D. 


41 


206 


208 


D. 


2 


172 


167 


24 


R. 


5 


222 


23S 


D. 


16 


270 


311 


6 


D. 


41 


399 


506 


D. 


107 


724 


954 


375 


D. 


230 


1496 


1910 


D. 


414 


69 


127 

405 


28 

i 


D. 

D. 


58 
160 










245 


366 


532 


D. 


166 


155 


267 


3 


D. 


112 


215 


377 


D. 


162 


87 


61 


10 


R. 


26 


143 


108 


R. 


35 


1052 


921 


82 


R. 


131 


1672 


1 324 


R. 


348 


270 


239 


33 


R. 


31 


397 


333 


R. 


64 


55 


-'. 


13 


D 


18 


87 


83 


R. 


4 


248 


440 


68 


D. 


192 


575 


873 


D. 


298 


252 


270 


145 


D. 


18 


423 


563 


D. 


140 


232 


687 


164 


D. 


445 


372 


1295 


D 


923 


210 


49 


20 


R. 


161 


280 


52 


R. 


228 


76 


170 


300 


G. 


130 


210 


595 


D. 


385 



POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



States and 

TERR1I 1 - 



Alabama 

Arkansa 
California 

Delaware 

Florida 



Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 



ikj 

tna 

Maine 

Maryland 

i 
'Michigan* 

ota 

Mississippi .. 

n i 

..a 

Nevada 

v ■■. Hampshire. 
New Jei 

New York 

North Carolina. 



Oregon 



50, 

188, 

1 
2, 

58, 
55, 
S3, 
55, 
Bl, 
37, 
41, 
81, 
11, 

.-,',' 

VI, 
65, 

75 
112 

9, 
8, 
47, 
51), 
39, 
95, 
• Last Census of 



Popuj 



22 
198 
981 

- 19 I 
045 1 

500 
346 

; 76 
i- 1 
800 
151 

1 56 

350 

"!■■:. 

1 191 1 
'J Ml 
Mil 

i 

!04 
96 1 
24 1 
Miel, 



Miles 
B. R. 
1875. 1872. 



996,992 
560.24? 

i-l 109 

321.01] 

626.915 

457,351.1.651,912 
I, ; 14,031 



1,350.544 






246 280 
52,540 



,721.29.-1 

123.993 

42.491 

318.300 

,665.260 
90,923 
igan taken In 1874 






1,671 

25 
1,013 

•jar 

46G 

5. '.1114 
3.160 

589 

B7 1 
820 

l.i, up, 

1,612 

990 

2,580 

B28 

5H3 

790 

1.265 

1, 170 

1,190 

8,740 

109 



State? ash 
Terkitories. 



let. 

Pennsylvania 

Rhode Island. . . 
s,,ii th Carolina.., 

Tennessee 

'i :as 

Vermont 

Virginia 

glnla... 

In 



Total Slates 

T.-rnP l 

Arizona 

i 

Dakota 

Disc, ol < iolumbia. 
Idaho 

Montana. 

V'\v Mexico 

Dtah 

{ton. 

Wyoming 



Total Territories. 



Area in 

Miles. 



46, 

1, 

29, 

45, 

10, 

III 

53, 



1870. 



3,521,791 
217.353 
705,606 

1,258 520 

1 12,01 1 
1,054.670 



925,115 



113,253 



113.916 

1114.51111 

1 IT. m 

60 

143.776 
121.201 

mi in, 
69.944 
93.107 



965.032 



9.658 

39.864 

14.181 

181,700 

1 1.999 

8H.786 
9.118 






Miles 
R. K. 
1872. 



5.113 
1.725 






392 



375 



493 



442,730 1,265 



Aggregate of U. S.. 2,915,203 38.555,983 60,85/! 

• Included in the Railroad Mileage of Marylard. 



PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD; 
Population axd Area. 



COrjTS/TRIBS. 



Date of 

Population. Census. 



Area In 
Square 
Miles. 



Inhabitant! 
: ., Square 

Mile. 



Capitals. 



Population. 



China 

British Empire 

Russia 

l lifted States With Alaska., 

Prance 

Austria and Hungary 

Japan 

Great Britain and 1 1 

German Empire 

Italy , 

Spain 

ltra/.ll 

I) 

Mexico 

ii ami Norway 



Ilelgluro 

Bavaria 

Portugal 



Portugal. 

II, ,ll.ui,l 



*ew Grenada 



Switzerland 





Argentine Republic, 
Wnileinliurg 

i k 

tela 

Baden.. 



Guatemala 

Ecuador 

Paraguay 



i 

s in Salvador 

Hi-, ti 

Igua 

Uruguay 



~ to 1 1, ,ii, i ngo, 

rosta Rica 

Hawaii 



4 46,500. 000 

220.H17.1OH 

125.400 

38,925.600 

36.469 SI 10 

I 100 

31 7S5.3O0 

3 LSI 7,100 

29,906 092 

27.489.92] 

16 842, 

in. .hi ii 

16.468 

9,178, 

5.921 Mm 

- 
5.021.300 
4,861,400 

ifi,800 

i 

2,01 in. mm 
2,669,100 

2, 500, 

2.000.000 

1,812 

1,818.500 
1,784.700 

,000 

I, 11,1 100 
1,457 900 
1,180 

l.oi in 

828,188 

', :- 

572,000 
850, i 

ooo 



1871 
1871 
is, 1 
is;, i 
1866 
1869 
1871 
1871 
1871 
1871 
1867 



1869 

1870 

ISO!) 
1H71 
1868 
1870 
1870 

IS, ,9 

1871 

is, 1 
1870 

'isVi 

1870 

1HT1 

'isri 

1871 

1871 

1-, 1 
1H71 
1871 

1870 



3.741.846 
1,677,432 

,003.778 

2.I.O! B84 

2HI.091 

240.848 

149.399 
121,315 
160,207 
1 18,847 
195 775 
1,253,0*29 
672.621 
761.526 
292.871 

11,373 
29,292 
84, 194 
i ) t 680 
857,157 
132.616 

497.321 

s-, 1,848 

I 

14,758 

i,91S 

40 ' , '< 
218,928 

58 7s'. 

9,678 
10,205 
66.722 

21.503 



119.3 
486 
10.2 
7-78 
178.7 
1 19.4 

232 H 
262.3 
187. 
230.9 

85. 
3.07 

24.1 



20. 

7.8 

441.6 

165.9 

115.8 

8.4 
15.1 

166.11 

5.3 

4. 

2.1 
241.4 
120.9 

4.2 
247. 

28 S 

.', 9 

15.6 
277. 
74 9 

56. 
«. 
6.6 
7.1 

7.6 
7.7 



Pekln 

London 

SI. Pel, 

Washington 

Paris 

Vienna 

Yeddo 

I. Ion 

Berlin 

Kollle 

ttadi Id 

Rio Janeiro 

. 

Stockholm 

Teheran 

■ 

Munich 



Hague 



Santiago 

Lima 

Stuttgart 

i lopenhagen — 

i laraccas 

r.irUrulie 

Alliens 

Guatemala 

Quito 

Asuncion 

Darmstadt 

la 

Mil Ball ador 

Port Ml Pi line 

Managua 

Monte I 

agua — 

sin 1 1,, i 
s in Josi 

Honolulu 



1.648,800 

3, 2.-> 1. Mill 

667,000 

1119.199 
1.S25.30H 

l, 54,900 

3,251. Mill 

825,400 
24 I, 184 

I .:, 

1 ;ii. 

1,075,1 

210.300 

120.0110 
81 1,100 
169,! 

90,100 

45,000 

116,400 

160,100 

2',. OOO 

91, 

47. I 

10, 

'. 

1 ,'i 00 



HISTORY OF 

WASHINGTON # OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



CHAPTER I. 

OLD WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

Tiik Kivkr System— Prehistoric— Indians— White Men— The Dawn of Civilization— First 
White Settlers— The County Begins for Itself— The Early Records— Retrospective 
Summary — Courts Fully Organized— The Town System— Growth of Population- 
Nationality— Valuation and Tax— The Poor Farm— The Jail— First School Reports 
— Legislators — Apportionment into Legislative Districts— Political Complexion— 
The County Seat— The Transition State— The Abduction of the Records— The Last 
Protest— The End. 

The boundaries of Washington County, as established by act of the Territorial Legislature of 
December 7, 1836. comprised all the territory now embraced in the present counties of Ozaukee 
and Washington. It was bounded on the south by Milwaukee County, on the west by Dodge, 
on the north by Fond du Lac, and on the east by Lake Michigan. Its north and south lines 
ran parallel due east and west four townships twenty-four miles apart. From the west boundary 
line, the length of the south line to the lake was twenty-six and one-half miles. The shore line 
running north made easterly four miles, the north boundary line of the county being thirty 
and one-half miles in length. 

The area embraced was six hundred and sixty-four square miles. 

In a state of nature, before the touch of civilization had marred it, it was one of the most 
beautiful regions in Wisconsin. The growth of timber was heavy, and consisted of all the 
hardwooded and deciduous trees that grow in temperate latitudes. They grew most luxuriantly, 
crowding in unbroken volumes over the uplands, through the valleys, and to the very summits 
of the high hills that lie in the western part of the region. The forests on the high ground 
were of oak, maple, birch, beech, elm, hickory, basswood, butternut, with occasional clusters of 
poplar, ironwood, ash and sumach. The immediate creeks, streams and ponds were bordered 
with alders, willows and creeping watervines, while the lowlands and swamps were kept in end- 
less shade by a dense growth of tamarack and cedar. The wild grape grew profusely ; and in 
the openings where fire or tornado had leveled or destroyed the forest, blackberries and rasp- 
berries abounded. 

From the bluffs on the lake shore the land ascends gradually for some twenty miles inland, 
when it becomes broken by an abrupt range of drift hills, not in continuous line, but planted 
single file along the western tier of townships the entire length of the county north and south ; 



310 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE CO! XTIKs. 

between them wind natural roadways leading out onto the western slope beyond, through which 
were the well-beaten trails of the Indians, who found between the hills and the great lake the 
finest hunting and trapping ground in the State. 

The highest elevation in this range is known as St. Mary's, or Hermit Hill. It is also 
known as Lapham's Peak by many, being named in honor of the late I. A. Lapham. the emi- 
nent scientist, who, as a surveyor, visited it and ascertained its altitude in 1851. The height 
above the level of Lake Michigan, as reported by him, is eight hundred and twenty-four feet. 

The water-shed formed by this range of hills divides the drainage of the county, a part find- 
ing its way by Rock River to the Mississippi, and a part through Milwaukee and Menomonee 
Rivers, flowing into Lake Michigan. The sources of Rock River and Cedar Creek, the largest 
tributary of Milwaukee River, are within a stone's throw of each other, Cedar < 'reek having its 
source in Cedar Lake, and Rock River in a spring but a few rods from the shore of the lake. 
Thus from a common source they start on their diverse and devious wanderings, finding at last 
a common home in the great sea, the one in the Gulf of Mexico, and the other, four thousand 
miles away, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

THE RIVER SYSTEM. 

The country, east of the hills, is drained by the Milwaukee River and the numberless 
creeks that thread the country and run into it from all directions. The river comes into the 
county from the north, just east of the line of hills, and runs in a southerly direction some 
eight or ten miles, through the towns of Kewaskum and Barton to West Bend, where it makes 
a short horseshoe turn within a radius of a mile, and wanders oft' in an east and northeasterly 
direction through the town of Trenton, enters the northwest corner of Saukvillc. and turns to 
the northwest into Farmington ; thence it makes a sharp turn, running due east through the 
southwest quarter of Fredonia. where it turns to the south and makes its way through Sauk- 
ville, Grafton and Mequon, entering Lake Michigan at Milwaukee, ten miles south of the county 
line. The river in its crooked and uncertain course runs through the county nearly sixty miles 
in making twenty-four miles south, and visits nine different townships. It is a rapid river, and 
its many falls and rapids, which rendered it in early times one of the loveliest streams in the 
West, now furnishes valuable water-power at frequent points along its course. 

Sauk Creek has its source in the northeastern part of the county, and is the main trunk of 
numberless small streams in that region. It runs through the towns of Belgium and Fredonia, 
and empties into Lake Michigan where now is the village of Port Washington. 

Cedar Creek has its source in Little Cedar Lake, on the south line of the town of West 
Bend. It runs a very tortuous course through the towns of Polk, Jackson and Cedarburg, 
emptying into the Milwaukee River at Grafton. 

The Menomonee River has its source in Germantown. and empties into the Milwaukee 
River near its mouth. 

The Rock River runs in a northwesterly course, from its source in the town of Polk, through 
the towns of Addison and Wayne. 

The Rubicon River, a tributary of Rock River, has its source in Polk and Pike Lake, in 
Hartford, and runs through that town its entire width from east to west. 

Tli'' Oconomowoc River rises in the town of Polk, and runs southeast through the towns of 
Richfield and Erin. 

The flow of water from this region is remarkable, considering its small area, and can only 
lie accounted for by the fact that the whole country is honey-combed with underground water- 

68, which gush out in never-failing springs on every hand. Every creek and stream has a 
well defined source in a spring or a lake fed from the same never-failing source. Of these lakes 
or small ponds there are, within the limits of the old county, more than fifty, sufficiently large 
to be marked on an ordinary surveyor's map. Several of them are of considerable size. Cclai 
Lake, in the town of West Bend, is the largest, being four miles in length and a mile in 
width. 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 811 

The springs in the central part of the county seem to he a part of the system which break 
out in such profuse flow in Waukesha County, a few miles south, and chemical analysis shows 
them to be identical. They break out in the same profusion as in Waukesha, as many as ten 
springs being found on one piece of twenty acres, in the town of West Bend. 

PREHISTORIC. 

Wisconsin contains more marked indications of the existence of a lost race in North America 
than any other part of the United States. They consist of mounds of peculiar form, resembling 
beasts, birds, men, etc., and rude fortifications, many of them quite extensive, and built in such 
form as to show considerable proficiency in engineering and a knowledge of the art of defensive 
warfare far in advance of the modern aborigines. The utensils found also show that they were 
rude workers in metal, particularly copper, from which they made axes with a socket for the in- 
sertion of the helves ; chisels, needles, arrow-heads, lances, fish-spears and knives. The evidences 
in the copper region of prehistoric mining are traced to the same unknown people, now quite 
generally designated as Mound-Builders. 

Many traces of them, more or less remote, are found in the county. Mounds, when the 
first white settlers came in, were quite numerous, and scarce an old farmer can be found who has 
not leveled numbers of them in cultivating his fields. Some still remain about Mud Lake, 
in the town of Erin : in Farmington, on the old Wescott place ; in West Bend, on Barton 
Smith's farm, and doubtless in many other parts of the county. It is not, however, certain, or 
hardly probable, that these remains belong to the age of the Mound-Builders, as they generally 
show no peculiar imitative design in their form, and contain skeletons in too perfect a state to 
be of remote antiquity. They were probably the burial-places of tribes living in comparatively 
modern times, and are cotemporaneous with the numerous old Indian corn-fields, many of which, 
when discovered by the early settlers, showed well defined rows and hills, though thickly over- 
grown with trees of considerable size. 

There seems to be no evidence that the Mound-Builders ever made this region their home ; 
the absence of the " animal mounds " and fortifications is as good proof that they did not per- 
manently remain in this region as their presence would be that they ever lived at all. These 
peculiar mounds were numerous about the mouth of Milwaukee River, in the county of Wau- 
kesha and along the banks of Rock River. There they doubtless lived in great numbers. 

This, however, was their favorite hunting-ground. Here are found, scattered throughout 
the region west of the hills, their arrow-heads of flint and copper, their copper knives, axes, 
chisels, spears, and rude cooking utensils, such as would be used in hunting expeditions. These 
utensils are most numerous west of Hermit Hill and about the shores of Cedar, Pike and Silver 
Lakes, where they are still found in considerable numbers every year, being generally plowed or dug 
out of freshly-cleared ground, during the first years of cultivation. Drift nuggets of copper 
were formerly found in this region of sufficient purity to be worked with the hammer, and these 
Indians may have found their copper supply in abundance for their rude wants, without recourse 
to the somewhat mythical prehistoric copper mines of Lake Superior. 

INDIANS. 

The Indians earliest known to occupy the territory were the Menomonees, Pottawatomies, 
Sacs and Foxes. They formerly lived in the Northeast, about and above the Straits of Michili- 
mackinac, and gradually moved southwesterly down the west shore of Lake Michigan. 

In 1640, the Jesuit, Paul le Jeune, found the Menomonees on the shores of Green Bay, and 
about the mouth of the Menomonee River, and beyond, " still farther on, the Winnebagoes, a 
sedentary people, and very numerous." By " still farther on," Le Jeune probably meant further 
inland, near the Fox River, as in their migrations they passed up the Fox as far as the portage, 
where many of them remained till a recent date, and a few still live in the vicinity. 

In December, 1669, Allouez celebrated mass at Green Bay and visited the surrounding 
tribes, which were, as he states, the Pottawatomies, Menomonees, Winnebagoes, Sacs and Foxes. 



312 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

The first mention of the residence of Indians within the limits of Washington County was in 
1679. at which time La Salle, Hennepin and companions were driven by stress of weather on 
the Wisconsin shore, at or near what is the mouth of Sauk Creek, where was a Pottawatomie 
village. As the tribes of Sacs and Foxes were in perpetual alliance with the Pottawatomies, 
their tribal relations lax, and as they owned their lands in common, it is concluded that at about 
the date above mentioned these three tribes had established their lodges along the shore, and 
were in possession of the forests of this county. They remained till within the memory of men 
still living, gradually moving west and south of the Milwaukee River, the territory east and 
north of that river being occupied by the Menomonees. 

The title of the Menomonees was extinguished in 1831, and that of the Pottawatomies in 
1838. The Pottawatomies were removed as a tribe during that year, but they returned in con- 
siderable numbers, and had small villages within the limits of their old possessions as late as 
1845. There was a considerable village near Silver Lake on the arrival of the earlier settlers 
of West Bend during that year, and, in 1844, Fred Hacker, who located on the east shore of 
Pike Lake, in the town of Hartford, settled near a considerable Indian village of Pottawatomies, 
with whom he lived on terms of close friendship. The chief, Kewaskum. made this village his 
home at that time. Remnants of the tribe still live about Horicon Lake in Dodge County. 

WHITE MEN. 

The first visit of white men to the western shore of Lake Michigan is believed to have oc- 
curred in August and September, 1673. On May 17 of that year, Louis Joliet, an adventurous 
French trader, and Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit Priest, with three companions, set nut in two 
canoes, from the Straits of Michilimackinac, on a voyage of discovery. They coasted along the 
north shore of Lake Michigan, entered Green Bay, went up the Fox River as far as the Port- 
age, whence they were conducted by Indian guides to the Wisconsin River, down which they 
floated to Prairie du Chien, entered the Mississippi and explored it as far south as the Arkansas 
River. Ascending the Mississippi, they returned by way of the Illinois River, and coasted 
northward along the west shore of Lake Michigan to the Green Bay Mission, at which they 
arrived late in September. The frailty of their canoes must have necessitated frequent land- 
ings, and doubtless every night was spent on shore. These men must have spent at least one 
night somewhere along the shore of Washington County, and were, so far as historical authority 
warrants belief, the first white men who ever landed on its soil. They must have passed up the 
it about the middle of September, 1673. Their most probable landing would have been at 
the mouth of Sauk Creek, it being an easy day's sail from the mouth of Milwaukee River, and 
the next harbor made by a stream entrance from inland. Where they landed, or whether they 
landed at all, is, however, mere conjecture. 

In October, 1674, Marquette, with Pierre and Jacques, and ten canoes of Pottawatomies 
and Illinois Indians, coasted from the Portage, opposite Sturgeon Bay, to the mouth of Chicago 
They were a month on the way, and must have spent much of the time on the shore to 
account for the length of the voyage. There are legendary accounts of a visit of Marquette to 
St. Mary's Hill, some twenty miles inland, erecting a cross on its summit, and consecrating the 
spot as holv ground to his Patron Saint, Mary. If Marquette ever visited the spot, it must 
have been on this voyage, or on his return up the coast with Joliet the year before, as he died 
on his return voyage, and was buried on the Michigan shore. 

In September, 1679, La Salle, with thirteen men, among whom was Father Hennepin, 
stalled in four canoes, down the west shore, on an expedition, the combined objects of which 
were, to proselyte the Indians to the Catholic faith, and to establish trading and military posts. 
A succession of terrible storms raging during the whole of September and the earlier days of 
October, they were frequently driven ashore or forced to seek shelter. At one time they spent 
five days on shore, and on several other occasions two or three days. The journal of this voy- 
age state.-, that on September - v they were nearly driven on a poinl of rocks covered »itl> 
bushes, and that on the next day they paddled thirty miles without food. In the evening they 






HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 313 

came to a Pottawatomie village, but did not dare to land, as they were fearful the Indians might 
rob them of their stores, which consisted of a good supply of merchandise, fit for trading pur- 
poses, an anvil, arms and ammunition, but no provisions, they having been exhausted or spoiled 
during their long and tempestuous voyage. A few miles farther down the coast, they were 
driven ashore, and got relief from the Pottawatomies, who furnished them with corn, for which 
they paid them from their stores. This is the last landing mentioned particularly before reach- 
ing Milwaukee, and the scene of the wreck was probably on the Washington County shore. 

The only mention of other voyages up or down these shores during the seventeenth cen- 
tury, are those of Henry de Tonty, one of La Salle's men, who returned to Green Bay in 1680, 
and that of St. Cosme, who explored the coast in 1699, frequently landing with his men. Spe- 
cial mention is made of visiting an Indian village at the mouth of a small river, probably Sauk 
Creek, where they found a cross that had been planted by a Jesuit missionary named Joseph J. 
Marest, who had recently spent a winter at the village. Marest was probably the first white 
man who ever lived in the county. 

There are no records of any permanent stay of the Jesuits who established the early missions 
among the Indians, nearer than Green Bay. That mission was established as early as 1669, by 
the Jesuit Allouez, and was sustained, without interruption, for nearly a century, till the French 
domination over the territory ceased, in 1761. During this long period the Indians had migrated 
largely toward the southern part of the State, but no traditions nor ruins lead to the belief that 
these priests followed them in their wanderings, or established any missions outside the stock- 
ades of Green Bay. After French supremacy ceased, the only resident whites were a few half- 
breeds, Canadian families and fur-traders, who occupied it uninterruptedly as a trading-post 
till Eastern immigration set in, in 1834 and 1835, after the extinction of the Indian titles to 
the land had been consummated. 

THE DAWN OF CIVILIZATION. 

Two tribes of Indians had undisputed possession of the territory embraced in old Wash- 
ington County in 1831. The Menomonees claimed and occupied the land north and east of the 
Milwaukee River, and the Pottawatomies that region lying south and west of the river. The 
title of the Menomonees was extinguished by a treaty made with the chiefs of that tribe at 
Washington February 8, 1831. Two years later, September 26, 1833, the Pottawatomies also 
ceded their possessions, by treaty at Chicago, reserving the right of possession and occupancy 
for three years after the ratification of the treaty. The treaty was ratified February 21, 1835, 
and the time of Indian possession expired February 21, 1838. The tribes were removed west 
of the Mississippi in May of that year, yet remnants returned and hovered about their old hunt- 
ing-grounds till a late date, as has been before mentioned. 

Up to the time of the treaties above mentioned, white men had no proprietary rights in 
Washington County which Indians were bound to respect. It will be noticed that the fractional 
townships along the shore, and north of the Milwaukee River, thus became subject to pre-emp- 
tion and settlement some seven years before the Indian title was extinguished in the central and 
western parts of the county. This accounts for the earlier settlements in that region. 

THE FIRST ROADS. 

The first roads were surveyed by the Government soon after the Menomonee treaty. The 
military road running east from Dekorra. thence across the State to what is now Port Washing- 
ton, was known as the " Dekorra road." It was opened by Gen. Dodge in 1832 or 1833. It 
entered the limit of the county in what is now the town of Addison, the road running on the 
section line between Nos. 7 and 18, and passed through West Bend, Trenton and Saukville to 
Port Washington. 

The " Green Bay road " was surveyed in 1832 and 1833, from Chicago to Green Bay, 
through what is now the lake shore tier of towns, and ran through what are now the towns of 
Mequon, Grafton, Port Washington and Belgium. 



314 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

These were the earliest and only roads surveyed in the county before 1835, and were 
merely blazed through by the engineers prior to that time. The Green Bay road was not cut 
out north of Milwaukee till 1836-37 ; during those years, it was grubbed out, two rods in width 
for a few miles, and cut through to Port Washington in 1839. No bridges were built except of 
the most primitive kind, of the trees felled on the route. A well-trodden Indian trail between 
Milwaukee and Green Bay was the only passable road through the country along the lake shore 
prior to 1840, and up to 1844, after roads were quite common in that region the western and 
central settlers came in to their claims on the well-defined trails left by the Indians. 

The survey of the land was made in 1834-35-36, running of town lines in the western parts 
of the county being completed during the latter year. The head surveyor was named Brink, his 
assistant was a Mr. Follett. William Ostrander, now living in the town of Barton, was one of 
the engineer corps, and assisted in the completion of the survey in 1836. 

According to the survey, the territory of the old county embraced Towns 9, 10, 11 and 12 
north, in Banges 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 east. These townships are now known, going from west 
to east, as follows : Towns 9, Erin, Bichfield, Geruaantown, Mequon ; 10, Hartford, Polk, 
Jackson, Cedarburg, Grafton; 11, Addison, West Bend and south half of Barton, Trenton, 
Saukville, Port Washington ; 12, Wayne, Kewaskum and north half of Barton, Farmington, 
Fredonia, Belgium. In order to make the subsequent history more intelligible to the reader, the 
localities will hereafter be designated by their town names, although no towns were incorporated 
until 1846 and subsequent to that date. 

Keeping in mind the course of the Milwaukee River, which was the boundary line between 
the Menomonee and Pottawatomie lands, and remembering that up to 1838 the land of the 
Pottawatomies was not open to settlement, the reader will be able to trace the early settlers as 
they came in to permanently possess the land. 

first white settlers. 

Wooster Harrison was the first permanent settler in the county. Having been a trader in 
Michigan, and, previous to the time of his settlement, up and down the lake shore on trading 
expeditions, he was quite well-informed as to the best sites along the coast. He at first put 
down his stakes in Sheboygan, on the south bank of the river near its mouth, and built a shanty. 
He found the water-power already occupied by William Farnsworth, Mr. Follett and others. 
and abandoned his claim in a few months. At the first land sale held at Green Bay in the fall 
of 1835, he, with some associates, entered the first land entered in the county. The date of the 
entry was November 24. 1835. The land entered covered the site of the present village of 
Port Washington. The Indians had, till a few years before, a village at this point, and there 
was a small clearing at the mouth of Sauk Creek, where they had cultivated corn. The creek, 
now nearly dry, except during the spring freshets, was a stream of considerable size, and 
appeared a promising water-power. In the eyes of Harrison and his copartners, it had all the 
natural advantages for a manufacturing and commercial city, and was the destined rival of both 
Milwaukee and Sheboygan. They forthwith laid out the town and named it " Wisconsin City." 
The original plat was on the north side of Sauk Creek, along the lake shore, on the site of the 
present village. The streets were laid out north and south, and east and west from the bluffs to 
the lake, all except Lake street, which ran diagonally in a northeasterly direction along the 
shore. 

The street nearest the creek, destined for docks and wharves when the dredging was com- 
pleted, was named Canal street. The parallel streets in order, going north, were Main, Wash- 
ington and Jackson, each having a width of sixty-six feet, except Main, which was eighty feet 
m width; Lake street intersected Canal street at its foot and ran along the lake front ; City 
-Meet, starting at the intersection of Lake and Canal streets, ran due north and south, intersect- 
ing Mam. Washington and .Jackson streets; west and parallel came in order. Franklin. Wis- 
consin, Milwaukee, Montgomery and Clay streets, all of the regulation width of sixty-six feet, 
except Wisconsin, which was eighty feet in width. The public square was in the block bounded 

• 






HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 315 

by Washington on the south, Wisconsin on the east, Jackson on the north, and Milwaukee on 
the west. 

Alleys, twenty feet in width, running north and south, intersected each block. The lots 
were 60x120 feet in size. The names of the proprietors of this embryo city, as appears in the 
recorded plat, were Solomon Juneau, Morgan L. Martin, G. S. Hosmer, Allen 0. T. Breed, 
Wooster Harrison, Calvin Harmon, G. S. Hosmer, Thomas A. Holmes and William Payne, all 
non-residents except Gen. Harrison. The land seems to have been ceded by the Government 
to Harrison, and sold to his partners, whom he let into the speculation on easy terms. 

Some sixteen acres of land were cleared, and several buildings erected; a tavern, two stores, 
and several dwelling houses, among them that of the "father of the city," Gen. Harrison, 
which is still standing. A dam was also built on the creek some distance from the city, and a 
saw-mill erected. The first transfer of property by deed, appearing on the records, was a part 
of this tract. It bears date December 1, 1835, and conveys to Thomas A. Holmes an undivided 
half of about eleven acres, the consideration being $100. In January, 1836, Holmes sold 
about four acres of this lot to Solomon Juneau for $500. In February, 1836, Levi Mason 
bought two and one-half acres of a tract adjoining the town plat for $600 per acre. 

Prices went up quite rapidly, but culminated in the crash of 1837. The highest point was 
reached in August of that year ; on the 3d of that month, Solomon Juneau sold to one Jas- 
per Bostwick one "city lot"" (Lot 12, Block 19) for $300, equivalent to nearly $1,800 per 
acre. 

The decadence of Wisconsin City was as sudden as its growth had been rapid. The crash 
of 1837 brought it to a dead halt, and it was abandoned entirely except by Harrison, who re- 
mained there, when not in Milwaukee, to look after the ruins of what had been the darling hope 
of his life. The present village of Port Washington, after forty-five years, is built on the old 
plat, and along the streets then laid out, and, in its beauty, is the counterpart of the Wisconsin 
City that poor Harrison built on paper and in his fancy so many years ago. Not till 1842 was 
any attempt made to revive the deserted village. 

Between the years 1837 and 1841, the southeastern townships of the county began to show 
signs of civilization, and many settlers came into what are now the towns of Mequon, Grafton 
and Germantown. They came mostly from the State of New York and from England. Few- 
Germans or Irish came in prior to 1842. 

THE COUNTY BEGINS FOR ITSELF. 

As has been previously stated, Washington County was set off from Milwaukee County at 
the first session of the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature, in 1836, and the seat of justice was to 
be Washington City (Wisconsin City having changed its name). By that act the territorial 
limits of the county were defined, but it was still virtually a part of Milwaukee County, being 
attached to that county for all judicial and civil purposes. It was, therefore, only established or 
created in 1836. 

In 1840, by act of the Territorial Legislature, approved February 19, the county was or- 
ganized for civil purposes. The government of the county was vested in a board of three Commis- 
sioners, who had within their province the entire civil business of the county — the laying-out of 
roads and appointment of highway surveyors, the establishment of school districts and appoint- 
ment of school agents, the calling of elections, the valuation of property, the support of paupers, 
granting of licenses, etc., etc. 

As under the previous act of 1836, the seat of justice had been established at Washington 
City, which was remote from the present settlements, and still in a torpid state ; it was enacted 
that " the County Commissioners may hold their meetings at the house of William T. Bonni- 
well, in said county, any law of this Territory, to the contrary notwithstanding." Thus early 
did the question concerning the county seat appear as a disturbing element, a question 
which ultimately led to the division of the county. The county still remained attached to Mil- 
waukee for judicial purposes. 



316 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

The whole county was then embraced in one election precinct. The first election, for the 
choice of officers, was held at the house of Taylor Heavilon, in what is now the town of Me- 
quon. The Judges of Election were Jonathan M. Clark, Levi Ostrander and Taylor Heavi- 
lon ; Clerks, Benjamin Bettys and E. N. Danforth. The first county officers chosen were : 
County Commissioners, Reuben Wells, Levi Ostrander and Barton Salisbury ; Register of Deeds, 
Taylor Heavilon ; Treasurer, George Bonniwell ; Collector, V. R. Pettis ; Assessor, Peter 
Turck and William T. Burdick ; Coroner, Peter Turck : Constable, T. J. Holmes. 

Below is the 

FIRST POLL-LIST OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

Datus Cowan, James Fox, Nelson Bounst, S. Stevens, C. Higgins, D. Strickland, A. D. 
Weisner, S. McEvony. T. Weston, J. McMelon, V. R. Pettis, T. Gardinier. Reuben Wells. 
Samuel Drake, Jesse Hubbard, John Armstrong, E. N. Danforth, G. Bonniwell, L. W. Weth- 
erbee, W. T. Bonniwell, Charles Bonniwell, J. R. Eastman, Peter Turck, H. V. Bonniwell, 
George Manly, B. Bettys, William Worth, John Willet, Levi Ostrander, J. G. Southwell, 
Barton Salisbury, Timothy Wooden. T. Heavilon, Isham Day. Total number of votes polled. 
thirty-four. 

The above list, if not comprising all the voters in the county at that time, comprised all 
who attended the first meeting. 

THE EARLY RECORDS. 

November 18, 1840. — The first Board of County Commissioners met at the house of Will- 
iam T. Bonniwell, in Mequon Township. On motion of Reuben Wells, Levi Ostrander was 
elected Chairman, and William T. Bonniwell, Clerk of the Board. At this meeting, all the 
officers elect appeared and qualified by taking oath or filing bonds as the law directs, and ad- 
journed without transacting any further business. 

February 24, 1841. — At a special meeting held at William T. Bonniwell's house, the road 
districts were laid out. There were seven districts in the county, six of which were in Towns 
9 and 10, Range 21, now Mequon, Grafton and Cedarburg. The seventh was described as 
embracing all the remainder of the county. At that time, it would appear there could have 
been no roads worthy of mention outside the towns above named. The thoroughfares leading to 
'■ Wisconsin City " were not of sufficient importance to be defined as a road district. 

The Road Supervisors appointed were: First District, John Western; Second, John M. 
Clark; Third, William T. Bonniwell; Fourth, George Manly; Fifth, Anthony D. Weisner; 
Sixth, Samuel Drake ; Seventh, Aaron Adams. 

Three new roads were laid out at this meeting, designated as Roads No. 1, No. 2 and No. 
3, all within the limits of the townships of Mequon and Grafton. 

July 7, 1841. — The Commissioners laid tax for county purposes as follows: 

For court expenses and fees of officers performing duties required by law, two mills on the 
dollar. 

For support of the poor, one-half mill on the dollar. 

For laying out roads and building bridges, one mill on the dollar. 

For support of schools and building sehoolhouses. one and one-half mills on the dollar. 

Total valuation, §1.00,507. Total tax, $782.83. Washington City lots paid a tax of $12.11. 

October 11. 1841. — Samuel Drake applied for license to keep a tavern; his application 
was postponed and never acted on. 

October 18, 1841. — John Western was granted license to keep tavern, the first license 
granted. 

March 1, 1842. — Isaac T. Brown appointed the First District Surveyor for the county of 
Washington. Allowed relief to four poor persons to the amount of §18, which Taylor Heavilon 
was to furnish in pro\ isions from his store :it the following prices : Potatoes, 30 cents per bushel ; 
pork, 6 cents per pound; Hour. $2.50 per hundred pounds. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 317 

Datus Cowan agreed to build a bridge across Cedar Creek for the sum of $260, to be paid 
out of the delinquent road-tax of 1841, the first bridge built by the county. 

April 4, 1842. — Jacob Snyder licensed to keep a tavern or public house at his dwelling 
house, and no other on southwest quarter of Section 36, Town 9, Range 20. He was the first 
German tavern-keeper in the county. His house was on the Fond du Lac road, in the southeast 
section of Germantown. 

The first school census was taken in 1841, and the school money apportioned as follows : 
District No. 1, 14 scholars, $19.19 ; No. 2, 20 scholars, $14.53 ; No. 3, 23 scholars, $16.72 ; 
No. 4, 32 scholars, $23.26 ; No. 5, 52 scholars, $37.80 ; No. 6, 16 scholars, $11.63 ; No. 1, 
Range 20, 83 scholars, $113.79 ; No. 1, Town 10, 15 scholars, $20.57. Total number of 
scholars. 255; total amount of school money, $257.49. 

July 4, 1842. — The total valuation of the county was $210,351, on which a total tax of 
$2,100.23 was laid. 

October 3, 1842. — Paid Schiei Cass and Samuel Place $3 apiece for the scalps of three 
wolves killed in Washington County. Allowed Luther W. Wetherbee $17.17i for expense of 
jury and witnesses sitting on the dead body of Jacob Kloppenburgh. This was the first Coron- 
er's inquest held in the county. 

December 26, 1842. — Taylor Heavilon was licensed to keep a tavern ; license fee, $5. 
Henry T. Bonniwell was allowed $3 for killing a wolf. Charles Higgins was allowed $3 for 
inspecting a schoolmaster. Joshua Gifford was licensed to keep a tavern in Grafton. V. R. 
Pettis, County Treasurer, was allowed §1.60 for loss on " Dutch silver." Reuben Wells was 
allowed $75 for building a bridge across Cedar Creek near his house. 

January 4, 1843. — Taylor Heavilon revoked his tavern license and was allowed $3.75 (as 
the report reads) " for not keeping tavern only three months after paying for one year." Will- 
iam T. Bonniwell was appointed (the first) Poormaster, and allowed $20 in pork and flour to be 
distributed among the poor of the county. 

March 3], 1843. — Established Justice of the Peace precincts — three in number. Peter 
Turck presented bill for things delivered the German who shot himself in the leg ; also for a 
coffin furnished for Thomas Gilson's child, and for provisions furnished Mr. Adams, a German. 
Allowed Jesse Hubbard $6.80 for visiting " Dutchman Egry and furnishing him provisions." 
Allowed Peter Turck for the same Dutchman. Further allowances appear on the record of this 
date to Datus Cowan, $1.50 ; Dr. E. B. Wolcott, $100 ; Edward Jansen, $27. Throughout the 
records, Egry is designated as Dutchman Egry, Germans being so rare at that time as to render 
a special description necessary. The last mention made of the unfortunate is as Christian Egry, 
Dutchman. 

April 4, 1843. — Three voting precincts were established and Judges appointed for the com- 
ing May election as follows: First Precinct, at the house of William T. Bonniwell; Judges, 
James Bonniwell, Samuel McEvony, Fred W. Horn. Second Precinct, at the house of Joshua 
Gifford ; Judges, Levi Ostrander, Joshua Gifford, William Coates. Third Precinct, at the house 
of Reuben Wells ; Judges, Reuben Wells, Luther W. Wetherbee, Henry Holmes. Rejected 
the petition of Jacob Snyder for a tavern license. 

July 5, 1843. — Allowed William T. Bonniwell to purchase two iron safes for the Clerk of 
the Board and the Register of Deeds. Total valuation, $358,952. Total tax, $2,172.74. 

October 21, 1843. — Taylor Heavilon resigned as Register of Deeds, and William T. Bon- 
niwell was appointed to fill the vacancy. 

January 1, 1844. — Commissioners met at Hamburg Village (now Grafton), which had been 
selected by vote of the people as the county seat. New Commissioners qualified. Philip Leub- 
enheimer licensed to keep tavern on the Fond du Lac road, in the northeastern part of what is 
now the town of Richfield. T. H. Thein, of Mequon, and Jonas P. Vaughn and John Mattice, 
of Germantown, were also granted license as tavern-keepers. 



318 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON .VXD OZAUKEE ( OlXTIEs 






January 81, 1844. — Bids opened for building bridge over Milwaukee River on Green Bav 
road, at Sauk Village. Contract awarded to Gottlieb Beers for §470. This was the first per- 
manent bridge built across that river in the county. (?) 

April 1, 1844. — School census and apportionment of school money was as follows: 



Name of District. 


Where Located. 


No. of Scholars. 


A Jioi xi of Money. 


Name of Clerk. 


Harrison District, No. 
Van Buren District, No 
Van Buren District, No 
Van Buren District, No 
Fulton District, No. 1.. 
Franklin District, No. 
Darmstadt District, No. 
Darmstadt District, No. 

Center District No. 2.. 


2 
3... 

6... 
1... 

• 

4... 

1... 


Town 9, Range 21, 
Town 9, Ranges 21 
Town 9, Range 21, 
Town 9. Range 21, 
Town 7, Range 20, 
Town 9, Range 20, 
Town 9, Range 20, 
Town HI, Range 21 
Town 10, Range 21 
Town 10, Range 21 


Mequon 

22, Mequon 

Mequon 

Mequon 

Germantown 
Germantown 
Germantown 

, Grafton 

, Grafton 

, Grafton 


2'.' 
74 
45 
80 
140 
68 
66 
48 
8 
27 


SI 9 46 
49 64 
30 21 
20 13 
93 92 
45 62 
44 27 
32 21 
5 87 
18 12 


Stephen Wood. 
.1. Woodworth. 
John Shehan. 
Samuel McEvony. 
Levi Ostrander. 
J. G. Southwell. 
E. Semler. 

E. H. Jansen. 

F. Ash worth. 
P Walter. 








Total 


535 


$358 95 









All the scholars enumerated at this date appear in the three southeastern towns, Mequon having 178, German- 
town 274, and Grafton 83. 

Treasurer's report shows, among receipts, $25 received for liquor licenses, the first revenue 
from that source. 

July 17, 1844.— Total valuation, $359,899; total tax levied, $B,059.14. Fred W. Horn 
petitioned for bridge across Milwaukee River in the Township of Mequon, between Sections '23 
and 20. His petition was granted, and the contract let to Reuben Wells for $600, to be finished 
February 1, 1845. This bridge crossed the river at the village of Thiensville, half a mile 
below the post office. 

December 19, 1844. — Selected site for county poor farm. It was described as the east 
half of the northwest quarter, and the west half of the northeast quarter of Section 11, in 
Town 10, Range 20. It was located in the northwestern corner of what is now the town of 
Jackson. 

•January 6, 1845. — New board met. Timothy Hall applied for license to keep a tavern, 
and, it appearing that he was a man of good moral character, and was well furnished and quali- 
fied to keep a public house, the license was granted for one year, he paying therefor the sum of 
$5. This was the first licensed tavern in the town of Hartford. 

April In, [845. — Four voting precincts established as follows: Newland Precinct — 
Judges, Charles Higgens, Patrick Smith, C. Daniels; Washington Precinct — Fudges, William 
Opitz. Charles Bonniwell, Morgan Wescott; Phelps Precincl — Fudges, John M. Curtis, Levi 
Ostrander, Conrad Strausman ; Erin Precinct — William Stott. William Sullivan. Patrick Dailey. 

July 8, 1845. — Ordered that the Clerk give notice for a vote to be taken, '-for or against 
the township system of government." 

Taxable property assessed as follows: 

Land, 189,466 acres (891,981 00 

Town lots 1,871 

Men handise BOO 00 



Total I 

Amount of tan raised {6,268 ^ s 

January :!. 1846. — Treasurer's report shows a full Bettlemenl with the Territory of Wis- 
consin, and the county of Milwaukee. Balance paid Territory, $961.07; Milwaukee County, 

si:,.; 32. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 319 

January 5, 1846. — Last meeting under the county svstern of government by Board of 
■Commissioners, the vote having been in favor of the town system. 

Assets of the county in hands of County Treasurer were reported as follows: 

Certificates of land purchased by the county §656 51 

County orders 178 58 

Silver 76 00 

Gold 390 14 

Silver -half dollars) 320 00 

Mexican dollars 75 00 

Counterfeit coins 4 00 

Five-franc pieces at 94 cents 116 66 

Thalers at 6"> cents 13 00 

Territorial scrip 10 00 

Gold 256 81 

Total assets $2,096 60 

The school census for the year showed districts, number of scholars, and apportionment of 



school money as follows : 



Name of District. No. of Scholars. Amount of Money. 

West Bend 22 $16 06 

Shamrock 42 30 66 

Haman 44 32 12 

Halkin 27 19 71 

Smith 10 7 30 

Franklin 56 40 88 

Darmstadt 90 65 70 

Union 69 50 37 

Kerkheim 89 64 97 

Bonniwell 56 40 88 

New Berlin 38 25 55 

Van Buren 85 63 75 

Friedstadt 104 75 92 

Harrison 32 23 36 

Aldenburg 27 19 71 

Fulton 78 56 94 

Delmald 37 27 01 

Mentz 30 21 90 

Port Washington 128 93 44 

Godenburg 48 35 04 

La Fayette 19 12 87 

Farrell 36 26 28 

Jefferson 39 28 47 

American 34 24 82 

Phelps 13 9 49 

Washington '. 36 26 28 

District No. 7 36 26 28 

Total 2,157 $965.76 

RETROSPECTIVE SUMMARY. 

Up to the last date from the county records, January 5, 1846, a period of little more than 
five years, the government had been administered by three County Commissioners, under what 
was known as the county system. During that time, a large tide of immigration had set in, 
which, during the latter three years, had covered the entire county, and thriving settlements had 
sprung up in nearly every township. In 1841, the entire population, with a few individual 
exceptions, was in three townships in the southeastern part of the county. As late as 1844, the 
school census reported no schools established outside their limits. The rapid settlement of the 
western and northern portions of the county took place in the years 1844-45-46. The number 
of school districts having increased during those years from ten in 1844 to twenty-seven in 



320 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



lS4t>, and the number of scholars from 535 to 2,157. Nearly twelve thousand persons must 
have come in during those years. 

The labors of the Commissioners became extremely arduous, and it was well nigh impossi- 
ble for them to attend to the executive work which the requirements of the new settlers brought 
upon them. 

It was impossible to lay out new roads as rapidly as they were demanded, or to establish 
schools, while anything like a full or just valuation of the property, or the levying of a just tax. 
was impracticable. The different settlements designated the points of densest population, as the 
Bonniwell District, Darmstadt. Farrell District, which as they increased with such rapidity 
threw things into general confusion. Accordingly, it was decided by vote of the inhabitants of 
the county in the fall of 1845, to adopt the town system of government. By this system, each 
town took the management of local affairs under its own supervision, the county business 
proper being in the hands of a delegate board, made up of the Chairman of each town and vil- 
lage Board of Supervisors. The change was made by act of the Territorial Legislature. Janu- 
ary 20, 1846, and the first board met under the new law at Hamburg, in the town of Grafton, 
April 15, 1840. 

Following is a list of county officers up to the time the change was consummated : 



1841. 



1842. 



Commissioners Levi Ostrander.. Levi Ostrander. 

Commissioners Reuben Wells... Reuben Wells.. 

Commissioners B. Salisbury Charles Higgens 

Register of Deeds. .'Taylor Heavilon Taylor lieavilon 

Treasurer Ceo. Bonniwell Geo. Bonniwell 

Clerk Vf.T. Bonniwelllw. T. Bonniwell 



1843. 



1844. 



1845 



Levi i Grander.. Levi Ostrander.. Philip Moss 

Jesse Hubbard.. Reuben Wells... Nelson Burst 

Datus Cowan.... George Manly... Win. Sullivan... 

I T. Heavilon*.. .. .,, T ... ., ... T ... 
• n . ,. u . „ Pa k Laugnlin.. 1 at k Laiighlm.. 
| ff, I. I!, uuwell ■ B h 

Ceo. Bonniwell Geo. Bonniwell Geo. Bonniwell 

W. T. Bonniwell Patriok Toland.. P. M. Johnson.. 



1846 lo April 15. 



G. C. Daniels. 
E. H. Jansen. 
Joel K Wilson 

Fred. w. Horn. 

Geo. Bonniwell. 
l'at'k Pentoni . 



COURTS FULLY ORGANIZED. 

The county was organized for judicial purposes by act of the Legislature, dated February 
20, 1845, ;ind became a part of the Third Judicial District. The first term of the District 
Court was held in a log schoolhouse in the village of Hamburg, town of Grafton, in September, 
1845. Andrew G. Miller was the Presiding; Judge. The officers of the court were : United 
States Marshal, John S. Rockwell.; United States District Attorney, William P. Lynde : Ter- 
ritorial District Attorney, Harvey G. Turner; Sheriff, Patrick Toland; I lerk, Benjamin H. 
Moure; Crier, Joseph Gardner: Assistant Marshals, D. II. Rockwell and J. P. Bailey. The 
lawyers admitted to practice before the court during that session were William P. Lynde, Fran- 
cis Randall. Alexander W. Stow, Harvey G. Turner and Hopewell Cox. The first case tried 
was that of J. II. Tliein vs. Jesse Hubbard, an appeal from a Justice Court. The only indict- 
ment found by the Grand Jury was against Timothy Hall, a leading and respected citizen of 
Hartford, for perjury, of which indictment a nolle pros, was entered tit the next term of court, 
held at the same place, the following March. Thus it will appear that, at the beginning of 18 16, 
the inhabitants had assumed all the functions of a civilized community, and were for the first 
time working us an independent political organization. 



prom 1846 to 1853. 
The first Board "f Supervisors under the town system met in Grafton April 15, 1840. The 
business of the county was conducted under that form of government till March 7, 1858, at 
which time it was divided into the two present counties of Ozaukee and Washington. During 
that perioil the county enjoyed great material prosperity, increased largely in population and 
wealth, and but for the unhappy dissensions concerning the location of the county seat, which 

• TtylorHuTllon r«algned Octobei !1, 18i3, Willi T. Bonniwell i utthi year. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



321 



culminated in a division, was one of the most promising counties in the State. Its progress 
during those years is shown below, as compiled from the records and other sources : 

SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY OFFICERS, 1846 TO 1853. 



TOWNS. 



Erin 

Wright (Hartford) 



Addison . 
Wayne.. 



Richfield... 

Polk 

West Bend. 



1846-47. 



1847-48. 



William Dwire Patrick Toland 

Joel F. Wilson George C. Rossman. 

Chauncey M Phelps... Luther B. Phelps 



1848-49. 



Gcrinantown 

Jackson 

Trenton 

Clarence ( Farmington i 

Meqnon 

Grafton 

Cedarburg 

Saukville 

Fredonia 

Port Washington 

Belgium 

Officers — 

i lhairmen 

Clerks 



Treasurers 

Registers of Deeds. 



TOWNS. 



Erin 

Hartford 

Addison 

Wayne 

Richfield 

Polk 

West Bend 

N'thBend (Kevvaskum) 
Newark 



1849-50. 



Lorenzo L. Sweet Baltus Mantz 

Densmore W. Maxon....Densniore W. Maxon.. 
Barton Salisbury Barton Salisbury. 



North Bend i Kewaskuru) Harvey N. Strong 

Newark 



Bernard McConville. 
John G. Chapman. 
Chauncey M. Phelps. 

'A. S. McDowell. 
Baltus Mantz. 
'Silas Wheeler. 
William Wightman. 
Harvey N. Strong. 



George Koeler... 
Libbeus Topliff.. 



. William Green . 
.'James Fagan.... 



E. H. Jansen . 
B. H. Moores . 



.'George Manly. 
JE. H. Jansen.. 
.jReuben Wells. 



Solon Johnson . 



B. II. Moores 

Patrick Pentany.. 

Levi Ostrander... 

Fred W. Horn •.... 



Harvey Moore . 



.John M. Curtis. 
. James Fagan. 
. John A. Douglass. 
. George Ramsey. 
, E. H. Jansen. 
, Patrick Smith. 

William Paine. 

Isaac Carman. 

. Francis Be;ds, 



Reuben Wells 

William H. Vogenitz... 

j Levi Ostrander 

\ Chauncey M. Phelps* 
Edward H. Jansen 



E. II. Jansen. 
William H. Voegnitz. 

Isaac C. Loomis 

Edward II. Jansen. 



1850-51. 



Germantown 

Jackson 

Trenton 

Farmington 

Mequon 

Grafton 

Cedarburg 

Saukville 

Fredonia 

Port Washington.... 

Belgium 

Officers — 

Chairmen 

Clerks 

Treasurers 

Registers of Deeds.. 



James Kennely ... 

R. S. Kneelaud 

Caleb Stearnes 

Patrick Connolly 

Patrick Clark 

F. Everly 

William Wightman 

f Jacob Van Vechten ... 

N. P. Reynolds 

John M. Curtis 

Charles Schutte I 

J. A. Douglass 

George Ramsey ... 

E. II. Jansen 

P. M. Johnson.... 
William Vogenitz. 

William Payne 

JS. L. Irwin 

Harvey Moore 

John Weyckes 



1851-52. 



•James Murphey lames Murphey 

John Barney Lewis E. Peck.. 

Adam Shanitz Adam Shanitz... 

A. S McDowell Patrick Connolly 

Patrick Clark 
D. W. Maxon 
Francis Everly, Jr 



Patrick Clark. 

D. W. Maxon 

Walter H. Demmon. 



Jacob Van Vechten lesse H. Mevers 



L852 63. 



E. II. Jansen 

William H. Vogenitz... 

Isaac C. Loomis 

K. II. Jansen 



Perry G. Nickols 

John 0. Hubendahl 

Charles Schutte 

Alexander McCartney.. 

George Ramsey 

E. II. Jansen 

Benjamin Seabring 

Michael Gorman 

William Payne 

Daniel W. Miller 

Harvey Moore 

Patrick McConville 



D. W. Maxon 

William H. Vognitz.. 
Isaac C. Loomis 

E. H. Jansen 



William P. Barnes... 

John C. Hubendahl. 

Charles Schutte 

M. M. Delano 

George Ramsey 

A. Zimmerman 

P. M. Johnson 

William Vogenitz.... 

Samuel Reynolds 

Daniel W. Miller 

George W. Foster 

Philip Gonoa 



I'. W. Maxon 

William H. Rounsey . 

Isaac C. Loomis 

Baltus Mantz 



Charles Lynch. 
Timothy Hall. 
Caleb Stearnes. 
Conrad Sleigher. 
Eli Bush. 
D. W. Maxon. 
B. S. Weil. 
B. L. Spinkharney. 
William P. Barnes. 
II. Zimmerman. 
William Rohn 
Lyon Silverman. 
George Ramsey. 
John H. Milbrat. 
B. G. Gill. 
Michael Gorman. 
Patrick Hoxer. 
Daniel W. Miller. 
La Fayette Tows ey. 
Nicholas Fyden 



George Ramsey. 
John R. Bohan. 
Conrad Horneffer. 
Baltus Mantz. 



* Chauncey M. Phelps, appointed to fill the unexpired term of Levi Ostrander, removed from ottico by the Supervisors, for aliened malfeas- 
ance, July 2, 1847. 

t Jacob Van Vechten denied his seat, the election having been held outside the limits of the town, in the newly established town of 
Newark. 

+ November 17, 1849, D. M. Miller took seat in place of Irwin, probably deceased. 



322 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



THE TOWN SYSTEM. 

By the act changing the form of government, the towns were also incorporated as a part o' 
the system. Below is given the original towns incorporated by the act of 1846, with dates of 
subsequent changes up to the time the towns were established as at present existing. The origi- 
nal towns were eleven in number : 

Erin — The southwestern town in the county, from Town 0, Range 18, unchanged. 

Richfield — East of Erin, Town 9, Range 10, unchanged. 

Germantown — Town 9, Range 20, unchanged. 

Mequon — Town 9, Ranges 21 and 22, unchanged. 

Wright — Name changed to Hartford in 1847 ; Town 10, Range 18, situated on the west 
line of the county, north of the town of Erin. 

Polk — Town 10, Range 19, unchanged. 

•Jackson — Town 10, Range 20, unchanged. 

Grafton — Towns 10, Ranges 21 and fraction of 22. March 2, 1849, the town of Cedar- 
burg was set off, comprising all of Town 10, Range 21, except the eastern tier of sections 
numbered 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36. 

Addison — Two north townships on the west line of the county — Towns 11 and 12, Range 
18. March 11, 1848, the town of Wayne was set oft", comprising Town 12, Range 18. 

West Bend — Four townships — Towns 11 and 12, in Ranges 19 and 20. February 11, 
1847, North Bend, Town 12, Range 19, and Clarence, Town 12, Range 20, were detached and 
incorporated. The name of Clarence was changed to Farmington in 1848. March 11, 1848, 
Trenton was incorporated from Town 11. Range 20. In 1848, the towns of West Bend and 
North Bend were still further subdivided by the erection of a new town called Newark (now 
Barton) from the two northern tiers of sections in West Bend, except the south half of Sections 
11 and 12, and from the two southern tiers of sections in North Bend. The name of North 
Bend was changed to Kewaskum in 1849. What comprised West Bend in 1846, now comprises 
the five towns of West Bend, Barton, Kewaskum, Farmington and Trenton. 

Port Washington — Towns 11 and 12, in Ranges 21 ami 22. and fractional Town 12, in 
Range 23. February 11, 1847, Fredonia, Town 12, Range 21, was detached and incorporated. 
In 1848, Belgium, Town 12, Ranges 22 and fractional 23, and Sackville (now Saukville), Town 
11, Range 21, were incorporated. The original town of Port Washington comprised what is 
now embraced in the towns of Port Washington, Saukville, Fredonia and Belgium. 

GROWTH of population: 



Year. 



1840 

L842 
1844 

I860 



As per Federal census 

(School census, scholars 268 I estimated 

Scl i ■ ii-us, scholars 586) estimated 

(Scl 1 oensus, scholars 2,167 estimated 

As per Federal census 

ited al mean between Fetferal census, I860 19,486), and State cen* 
- i f \\ ashington and Ozaukee Counties, 1856 (81,870) 



Population. 


1 in rcaae. 






1 276 


982 


2676 


1400 


10786 


B110 


19486 


S7( K | 



L'f.'.illi 



74.31 



The increase from 1845 to 1853 was from 10,785 to 26,915, the population having doubled 
once and a half during those years, and the increase being largely in the western and central 
towns of the county. 

Prior to 1843, the settlements had been entirely in the eastern and southeastern towns, and 
excepting the settlement before stated, at Port Washington, in 1835, which was afterward 
abandoned, the population was confined to the towns of Grafton, Mequon and Germantown. 
The influx beginning in L843, continued till 1853, during which time the entire county was 
settled, in many towns all the desirable land being taken up. Relow is given t lie dates of the 
first land entered in each town and the year when they became generally inhabited. 



i 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 323 

Port Washington. — Wooster Harrison entered 75 acres on Section 28, November 24, 1835. 
James D. Doty entered 184 acres in the same section, and, December 7, Milo Jones entered 
160 acres. They were not settlers. In 1836 and 1837, nearly all the land in the township 
was taken up bv speculators. It did not generally come into the hands of actual settlers till 
1842-43. 

Grafton. — September 7, 1835, speculators, G. S. Hubbard, A. J. Cutler, Daniel Wells 
and others, took up large tracts along the river in Sections 6, 7, 18 and 19, 30 and 31. Nearly 
all the land was taken prior to 1841. The town was occupied by settlers in 1840-41-42. 

Cedarburg. — Formerly a part of Grafton, settled later than the eastern part of the old 
town, mostly in 184:'>-44-45. 

Mequon. — G. S. Hubbard entered the first land September 7, 1835, in Sections 20, 21, 
2^ and 2!'. A few speculative entries were made in 1836-37. Settlers came in ; a few in 
1837. In 1837-38-39-40. considerable settlements were made in Sections 9, 10, 11 and 12. 
The town quite generally filled with settlers in 1841-42. 

Saukville. — First entries made by speculators in 1836. Generally settled in 1844-45. 

Fredonia. — Settled in 1846-47-48. James D. Dotv and William Jones, Sections 21 and 
22, June 4, 1836. 

Belgium. — Settled in 1845-46-47. Speculative entries were made in 1836. 

Germantown. — The first purchase was made May 29, 1839, by Benjamin Church, 160 
acres on Section 31. In the fall of 1839, others entered land. Jefferson Kinne, on Section 
25 ; Daniel Allen, on Section 30 : Joshua Gilford, on Section 32. The town was principally 
settled during the years 1840-41-42-43. 

Richfield. — First entry made by Samuel Spivey, 160 acres on Section 28, May 31, 1841. 
Seven other entries were made during the fall of that year on southern Sections 28 to 36. 
Lands generally taken up in the town in 1842-43-44 

Erin. — Michael Lynch entered the first land, November 20, 1841 ; 40 acres on Section 
35. Eleazer Rowley took up 40 acres on Section 25, November 27, 1841. In 1842-43, some 
thirty entries were made, all Irish. The town was quite fully settled in 1844-45-46. 

Hartford. — Timothy Hall bought the first land, 160 acres on Section 12, August 6, 1842. 
Eleven entries were made in 1843, a few in 1844. The town was generally occupied in 
1845-46-47. 

Addison. — May 27, 1843, Simeon Aaron Andrews purchased the first land from the Gov- 
ernment, 40 acres, in Section 17. In 1844-45, a few actual settlers came in. The desirable 
lands in the town were mostly taken up in 1846-48. 

Wayne. — Alexander W. Stow made the first purchase of land June 8, 1846, 80 acres on 
Section 31. Other purchasers took up land in the fall of the same year, in the southern sec- 
tions 26 to 33. The land passed into the hands of actual settlers in 1847-49. 

Polk. — -Theophilus Haylett bought the first Government land February 7, 1843. 160 acres 
in Sec. 28. Seven other purchases were made that year. The southern sections were well 
taken up in 1844-45; the northern part of the township was settled in 1846. 

West Bend. — The first entry of land was made by Martin Otis Walker, on Section 32, 72 
acres, in 1839. In 1845, considerable was entered by Jules Schleisenger. Bela Wdcox also 
bought that year. Settlers flocked in in 1846-47, taking nearly all the desirable land in the 
township. 

Barton. — Bela Wilcox bought the first 80 acres on Section 2, October 30, 1845. The 
town was generally settled in 1S46-48. 

Keivaskum. — March 31, 1846, David Giffin and Myron Merrill made the first purchase of 
land from the Government, 170 acres in Section 1. Settlers came in freely in the fall and took 
up land in Sections 8 and 9. The town was settled up generally in 1847-49. 

Jackson. — Samuel Showalter made the first purchase of land August 26, 1843/80 acres in 
Section 30. Thirty other purchases were made in the fall of that year, in Sections 25 to 36. 
The town was fully settled in 1844-46. 



324 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

Trenton. — Speculators bought the first land in this town. The first purchase was made by 
Joshua Hathawav, Jr., November 19, 1835. Purchases were also made the same year by Michael 
Anthony Guesta, Solomon Juneau, Charleton Hunt, M. C. Johnson and James Duane Doty. 
The town was occupied by bona fide settlers in 1846-47. a few purchases having been made in 1845. 

Farmington. — William A. Burt and Elisha Dwells bought the first land, 80 acres in Sec- 
tion 9, July 29, 1836. William Miller and James Duane Doty also bought several lots the 
same year. Actual settlers came in in 1845-47. 

NATIONALITY. 

The first settlers and purchasers of land in the county were Americans, mostly from the 
States of New York and Ohio. Some English families came in in 1839 (the Bonniwells and others), 
and during that year a colony of German Lutherans, known as the Freidstadt Colony, under 
the leadership of Pastor Krause. Capt. Yon Rober and Lieut. William Yugenitz. settled in the 
west part of Mequon. The influx of Germans did not fairly set in till two years later, when 
they commenced to swarm into the county in great numbers. By purchase from English and 
American settlers, and by occupying such Government lands as were not already taken up, they 
beeame the predominant race as early as 1850, and have remained so ever since, it being esti- 
mated that at the present time (1881) over three-fourths of the population is German, of direct 
German parentage. They settled throughout the eastern and central towns. The western tier 
of townships seemed less attractive to them. One town (Erin ) is notable as preserving its nation- 
ality against all comers. In 1842, the settlement of the town was commenced by a few Irish 
Catholics, and during the succeeding two years they were followed by others of like religion and 
race, in sufficient numbers to occupy nearly the whole township. They and their descendants 
have held the territory ever since, and it is to-day as purely Irish in its population, and as 
purely Catholic in its religion, as any town in Old Ireland itself. The town and village of 
Hartford alone remained distinctively American till as late as 1870. That now has a large 
sprinkling of foreign-born citizens, although still having a. predominance of Americans. 

The total valuation and tax from 1840 to L852, inclusive, was as follows: 

Year. Total Valuation. Total Tan. 

1840 $156,667 ?7si! - 

1841 210,851 1,011 

1842 210,351 2,100 

1848 358,952 :!,17:> li 

1844 859.899 

1845 894,610 6,268 88 

1846 8,861 22 

is 17 580,479 3,275 10 

1848 588,184 18,186 00 

L849 1,089,684 1 1,082 20 

185M 907,575 10,871 67 

1851 896,428 18,269 

185'J 876,895 17,678 86 

The first valuation was made by towns September, 1846. The valuation, with number of 
acres assessed, was as follows : 

TOWD \ M V.illi;iti'.n 

Qrafton 26,205 ¥71,842 

Wright (Hartford 12,704 L8,l 

ntown 28,860 50 

Vddison (two Townships 4,980 7,180 

Richfield 17.4'H 26,186 

Jackson 16,064 26,040 

Port Washington (four Townships) 86,188 55.789 

Mequon 26,242 74,51 

Erin 18,682 18,848 

folk 18,480 20,089 

Weal Bend four Townships) 16, 020 24,589 



Total 20LVJ ,r, 







SH> 



tj~&6t 



(dec e ased) 




HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES 327 

The valuation per acre in the various towns in the county in 1848 was, in Port Washington 
and Grafton, $2 per acre ; in Mequon and Gerraantown. $1.45, and in the remaining towns 
$1.36. Average value, 1.65. 

In 1849, the valuation per acre was as follows : Germantown, $3.30 ; Mequon, $3.22 ; Ce- 
darburg, Grafton, Port Washington and Saukville, $2.70 ; Jackson. Belgium. Richfield, Hart- 
ford, West Bend, Trenton, Newark, Polk and Erin, $2.39 ; Farmington and Fredonia, $2.18 ; 
Kewaskum, Addison and Wayne, $1.98. The average valuation throughout the county was 
$2.45 per acre. The valuation price was not materially changed during the succeeding four 
years. 

THE POOR FARM. 

The site for the Poor Farm was selected December 19, 1844, it being the east half of the 
northwest quarter and west half of northeast quarter of Section 11, in Town 10 north, in 
Range 21 east. It was situated in the northeast part of the town of Polk, near the center of 
the county. It contained 160 acres, to which was subsequently added a fractional part of an 
adjoining quarter section, making the farm contain a little less than two hundred acres. The 
purchase was made by Philip Moss, then residing in the town of Mequon. 

In 1850, the first clearing was made, five acres, by Andrew Burns, for $60, and a house 
built by Sigmond Weise at a cost of $293. The poor were supported on the farm after the 
spring of 1850. The first Superintendents of the Poor were John A. Douglass, Francis Everly 
and L. L. Sweet. M. Schrefer was the first Overseer of the farm, at a salary of $190 per year. 
He was a very competent man, but struck at the end of six months for higher pay, wanting 
$350. The Commissioner hired Harvey N. Strong, of Newark, in his place for $200 per year. 
The only other employe on the place was Lemuel Cox, hired at $10 per month. He did not 
seem to suit the board, as he was soon discharged, and Michael Koehler employed at $9 per 
month. 

The average number of paupers during the first year was twenty-two and one-half. The 
total cost of supporting them as reported by the Superintendents was $667. 28 — $29.65 each per 
annum, or 57 cents per week. The pauper list for the next year numbered twenty-one. The 
cost of their support was §36.58 per annum, or 70 cents per week. 

THE JAIL. 

The only structure erected at the expense of the county until after the division, except the 
farmhouse above mentioned, was a jail at Port Washington. The plan of the building was 
accepted September 15, 1848, and the building committee, Messrs. Beales and Paine, were 
ordered to contract for its completion in thirty days from date. One hundred and fifty dollars 
was appropriated to cover the expense, the building to be erected on leased land. 

The specifications called for a building 20 feet long, 14 feet wide and 9 feet high, to be 
built of hewn timber 8x10 inches, corners well pinned, with timbers running through the build- 
ing sufficient to spike the floors and partitions to. The windows were to be three in number, 
16x20 inches in size and grated with iron bars. The outer door wae to be made from H-inch 
plank, double; the floors of 2-inch oak plank, well spiked down, and the partition and inner 
door of 2-inch oak plank. 

The building was finished in January, 1849, an additional appropriation of $50 being 
necessary to plank up the inside, and furnish with a stove and bed. The total cost was $200. 
An effort was made in 1852 to build a better structure. At the November session of the Board 
of Supervisors, a resolution was passed appropriating $1,000 fir a new jail, and $1,000 for a 
house for the jailer, the jail to be 24x30 feet in size, and to be located at the village of New- 
burg, in the town of Trenton. The resolution was reconsidered and laid on the table. At the 
same meeting the lease of the ground on which the old jail stood was renewed for one year at a 
rental of $30, and $20 appropriated for repairing the old jail. The old building is still in 
existence, and should be preserved as the only public building ever built or owned by old Wash- 
ington County. Prior to its erection, prisoners were boarded and kept in the jail at Milwaukee. 



328 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COl'NTIKS. 



FIRST SCHOOL REPORTS. 

Below is given the earliest school census on file in each township prior to 1845. It appears 
that up to that time schools had been established in only three townships, to wit: Mequon, 
Gerrnantown and Grafton. The reports show the heads of families living in the districts re- 
ported at the dates given, and the number of children between the ages of four and sixteen. 
The earliest reports are as follows : 



DISTRICT NO. 1 (MEQUON |, MARCH, 1842. 
Parents. * No. of Children. 

Charles Bonniwell 4 

William Bonniwell 2 

James Bonniwell 1 

Peter Turck 4 

Thomas Gilson 3 

Michael Bellen 4 

Michael Mattel 2 

Total 20 

Charles Bonniwell, Clerk. 

DISTRICT NO. 3 (MEQUON). MARCH, 1842. 
Parents. No. of Children. 

William Worth 2 

John Willett 1 

John Armstrong 2 

Robert Chamhers 4 

Ludwig Zimmerman 2 

Carl Witesy 1 

Peter Tranif 1 

Michael Smith 2 

Charles Mailer 4 

Gottlob Roedel 1 

Friedrich Gedine 1 

Charles Galloe 1 

A M. Ziele 1 

DISTRICT NO. 5 (OERMANTOWN I, MARCH, 1842. 
I'urcnte. No. of Children. 

Nelson Burst ] 

Joh n Schal zel 3 

Jacob Schunk 2 

Nicholas i nslen 4 

Herman Ostrander 3 

Jacob Snyder 2 

Henry Shuller 1 

John Begerly 3 

William Stroub 2 

Francis Slaver 1 



DISTRICT BO. 5 I OERMANTOWN) — CONTINUED 
Parents. No. of Children. 

Ginden Straver 6 

Christ F. Bartlett 1 

John Gage 2 

Godfrey Brandewell 1 

Michael P. Basemen 3 

Michael E. Berlin 2 

Joshua Gifford 6 

Jernahald Lenegen 2 

John C. Hubendall 1 

Andrew Chritzer .• 4 

Adam Snell 1 

William Ranney 2 

Wendell Young 4 

Jacob Bolheim 3 

Levi Ostrander 2 

John Miller 1 

Valentine Swalbak 3 

John Brown 3 

Michael Hyme 3 

John Bautngaunt 1 

Christ Cross 2 

Martin Arndt 2 

George Garbish 5 

Daniel Allen 1 

Lewis Scraps 1 



Total., 



.83 



Levi OSTRANDXR, Clerk. 

JEFIEK805 DISTRICT, NO. 1 (GB.A.FTON), MAROH, 1843. 

Parent*. No. of Children. 

Morritz Buze 2 

(I. lit Mb Beam 4 

Losieus Busner 3 

Daniel Strickland 3 

William Tupper 1 

Total 13 

Luther \V. Wetheriieb, Clerk. 



LEGISLATORS. 

By act of the Territorial Legislature, August 2, 1840, the counties of Milwaukee and 
Washington were constituted a Legislative District, and were entitled to three members of the 
Council and five members of the House of Representatives. Under this apportionment, the 
district was generally represented by members chosen from Milwaukee County, it being the 
most densely populated section. The apportionment remained unchanged until 1S42. Under 
the new apportionment made that year, the counties still remained together, but were entitled 
to three members of the Council and six Representatives. This latter apportionment remained 
unchanged until 184U, at which time Washington and Sheboygan Counties were made into a 
district entitled to one member of the Council and one Representative. No further change 
occurred until the State was organized. 

The legislators from Washington County, during the Territorial period were as follows : 
Council, 1847-48, C. M. Phelps. House of Representatives, 1845-48, B. II. Moores. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 329 

The first Constitutional Convention assembled in Madison October 5, 1846, and adjourned 
December 16, 1846. The delegates from Washington County were Bostwick O'Conner, Port 
Washington ; Edward H. Janesen, Mequon ; Patrick Toland, Erin ; Charles J. Kern, Grafton ; 
Hopewell Coxe, Joel F. Wilson, Hartford. 

The delegates to the second Constitutional Convention, held at Madison from December 
15,1847, to February 1, 1848, were Patrick Pen tony, James Fagan, Jackson; Harvey G. 
Turner, Grafton. 

APPORTIONMENT INTO LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS. 

The first apportionment under the State laws made a Senatorial District of Washington 
County, and divided it into five Assemby Districts, the towns embraced in each district being 
as follows: 

First District — Belgium, Port Washington, Fredonia, Saukville and Farmington. 

Second District — Grafton, Jackson and Cedarburg (Cedarburg being detached from. 
Grafton in 1849). 

Third District — Mequon and Germantown. 

Fourth District — Polk, Erin and Richfield. 

Fifth District — Hartford, Addison, Wayne, Trenton, North Bend, West Bend and Newark 
(Newark being detached from towns of North Bend and West Bend in 1849). 

In 1852, a new apportionment was made, erecting the county into two Senatorial and four 
Assembly Districts. 

The Senatorial Districts numbered three and four in the State list, and were made up as 
follows : 

Third Senatorial District — Mequon, Cedarburg, Grafton, Port Washington, Fredonia and 
Belgium. 

Fourth Senatorial District — Erin, Richfield, Germantown, Jackson, Polk, Hartford, Ad- 
dison, West Bend, Newark, Trenton, Farmington, Kewaskum, Wayne. 

The four Assembly Districts were made up as follows : 

First District — Belgium, Fredonia, Saukville and Port Washington. 

Second District — Cedarburg, Grafton and Mequon. 

Third District — Erin, Richfield, Polk, Jackson and Germantown. 

Fourth District — Hartford, Addison, Wayne, Kewaskum, West Bend, Trenton and Farm- 
ington. 

The members of the Legislature under these apportionments, under the State Government, 
up to the time of the county was divided in 1853, were as follows : 

1848 — Senate, Fred. W. Horn, Cedarburg. Assembly, Henry Allen, Port Washington ; 
Benjamin H. Moores, Grafton ; Adolph Zimmerman, Mequon ; Densmore W. Maxon, Polk ; 
William Caldwell, Barton. 

1849 — Senate, Fred. W. Horn, Cedarburg. Assembly, Solon Johnson, Port Washing- 
ton ; James Fagan, Jackson ; Peter Turck, Mequon ; Patrick Toland, Erin ; Chauncey M. 
Phelps, Addison. 

1850 — Senate, Fred. W. Horn, Cedarburg. Assembly, Solon Johnson, Port Washington ; 
Eugene S. Turner, Grafton ; Edward Divin, Richfield, Henry Weil, West Bend ; Cornelius S. 
Griffin, Saukville. 

1851 — Senate, Harvey G. Turner, Port Washington. Assembly, *Fred. W. Horn, Cedar- 
burg ; Harvey Moore, Port Washington; Frederick Stock, Mequon; Francis Everlv, West 
Bend ; John C. Toll, Polk. 

1852 — Senate, Harvey G. Turner, Port Washington. Assembly, Simon D. Powers, Port 
Washington ; Phineas M. Johnson, Grafton ; Adam Staats, Densmore W. Maxon, Polk ; 
Barucb. S. Weil, West Bend. 

1853 — Senate, Andrew M. Blair, Port Washington ; Baruch S. Weil, West Bend. As- 
sembly, James W. Porter, Port Washington ; Charles E. Chamberlain, Grafton ; William P. 
Barnes, Barton ; Charles Schutte, Jackson. 

•Fred. W. Horn elected Speaker of the Assembly. 



330 



HISTORY or WASHINGTON AM) OZAIKEE COUNTIES. 



POLITICAL COMPLEXION. 



The population was, from the first vote, strongly Democratic. The first Presidential elec- 
tion, after the State Government was formed, was in 1848. The vote of Washington County 
stood as follows : 



Belgium 

Port Washington. 

Saukrille 

Fredonia 

Farminglon 

Grafton 

Jackson 

Mequou 

German town 

Pott 

Erin 

Richfield 

Hartford 

Addison 

Wayne 

West Bend... 

Vorth Bend 

Trenton 



Totals- 




Van Bureu. 



Tutul 
Town Vote-. 



41 
10 
31 



12 

21 
4 



93 
27 



33 

25 
20 

324 



157 

206 

'.'2 

75 

50 

346 

126 

237 

174 

161 

85 

122 

148 

110 

42 

104 

47 

57 

2398 



In the towns of Erin, Richfield and Wayne, every vote cast was Democratic ; while in the 
town of North Bend, not a Democrat appears. Hartford was remarkable at that early day for the 
heavy "Free-Soil " vote cast, 93 to 55 for all others. The different localities were quite strong 
in their political bias; although in the aggregate the county was. and has ever since been, the 
strongest Democratic county in the State. 

The vote of November, 1849, is given below, showing the vote for Governer and that for 
and against the proposed amendment to the constitution allowing the right of suffrage to negroes : 



TOWNS. 


Dewey. 

(Democrat). 


Collins. 

Whig). 


Chase. 

m i sou). 


Free Scffraok. 


Yes. 


S 




32 

:■■ 

101 

170 

37 

64 

16 

215 

108 

:.7 
78 
17 
30 
'.'7 

l 16 
24 
84 
in 
71 

181 


2 

17 

21 

1 

2 

1 

34 

2 

86 
16 

8 
60 

8 

g 

l 

6 
8 


l 

70 
■> 

6 

1 

4 
2 


1 

4 

52 

7> 

89 

14 
188 










101 




92 




5 


Polk 










14 




4 




















1 




1 










North Bend 










2.'. 








1610 


208 


86 


248 






HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 
The Presidential vote for 1852 was as follows : 



331 



TOWNS. 


Pierce. 


Scott. 


Hall. 


Total Town 
Vote. 




84 

59 

82 

53 

103 

188 

59 

90 

118 

122 

107 

267 

68 

290 

92 

182 

101 

190 

69 

26 


40 
57 
21 
14 
2 
42 
48 
74 

104 

116 
24 
54 
71 
62 
29 
34 

132 
30 

208 


11 

16 

16 
2 
1 
6 

18 

7 

19 

20 

6 
9 


135 
132 




119 




69 




106 




236 




125 




164 




118 


Richfield 


226 




230 


Polk 


291 




122 




380 




174 




211 




135 




328 




108 




234 






Totals 


2350 


1162 


131 


36-13 







THE COUNTY SEAT. 

One of the first experiences of nearly every new county is an earnest local contest for the 
location of the seat of justice or county seat. If there are two distinct centers of population, 
or villages already sufficiently well established to make a rallying point for a fight, such contest 
is inevitable, except when the population is so centralized at one point as to make a contest 
impracticable, as in the case of Milwaukee; there is scarcely a county in the State of Wis- 
consin that has not, among its early annals, the story of a most earnest and bitter contest over 
the " county seat question." 

Washington County was no exception to the rule, further than it labored under such 
peculiar complication as to render the contest, not only more protracted than in any other 
county, but incapable of being brought to a termination except by a division of the county, and 
that, too, contrary to any general expression of the inhabitants, favoring the division. It was 
one of the few cases when the prevailing mode of deciding public questions by a vote of the 
people seemed to utterly fail, and as such, claims more consideration, and is of more historical 
importance than any other similar contest that has ever occurred within the borders of the 
State. It will be detailed so far as is possible without obscuring the facts, from an impersonal 
standpoint, and treated as a question seeking solution by the aggregate population, rather than 
as the record of personal efforts, which would involve the discussion of persons and motives, 
thereby losing sight of the main purpose, which is to give a full and impartial record of the 
political events which led to the division of the county, rather than to detail the less important 
facts, as to the personality of the actors in the drama. 

Washington County had a nominal existence for a period of seventeen years, from 1836 to 
1853. During the first four years to 1840, it had only geographical limits, being attached to 
its parent county, Milwaukee, for all civil and judicial purposes. From 1840 to 1845, it did 
its own civil business through its own Board of Commissioners, and, in 1845, the courts having 
been established, took upon itself the performance of all the functions devolving on a complete 
county organization. Prior to 1845, the importance of establishing a county seat had claimed 
the attention of the inhabitants to a greater or less degree, but from and after the establishment 
of the courts, it became the absorbing issue of the county, overshadowing all political questions, 



332 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

and increasing in interest, till the final denouement of 1853 — the division of the county, and 
the establishment of two county seats by the Legislature without the popular assent of the 
inhabitants, and, as will be seen, against many earnest protests, both before and after the act 
was passed. 

The act of December 7, 1836, establishing the county and defining its limits, also desig- 
nated " Wisconsin City " (Port Washington) as the seat of justice. As the city was then in 
the heyday of its early prosperity, and, as the county did not contain twenty bona fide settlers 
outside the city limits, and had not assumed any of the functions of a county government, 
there was no serious objection to the location, and Port Washington enjoyed the somewhat 
empty honor of being the seat of justice of Washington County, without any effort looking to a 
change, till after the passage of the act of organization, August 13, 1840. At that time, Port 
Washington had fallen into a decline, and was nearly deserted, while some quite thrifty neigh- 
borhoods of actual settlers had sprung up in the towns of Mequon and Grafton. The whole 
population of the county numbered but 343 souls — men women and children — and of these three- 
fourths were in the towns above mentioned ; at Hamburg, now Grafton ; in the Bonniwell set- 
tlement in the township of Mequon, on and near Sections 9 and 10 ; at Thiensville in the same 
town ; and at Friedstadt in the western part of Mequon, where a German settlement of Luther- 
ans had been started. The parts of the organizing act which provided for the location of the 
seat of justice were as follows : 

Sec. 7. That for the purpose of permanently establishing the seat of justice of said county of Washington, at 
the first election to be held in the said county, as hereinbefore provided, every white male inhabitant, who, at the 
lime of the passage of this act was a resident of the county, and is of the age of twenty-one years, shall be entitled 
to cast his vote for such point or place as he may choose for the seat of justice. 

SBC. s . At said election, the polls shall be opened, the election conducted, and the votes returned to the Clerk 
of the Board of County Commissioners of the county of Milwaukee, in all respects as prescribed by law regulating 
general elections. 

Sec. 9. The Clerk aforesaid shall, within ten days after returns made to him, certify the result to the Governor 
of the Territory, and if, upon examination the Governor shall find that any one point voted for has a majority over 
other points or places, he shall issue his proclamation of that fact, and the place or point so having t lie greatest num. 
ber of votes, shall, from the date of such proclamation, be the seat of justice of said county of Washington. 

To provide against the possibility of inconvenience by any possible result from the vote 
above provided for, a supplemental act was passed at the next session, approved February 19, 
1841, as follows: 

II"-. 1. The County Commissioners of Washington County may hold their sessions at the house of William 
T. Bonniwell, in said county, any law of this Territory to the contrary notwithstanding. 

The first vote taken resulted in the choice of Hamburg (Grafton) as the county seat, and it 
was so proclaimed. The honors were, however, for several yearsas empty as had been those of Port 
Washington. The Commissioners continued to hold their meetings and transact the business "I 
the county at the house of William T. Bonniwell, until January 1, 1844, finding authority lot- 
so doing in the act of February 19, 1841, which has been given above. Grave doubts had been 
raised as to the legality of thus ignoring the county seat, anil to remove all doubt as to the 
legality of their proceedings, the board met at Hamburg, for the first time, as shown by the 
records, January 3, 1*11, more than three years after it had been declared the county seat. 
This should have been a proud day for Hamburg, as she that day became the seat of government 
de facto as well as dejurc. an honor not attained by Port Washington during the years it had 
been the county seat. The change having been made, the counter-question arose as to whether 
the previous acts did designate the house of William T. Bonniwell as the legal place of hold- 
ing the meetings. The following act, passed January 20, 1M1. settled the question. It was 
entitled, " An act to amend certain acts relating to the counties of Dodge and Washington." 
Ihe sections relating to the vexed question were as follows: 

■ <t:i ' 2. Hereafter it shall be lawful for the County Commissioners: of said i nties to hold their Bessiona 

where they, or a majority of them, may deem most expedient for the general interest and convenience of the citizens 
of their respective counties. 

be the duty of said Commissioners, pre vinos to the holding of any of their sessions, to adrenise 

ne in three <>f the mosl public places, by posting up written uotioes in sn i ■ I oountiesat least twenty days before 
such sessions, setting forth the time and place where the same shall be holden. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZxVUKEE COUNTIES. 333 

Sec. 4. The official acts of the County Commissioners of the county of Washington, at any session holden at 
the county seat of said county, prior to the first day of March next, shall be as good and valid as though the said 
session had been held at the place now fixed by law. 

The Commissioners, thus set clear as to their powers and duties, met where they pleased 
luring the year, sometimes at Bonniwell's house, but generally at the county seat. 

The county was organized for judicial purposes by act of the Legislature February 20. 
1845. The seat of justice and the powers of the County Commissioners were treated in the 
act as follows : 

Sec. 4. The County Commissioners of said county shall provide suitable rooms for holding the sessions of the 
District Court at such place or places in said county as they may deem most convenient for its inhabitants ; provided, 
however, that the first term of said court to be held in said county shall be held in the schoolhouse at the county seat 
of said county, and unless the County Commissioners shall deem it proper to ohange the place of holding said court, 
and shall file in the office of the Clerk of the District Court of said county, at least sixty days before a session of said 
court, their order to that effect, naming the place selected by them for that purpose, which said place or places, 
wherever said District Court may be held, shall be deemed, for all intents and purposes, the court house of said 
county for the time being, then the said terms of the said court shall be continued to be held at the county seat until 
the County Commissioners shall determine otherwise as herein provided; and provided farther, that the County Com- 
missioners of said county are restricted from expending any sum exceeding $50 per year for the fitting, renting or 
use of any building to be used as a court, house aforesaid ; and provided also, that no public buildings of any kind, 
except a poor house, shall be constructed at the expense of the county by said Commissioners, until they shall be 
authorized so to do by law. 

Sec. 5. It shall be lawful for the county officers to keep their offices at their residences in any part of the 
county. 

The District Court, in accordance with the above, held its first session in the schoolhouse 
in Hamburg in September, 1845, Judge Andrew G. Miller, presiding. The second term was 
held at the same place in March, 1846. Soon after, the form of government was changed to the 
town system, and the powers of the Commissioners to designate the place of holding court 
expired when the office became extinct. 

The act passed January 20, 1846, changing the form of government, erecting towns, and 
giving each town a representation in the County Board, through the Chairman of its Board of 
Supervisors, also made provision for the temporary establishment of the county seat in the fol- 
lowing sections : 

Sec. 18. That for the purpose of temporarily establishing the seat of justice of said county of Washington, 
every white male inhabitant who at the time of the passage of this act was a resident of the county and is of the 
age of "21 years, shall, at the election above provided for in the third section of this act (first Tuesday in April) be 
entitled to cast his vote in the town in which he resides for such place or point as he may choose for such seat of jus- 
tice, and due returns shall be certified and made of the votes thus cast by the Moderator and Clerk of the several 
polls of election in said county, within eight days after such election, to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of said 
county. 

Sec. 19. The County Board of Supervisors at the first meeting after the first Tuesday of April next shall 
examine the returns made in compliance with this act, and if any point or place shall have received a majority of 
all the votes cast for the seat of justice, it shall be certified by the Chairman and Clerk of said Board and filed in 
the Clerk's office, and a copy of the same shall be published under the direction of the Board of Supervisors. 

Sec "20. That if any point voted for shall receive a majority over all the points and places, suoh point or place 
shall be the seat of justice of said county from and after the first Monday of January, 1847; and until the first 
Monday of January, 1852. And the Board of Supervisors shall make provisions either by constructing, hiring or 
receiving as a donation to the county suitable buildings, or the use of the same, for the accommodation of the courts 
and public offices required by law to be kept at the county seat, and they shall not expend for such objects a sum to 
exceed $1,000, which they are hereby authorized to levy and collect as other taxes are collected in said county ; pro- 
vided, that if the owners or inhabitants of any point or place thus voted for and selected as the seat of justice shall 
tender to the county suitable buildings erected, or the means to construct the same to the satisfaction of the Board of 
Supervisors, then they may accept the same in lieu of the tax provided for in this section ; and if such tender be 
made prior to the election, and not complied with, so that the necessary buildings can be ready for use by the first 
Monday of January next, such point or place shall lose the benefit of this act, or if no choice shall have been made 
by the votes cast for that object, the inhabitants resident of said county at the next April election shall vote again for 
any ..ther place or point, and the provisions of this act shall be applicable to any place selected at a second election. 

Sec. '21. The several courts and county offices required by law to be held and kept at the county seat of the 
several counties shall in a like manner be held and kept at the place selected as the county seat under the provisions 
of this act from and after the first Monday of January next; provided, suitable rooms for their accommodation be 
furnished by the proper authorities of said county, and any officers refusing or neglecting to comply with this act 
shall forfeit $10 a day, to be recovered by any person who may choose to sue for the same for the use of said county_ 



334 HISTORY Or WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

The first vote taken showed such diversity of opinion as to foreshadow the coming difficul- 
ties. The whole number of votes cast was 861.- The choice being designated as follows : 

For County Farm 371 

For Nor i beast of Section 3, Town 10, Range 20 (County Farm) 88 

For Port Washington 164 

For Cedarburg 100 

For Hamburg (Graftoni 74 

For Center of the county 32 

ForGood Location near the Center 20 

For West Bend 12 

Total 861 

By the above vote no place received a majority. Throwing out the County Farm, which 
had no buildings, and the indefinite votes for the " Center." and " Good Location near the ''en- 
ter," the contest was between the four habitable places — Port Washington, Cedarburg, Grafton 
and West Bend. Port Washington received a large plurality of the votes cast, but not the 
required majority. 

The four towns above named became the chief competitors for the location from that time, 
Hartford, the only other considerable village, remaining neutral with schemes of its own for an 
ultimate formation of a new county from the western tier of towns in Washington County and 
a slice from Dodge County, of which it might become the county seat. Its geographical posi- 
tion precluded any hope of its ever becoming the county seat of Washington against the four 
competitors already in the field. About this time, the population of the county having suddenly 
and largely increased by the influx of settlers into its hitherto unoccupied portions, and its busi- 
ness having assumed greater importance, the inconveniences and annoyances of the situation be- 
came intolerable. The whole county government was a sort of peripatetic institution, performing 
its functions everywhere, and having a local habitation nowhere. The different county officers 
had their offices at their places of residence in various parts of the county ; the courts were held 
held at such places as the County Board might designate from time to time, and the sessions of 
the board were held at no stated place. A citizen was obliged to go to one town to have his 
deed recorded, to another to pay his county taxes on his land, to another to bring business before 
the County Board, and to still another for relief from the courts. A few excerpts from the rec- 
ords of the Board of Supervisors for the years 1846 and 1847. will give the reader an idea of the 
confusion that prevailed. 

" The annual meeting of the board was held September 14, 1846, in the town of Polk. At 
that session it was ordered, that the next term of the Circuit Court be held at the public house 
kept by George Irish, in the town of West Bend. The order was carried by a' majority of one 
vote, six voting, yea; and five, nay. The board adjourned to meet at Port Washington. January 
4, 1847. 

" January 4, 1847, the board met at the house of S. D. Powers, in Port Washington. It 
was moved that the next (September) session of the Circuit Court be held at the court house of 
the county seat. Mr. < ieorge W. Foster, of Port Washington, moved to amend by substituting for 
the place of meeting, Port Washington. His amendment was lost, and the original motion passed. 
As there wits no county seat, unless Grafton might be so considered, and as there was no court 
house, except that provided at Irish's Tavern in West Bend, it is difficult to determine where the 
solons of the county intended to locate the court. 

" It was further voted that the next session of the board be held at the house of Timothy 
Hall, in the town of Wright (now Hartford)." 

All these different moves involved the trouble and expense of removing the safe containing 
the records from place to place. P. Dockery, the clerk, being allowed at one time $'2h "for extra 
services in moving the records from Port Washington, and going after a man to open the safe." 
At another meeting. Michael Dockery was allowed $11.50 " for removing records from Cedar- 
burg to Clerk's office, also for removing records from Clerk's office to the house of Timothy Hall, 
in Hartford, and for removing the records from the Clerk's office to Port Washington." 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 335 

To give ample time for the permanent location, and to obviate meantime the inconveniences 
of having no county seat whatever, the Legislature passed an act establishing the county seat at 
Port Washington for five years. The act was passed January 25, 1847, and its provisions were 
as follows : 

Section 1. That for the term of five years from and after the passage of this act. the seat of justice of the 
county of Washington shall be established at the village of Washington, on Section 28, Township 11, Range 22 east ; 
and all district courts to be held in and for said county, during said time, shall be held at the public schoolhouse in 
said village, until some other and more suitable place shall be provided for that purpose. 

Sec. 2. The several county oftVes required by law to be kept at the county seat, shall be removed to and kept at 
the said county seat as soon as suitable and convenient rooms or buildings shall be provided therefor, without expense 
or charge to the county. 

The location of the county seat, even temporarily, was not generally satisfactory to the 
majority of the inhabitants of the county. It was remote from the center of population, and 
its location was viewed by those favoring the rival villages as an advantage gained, not only for 
the present but in any future attempts to decide on a permanent location. Although — as evinced 
in the vote taken on the question — they could not agree as to the location, they could easily 
accord in the opinion that Port Washington was not a desirable point. Much bad blood was 
stirred up, and the acquiesence in the decision of the act was by no means cheerful. The meet- 
ings of the board and the sessions of the courts were held there, although the board would not 
at first acknowledge that the rooms furnished were " suitable and convenient," according to the 
intent of Section 2 of the act providing for the removal of the county offices to that point. At 
a special meeting of the board, held at Port Washington September 13, 1847, Mr. Harvey 
Moore, Supervisor from that town, offered the following resolution. 

Resolved, That the building and rooms provided by the inhabitants of Port Washington, without expense to the 
county, are suitable and convenient for the several county offices required by law to be kept at the county seat, agree- 
ably to Section 2 of an act to establish the seat of justice at Port Washington, approved January 25, 1847. 

The resolution was laid over till the following day, when it came up and was indefinitelv 
postponed by a vote of thirteen to one. Rooms were, however, subsequently furnished, sufficiently 
suitable and convenient to result in the location of all the county offices at that place, where they 
were kept till the division of the county 

August 8, 1848, an act was passed authorizing the people of Washington County to take 
a vote on the permanent location of the seat of justice. Its provisions were as follows : 

Section 1. Every white male inhabitant of the county of Washington above twenty-one years of age, is hereby 
authorized to cast his vote on the permanent location of the seat of justice of said county, on the fourth Monday of 
September next, as hereinafter specified. 

Sec. 2. Every inhabitant, as aforesaid, shall be authorized to cast his vote in the town where he has resided for 
at least ten days preceding any election authorized for this act, for such place or point as he may choose for such seat 
of justice ; said vote shall be taken and returns thereof made to the Clerk of the Board of County Supervisors of 
said county, and canvassed in the same manner as provided for by laws regulating general elections. 

Sec. 3. If any one place or point shall receive a majority of all the votes cast the Clerk of Supervisors, as 
aforesaid, shall send immediately a certified abstract of the vote thus taken to the Secretary of State, to be by him 
laid before the next Legislature. 

Sec. 4. If no place or point shall receive a majority, as aforesaid, it shall be the duty of the said Clerk to make 
that fact known by posting up three notices in each town, containing an abstract of the votes by him canvassed, and 
a second vote shall be taken on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November next, at the several election 
places, and the votes thus taken shall be on the three places or points having received the highest number of votes 
at the previous election ; and the returns thereof made as hereinbefore provided. 

Sec 5. If no place or point shall receive a majority over the other two places or points, said fact shall be made 
known and proclaimed, as before mentioned, and a third and final vote shall be taken on the first Monday of Jan- 
uary next, at the several election places, and the votes thus taken shall be on the two places having received the 
highest number of votes at the last election, and the Clerk of the Board, after canvassing said vote, shall immediately 
send an abstract as before mentioned to the Secretary of State, to be by him laid before the Legislature. 

The plan proposed in the above act certainly seemed feasible, and it was hoped and believed 
that under its provisions the long vexed question must finally be settled. It was generally ap- 
proved by the inhabitants, and, as it pointed to a forced and certain result at the conclusion of 
the third ballot, created intense interest throughout the county and drew out the full voting 
strength. The rival towns spared no effort to bring the last voter to the polls. 



336 



III>TORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



The elections occurred at the times appointed, and, contrary to expectation, resulted in no 
choice, as will appear in the results as given below : 

FIRST VOTE, SEPTEMBER 2o, 1848. 





TOWNS AND PLACES VOTED FOB. 


TOWNS. 


3 
u 

a 

£ 


•u 
c 

8) 

a 

■ 

9 

is 


a 
o 

to 

c 

s 

o 


A 

u 

ca 
* 

9 

as 


Saukville. 
County Farm. 


c 

s 

9 
S5 


c 
S 


I 

o 

> 

a 
i 
o 
H 

I 








27:1 

288 

2 

84 

29 












273 
















288 






I 




80 1 






81 








11 




95 




1 

20 

64 

187 

146 

11 




15 


1 




47 








52 

35 






81 




6 




1 






106 




11 






13 

12 






211 




8 
07 










166 


Polk 




18 








91 








38 






38 


Richfield 


80 
61 


2 
5 

49 
11 
142 
19 
2b 








1 






84 




1 


7 

9 

12 

56 

85 

o 






5 


81 








58 














28 


Wesl Bead 












198 














")4 










24 




6 


58 














Totals 


570 


336 


697 


149 


82 180 


11 


11 


2036 











SECOND VOTE. NOVEMBER 7, 1848. 





TOWNS AMI PLAGES VOTED FOB. 




Cednrburg. 


West B.nd. 


Port Washington. 


Total Town 
Votes. 




8 

1 

6 

829 

102 

228 

143 

40 

80 

2 

5 

1 


'.i 

88 

7 

38 

50 

187 

98 

60 

146 

126 

58 

219 

79 

88 


8i 

290 

76 

77 
25 

l 

43 
2 



1 

4 
1 
4. 


ail 
290 

78 
B8 












370 
140 
271 








195 


Polk 


1 77 




98 


RichfieM 


i in 




i i I 
1 26 






58 




228 




B0 




88 








''II 


1117 


640 


2701 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

THIRD VOTE, JANUARY 1, 1849. 



337 



TOWNS. 


TOWNS AND PLACES VOTED FOE. 


Cedarburg. 


West Bend. 


Neither. 


Total Town 
Votes. 




25 
3 

27 
388 

94 
380 
256 

65 

49 
146 
202 

1 

1 


1 

51 

1 

68 
o 

60 
5 

63 
185 

24 

33 

9 

167 

72 
246 

39 

85 


504 

259 

10 

38 

3 

159 

5 

8 


5- 4 

2'.0 




86 




4-2 




98 




549 




lf>4 




39.. 


Polk 


319 
250 






RichtieM 


IT'.' 


Hart ford 


211 




167 




72 


West Bend 


246 




54 




86 








1643 


1111 


986 


3740 



On the first vote taken, the contest was narrowed down to Cedarburg, West Bend and Port 
Washington. Cedarburg being still a part of Grafton, the vote only threw the old village of 
Grafton out of the fight, still leaving a chance to retain the county seat within the limits of the 
town. 

On the second vote, nearly the entire vote of Grafton and the populous towns of Jackson, 
Mequon and Germantown, were given for Cedarburg ; Port Washington failed to receive as 
many votes as at the first trial, while nearly all the central and western towns voted for West 
Bend, giving her a plurality of votes, and a promising prospect of success at the final election, 
as against Cedarburg. 

The contest thus narrowed down, would, under the intent and meaning of the law, have 
inevitably resulted in the permanent selection of either West Bend or Cedarburg, had its 
provisions been followed. Port Washington and the adjoining towns were not satisfied to thus 
let the prize for which they had fought so many years, slip forever from their grasp, and devised 
an ingenious and questionable plan to postpone the decision by rendering the coming election 
invalid, and therefore void. 

The scheme as developed, appeared in the final canvass, which showed in addition to 2,752 
legal votes thrown for the two contesting towns of Cedarburg and West Bend, 986 votes cast 
"for neither place." These votes, besides being in violation of the provisions of the act under 
which the election was held, showed indubitable signs of ballot-box stuffing, especially in the 
town of Belgium, the northeastern town of the county, north of Port Washington. The votes 
returned from that town numbered 504, as against 184 at the Presidential election of 1848, and 
186 at the succeeding election, November, 1849. The fraud was too apparent to be defended 
even by those who wished to defeat the election, and is even more apparent now than then, as, 
after the lapse of thirty-two years, at the last Presidential election (1880), the town cast but 
346 votes. Charges were also made of fraudulent voting in Port Washington and Grafton, 
where the number of votes was suspiciously large, and counter-charges were also made against 
West Bend. Indeed, scarce a town escaped imputations, from some quarter, of proceeding with 
the election in an illegal manner, or making a fraudulent return. The result was far from sat- 
isfactory to the majority of voters. Protests innumerable were poured in upon the Legislature, 
and the lobby was thronged all winter with ardent and earnest partisans from different parts of 



338 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

the county. The vote resulted in nothing further than to embitter the contest and still further 
disintegrate the voting element of the county. Cedarburg, as a matter of course, claimed the 
prize as fairly won, and West Bend protested against the whole thing as an arrant fraud. Port 
Washington had succeeded in her object so far as to delay the settlement of the question, but she 
bad so embittered the other parts of the county, as to impair her strength in the future stages 
of the contest, both at home and in the Legislature. 

Except the local partisans who still persisted in continuing the strife, the people of the 
county had become thoroughly tired of the contest, and sighed for a permanent rest. 

At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors held at Port Washington, November 20, 1849, 
John A. Douglass, of Trenton, presented the memorial below given : 

To THE lloSuRAIII.E, THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES or WISCONSIN: 

The undersigned, members of the Board of Supervisors of Washington County, now in session would respect- 
fully represent to your Honorable body that after several trials, the people of this county have not succeeded in des- 
ignating a place for the seat of justice. That in consequence thereof, no county buildings have been erected, that 
we have no safe place in which the records of the county may be kept ; that owing to the various opinions which pre- 
vail respecting the construction of the several acts of the Legislature upon the subject, and owing to the conflict of 
sectional interests, we are of the opinion that the people of the county cannot agree in selecting the county seat, and 
therefore deeming it important and desirable that the seat of justice should be permanently located, irrespective of 
any local and sectional feeling, we would respectfully request your Honorable body to establish a permanent location 
for the county seat, and thus relieve the county from the embarrassment and inconvenience of its present situation. 

The above memorial was signed by the following members of the board : John A. Doug- 
lass, town of Trenton ; Harvey Moore. Port Washington ; William Vogenitz, Cedarburg ; 
James Kennely, Erin; George Ramsey, Farmington; R. S. Kneeland, Hartford; N. P. Rey- 
nolds, Newark ; J. Van Vechten, Kewaskum ; Patrick Connolly, Wayne ; Francis Everly, Polk ; 
John Weyckes, Belgium ; Charles Schutte. Jackson ; John M. Curtis, Germantown ; Caleb 
Stearnes, Addison; S. L. Irwin, Fredonia ; E. H. Jansen, Mequon ; William Wightman. West 
Bend; William Payne, Saukville ; Patrick Clark, Richfield. 

It was voted to present the above memorial to the Legislature, the vote being seventeen in 
favor and one opposed. 

It was hoped and expected that the Legislature would, in response to this memorial, im- 
mediately pass an act permanently locating the county seat, and thus settle for all time tin- 
vexed question. To the general surprise of nine-tenths of the voters, instead of so doing, the 
following unexpected legislation forced them to again become reluctant and disgusted partici- 
pants in a renewed struggle on new ground. 

February 8, l$. r >(), an act was approved dividing the county, by the erection of :t new 
county, under the name and title of Tuskola, embracing the two southern tiers of towns, viz : 
Mequon, Germantown, Richfield, Erin, Grafton, Cedarburg, Jackson. Polk and Hartford. 
Cedarburg was made the scat of justice for the new county, and Port Washington was. by the 
game act, designated as the permanent county seat of what remained of Washington County. 

Section '24 provided that a vote on the division of the county be taken by the electors of 
the towns constituting the new county of Tuskola. on the first Tuesday of the following April. 
The votes were to be " For division " ami " Against division," and the result of the ballot was 
to decide as to the division of the county as provided in the act, or otherwise. The result of 
the ballot was overwhelmingly against the division, as will be seen by the following returns. 

This act proved in the premises even more unpopular than any of its predecessors. Mosl 
of the towns, outside of Cedarburg and Mequon, voted under protest. That of Hartford was 
embodied in the following resolutions passed at the annual town meeting in April, 1850: 

Itfxntved, By tii" citizens of Hartford assembled in town meeting, 

Thai we regard the law passed by the Legislature of last winter, for the permanent looalion "i the 
Be e of Washington I !ountj al Pori Washington, and the erection of the county of Tuskola with the county Beat al 
ii invasion of the rights of the citizens of this county, unconstitutional, and therefore void. 

- That our vote on the question of division simply expresses our choice of two evils, and that we earnestly 

' I died to aubmil to cither of them. 

That the Chairman of the Hoard of Supervisors of this town be, and be is hereby instructed to oppose any 
ii the oountj board, t" carry oul the provisions of said law. whether (he vote of this part of the county slml 1 
be fur in against '!"• division. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 339 

That the whole scheme was the result of an alliance between the Cedarburg and Port 
Washington factions is made apparent by the result of the vote taken by the towns of the pro- 
posed new county, April 2, 1850. It was as follows: 

TOWNS. Yes. No. Total. 

Richfield 3 205 208 

Polk 8 240 248 

Erin 74 74 

Germantown 13 269 282 

Grafton 6 184 190 

Jackson 3 183 186 

Hartford 19 174 193 

Cedarburg 174 102 276 

Mequon 49 285 334 

Total 275 1,716 1,991 

Majority against division, 1,431. 

The matter, however, got before the Supreme Court, on an application for a writ of manda- 
mus compelling the County Board to erect county buildings in accordance with a section of the 
act dividing the county which read as follows : 

The Board of Supervisors shall, on the first Monday of May next, proceed to let to the lowest bidder the con- 
tract for the erection of a good and commodious court house upon the plan and style generally adopted by Ihe differ- 
ent counties of this State, a good and sufficient jail, and good and commodious fire-proof Clerk's and Register's 
office, upon grounds in the village of Port Washington, to be located by the Supervisors of the County of Washing- 
ton, said buildings to be erected and ordered during the summer of 1850, and finished by the 1st day of July, 1851, 
and for the purpose of defraying the expense and cost of erecting said buildings, the said Supervisors are directed 
to levy an additional tax upon the taxable property of said county in addition to the ordinary taxes of said county 
for the year 1850, equal to the amount of the contract price of said buildings. 

Although the mandamus sought was denied, accompanying the opinion, Chief Justice Alex. 
W. Stow gave an individual opinion that the act ordering the buildings erected was constitu- 
tional, and further, that it permanently established the county seat at Port Washington. As 
the Chief Justice said, "It was only his personal opinion, and in no wise bound his brethren 
of the bench; was, in fact, extra judicial." Yet it fortified the friends of Port Washington in 
the belief that that town was, and in fact ought to be, the county seat, and encouraged them to 
more strenuous efforts than ever before in defense of what they deemed their rights. The gist 
of his opinion is given in his own words below : 

Port Washington then was, at the adoption of the Constitution, for the time being the county seat ; and was, a s 
has already been held in the case of La Fayette County, within the constitutional provision — at least until the expi- 
ration of the term provided by the act of 1847. A curious inquiry might here arise, whether this legislative location 
of five years was not by the constitution made permanent, but as I do not deem it material, in the view which 1 take 
of the act of last winter, I pass it by. 

One of two things is certain: either that Port Washington had become, by the Constitution acting on the law 
of 1847, the permanent county seat; or, that after the expiration of five years, there would be no legal county seat, 
and thai in the absence of any the Legislature would have the power, as in the case of organizing a new county, to 
locate one — the constitutional restriction not applying. If the first position is the correct one, there is, of course, an 
end to the real question involved in this case. But assuming the other position, the inquiry is then directly pre- 
sented, lias the Legislature, by its act of last session, made Port Washington the permanent county seat? In my 
opinion it has. And all concede this to be so if that act is constitutional. 

Following this came an elaborate argument in support of the constitutionality of the act. 

As this opinion was not concurred in by Chief Justice Stow's associates, it did not carry 
conviction to the minds of a majority of the legislators of the session of 1852. The five years 
having expired, during which, under the act of 1847, the county seat had been located at Port 
Washington, they proceeded to locate anew by the passage, February 13, 1852, of the following 
act : 

Section. 1. The county seat of the county of Washington is hereby located and established at the village of Graf- 
ton, in said county of Washington. 

Sec. 2. The legal voters of the county of Washington may vote at the time of the next town meeting election, 
for the removal of the county seat of Washington County from the village of Grafton, or from any other place where 
the same, by the laws and Constitution of this State shall, at the time of such election, be located, to the village of 
West Bend, in said county. 



340 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



SsO. 3. The vote shall be taken by ballot, either written or printed, or partly written ami partly printed, and 
shall be in the following form : The ballots for removal shall be, " For removal of the county seat to West Bend ;" 
the ballots against removal shall be, "Against removal of the county seat," and all of said votes shall be deposited 
in a separate box, and canvassed ami returned in the same manner as the votes of any general election, 

Seo. 4. If a majority of the votes cast at such election upon that subject shall be in favor of removal to West 
Bend, then, from and after the time of canvassing such vote, the county seat of said county shall be removed and 
permanently located at the village of West Bend, and it shall be the duty of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors 
of said county to publish the result, of said election in any paper published in said county of Washington within two 
weeks after the official canvass of said election. 

Sec. 5. The Board of Canvassers shall reject all the votes cast which do not express the words, " For the 
removal of the county seat to West. Bend," or the words, " Against the removal of the county seat." 

Sec. 6. All acts and parts of acts now in force and contravening the provisions of this act are hereby 
repealed. 

Sec. 7. This act shall take effect from and after its publication. 

The provision first locating at Grafton, and supplemented by one providing for its removal 
to West Bend and no other place, in case the people should so decide at the coming election, 
was unsatisfactory to the eastern and southeastern towns, and particularly so to the points that 
had hitherto competed for the location. By this means Cedarburg and Port Washington, the 
two allies in the Tuskola division of 1850, were both barred out, and a vote forced upon the 
eastern part of the county equally as distasteful to them as had been that of two years before 
to the western towns. The election came off, however, at the time provided in the act. with the 
following result: 



TOWNS 


For Removal 
■ if CountySeat 
toWestliend. 


AgainBt Removal 
.if tbe 

County Sent. 


Total. 




156 

88 

36 
130 
329 

66 

286 

166 

157 

5 

,,, 

2 

112 

79 

167 

127 

I7V< 


24 

41 

57 

310 

287 

220 

160 

28 

377 
768 

175 
.VI 

•U<M\ 


180 


Richfield 


tl 




57 




243 




287 




256 




130 


Polk 


329 




225 




286 




165 




185 




5 




377 




768 




177 




166 




7'.' 




157 




1-27 




4285 



The above is the vote as returned by the County Board of Canvassers, consisting at that 
time of William II. Ramsey, Clerk of the Board, and Jacob E. Young and S. Austin White, 
Justices 'if the Peace. The Board deemed it its duty to canvass the votes as returned, without 
going behind the returns, or taking cognizance of any irregularities that might be apparent. 
Indorsed on the return, however, was the following: 

The whole number of votes oasl "For re val of the county seal i" West Bend" were one thousand seven 

hundred and eighty-nine, and the whole number of votes cast "against the re val of the county seat " was two 

md four hundred and ninety-six. And at snob canvass a protest «;is submitted to the County Board of t'an- 
, protesting against the canvass of the voles ..f the townt of Belgium and Cedarburg, for the reasons therein 
contained ; also an affidavit of Joseph Fisohbein It it therefore determined that the majority of votes oasl al said 
eleotion tre agaitul the remt val of the mumy seal. .1 E, found, 

Wm.iivm If. EUmsey, Clerk. Justice of the Teaee. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 341 

The protest and affidavit alluded to in the above were as follows : 

PROTEST. 

To the Board of County Canvassers of Washington County, to convene on Thursday, the 13th day of April, A. D. 1S52, 

to canvass the votes cast at the election on the 6th day of April, 1852, in relation to the location of the county seat of 

said county, in pursuance of an act approved February IS, 1S~>2 : 

The undersigned, friends of the removal of the county seat to West Bend, respectfully protest against the 
counting of the votes returned from the town of Belgium, and insist that the same, or a large part thereof, ought to 
be rejected. 

We understand that it must satisfactorily appear that there is a majority of the votes cast either " For removal 
of the county seat to We»t Bend." or " Against removal of the county seat," before the Board of Canvassers can 
decide the result. We also understand that the actual duty of the board is to ascertain what is the real will of the 
plura'ity of voters, as expressed in said election. We concede that the returns from the several towns are prima 
facie evidence of the real will of the voters, and that it requires evidence to vary or overcome the result that might 
be arrived at upon that basis. We conceive that a mere informality in the election would not necessarily destroy a 
poll or reject the votes cast at it, but we insist that when the informality, or a great number of informalities, may be 
of such a nature as to defeat the will of the plurality, or to leave it in doubt whether that will has been fairly ex- 
pressed, it is incumbent on the board to reject the votes. We further insist, that, if there has been fraudulent or 
illegal voting, it is the duty of the board to reject all fraudulent or illegal votes. We also insist, that, if there 
have been informalities in the conducting of the election, and fraudulent practices at the polls by which the right 
and freedom of the elective franchise have been abused or restrained, the poll returned under such circumstances 
should be rejected. We further insist that, if there has been illegal voting at a poll, or if there have been informal- 
ities or illegal practices in the conducting of said election, to such an extent as to create doubt or uncertainty as to 
what is " the real will of the plurality," then it is the duty of the board to omit announcing any final result of said 
election, and to state the facts of the case as they may be. 

We protest against the vote of the town of Belgium on this occasion : 

1. Because, we are informed, and offer to prove, that divers persons voted at that poll who were not legal vo- 
vers at the time of voting.. 

2. Because, we are informed, and offer to prove, that divers persons voted more than once at said election. 

3. Because, we are informed, and offer to prove, that there are not to exceed three hundred legal voters in said 
town, whereas the poll returned shows that. 703 votes were cast at said election. 

4. Because, we are informed, and offer to prove, that the population of said town does not exceed fifteen hun- 
dred inhabitants, whereas at said election 763 votes were polled. 

5. Because, the said poll was otherwise informal and illegal. 

6. Because, , a friend to the removal of the county seat to West Bend, who attended said poll for 

the purpose of challenging illegal votes, was not permitted to remain at said poll, but was compelled to leave the 
same without cause. 

7. Because the votes returned do not contain on them the words required by law. 

We further protest against the counting of the votes returned from the town of Cedarburg, for the reason that 
the Inspectors of said election were not sworn, as required by law. 

We also protest against the counting of the votes returned from the town of Mequon, for the reason that we 
are informed and believe that divers illegal votes Were cast at said election. 

Paul A. Weil. L. F. Frisby. 

B. S. Weil. Zaoheus Granger. 

G. N. Irish. PeLEO Truesdell. 

P. Connolly. 

AFFIDAVIT OF J. FISCHBEIN. 

Joseph Fischbein, on oath, says that he is a resident of Saukville, in the county of Washington ; that he has 
been well acquainted with the inhabitants of the town of Belgium, in said county; that he has been engaged in mer- 
cantile business in said county since 1846, and has had a good deal of intercourse, in the way of trade, with the 
inhabitants of said town ; that he has also frequently been in said town and has attended three elections in said 
town; that from his knowledge he does not believe that the population of said town exceeds fifteen hundred souls, 
or that there are in said town to exceed four hundred legal voters. J. Fischbein. 

Subscribed and sworn to April 13, 1852, before me. 

L. F. Frisby, Notary Public. 

That the vote as returned from the towns to the convassers was, in many respects, irregular 
and not in accordance with the law, and, in the case of the Belgium vote, a flagrant fraud, was 
evident to all. A minute, now on file in the County Clerk's office with the returns of that elec- 
tion, notes the following minor irregularities : 

" Erin — No poll-list and not certified ; Richfield — Not signed by Inspectors, ballots in- 
formal ; Germantown — No poll-list, no oaths ; Mequon — No oaths ; Cedarburg — No oaths ; 
Jackson — No poll-list, no oaths, votes for ' removal to County Farm ' illegal ; Polk — No poll- 



•342 HISTORY <>F WASHINGTON AXI> OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

list ; Bartford — No poll-list, no votes ; Farmington — No poll-list, no oaths. Belgium sent in 
legal returns. Its poll-list appears complete and contains the names of the 763 men who voted, 
and the proper oaths were administered to the judges of election. The names on the poll-list are 
many of them illegible and mostly German names. No attempt was made to trace any fraud 
through the list, as it would have been impossible to do so." 

The result of the vote nominally decided the question in favor of Grafton. The feeling all 
over the county was one of supreme dissatisfaction. Port Washington, although she saw her 
most hated rival. West Bend, defeated, found no comfort in a victory that deprived her forever 
of the prize she had coveted so long and strove for so persistently. So, on the convening of the 
next Legislature (1853) found an immense lobby from all parts of the county loaded with pro- 
tests, petitions, affidavits, remonstrances, applications of relief to the court, and every other ap- 
pliance known to the American citizen, for renewing the fight at Madison in the Legislature and 
before the court. The contest had now been going on for thirteen years, during which time not 
a session had passed without obtruding itself in one form or another. It had come to be looked 
upon as a chronic legislative evil, the roots, deep-seated in the local dissensions of Washington 
County, but the branches overshadowing and delaying and obstructing the legislative work of the 
whole commonwealth, year after year. The Legislature was heartily sick of the imbroglio, and 
its members were in no mood to continue the quarrel indefinitely by any further legislation in- 
volving a popular vote of the people of the county. It had come to be generally believed that 
the people were hopelessly divided on the county seat question, and that heroic means, outside 
any local remedy, must be applied. A new alliance was formed between a leading pari of the 
Port Washington lobby and the West Bend interest to divide the county north and south, mak- 
ing West Bend and Port Washington the county seats of the two new counties. The scheme 
met the ready support of both branches of the Legislature, and was rushed through before the 
inhabitants of the county at home had time to organize any vigorous opposition. The plan had 
become fairly known, and protests had begun to come in against the division. It was nevertheless 
pushed through; not, however, without a most vigorous and able opposition on the part of Sena- 
tor Blair, of Fort Washington, who spoke against the bill for a part of three days, reviewing in a 
masterly manner the whole history of the contest. His efforts were totally unavailing, and 
the bill passed, only himself and lion. John W. Cary, of Racine, voting against it in the Senate. 
In the House two members of the Assembly from the county favored the division, viz.. Dr. James 
\V. Porter, of Port Washington, and William P. Barnes, of liarton ; Charles E. Chamberlin, of 
Grafton, opposed it, and Charles Schutte, of Meeker, although taking no active part, accord- 
ing to the recollection of the old inhabitants, voted against it. Senator Baruch S. Weil, of Wesl 
Bend, supported the bill. Below is the act, as passed ami approved : 

As Ait reu the Division "■ rag County op Washington and the Erection i Count? oi Ozaukee. 

/' People of the Slat* of VFiecon lied in Senatt and At tWy, do enow 

Section 1. All thai portion of the present county of Washington lying within the following boundaries, to wit : 
commencing at the southwest, corner of 'rmvn*lii|i '.i nm-ili. .if Flange *_'l east of the fourth prinoipal meridian, and 
running thence north on the range line between Ranges 20 and 21, to the northwest c irner of Township 12, Range 
21 east ; thence e:i-t on the township line bel ween Townships 1 2 and 18 north, to thi eastern boundary line of this 
State in I. :ikc Miclii'fiiiu : thriiii' i.iiiilierlj on said boundary line until it intersects n line running due easl between 

.i 9 north ; thence wesl on said line to place of beginning, is bereb) ff an 1 erected into a sepa- 

rate c tunty under the name and title of Ozaukee. 

Thai said county of Ozaukee i* hereby erected, established and organized with all the rights, powers 
and privileges by law granted to other counties of this State, and subject 1" ill gen Till 1 iw.- established for county 

nt 

That on the first Tuesday of April next the electors resident in sai i > my of i ' -hall meet in 

their respective towns, st the usual place of holding elections, and there and then pr toeed to elect all and every of 
the county officers provided bj Ian for oounty government, whiofa said officers shall hold their ofliees, when duly 
qualified, until the expiration of the regular term of similar offices iu other counties. 

Sec. t That on the first Tuesday of Lpril next there shall be elected by the qualified electors of said county 

ni Ozaukee a County Judge, in a ritfa the provisions of Chapter 86 of the Revised Statutes of Wisoonsin, 

who. when duly qualified, shall hold his office until the expiration of the regular term of similar officers in other 
lies. 

be the duty of the Secretary of Si ifter the publication of this act as possible, to 
give notice to the £ liington County, specifying what officer* ire to 1 lected at the April town elections 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 345 

for Ozaukee County ; and upon the receipt of such notice, the Sheriff shall cause to be posted, in three or more pub- 
lie places in each organized town in said county of Ozaukee, a notice specifying the officers to be elected for said 
county, for which service he shall be paid by the county of Ozaukee. The election shall be conducted in all respects 
at the polls as is provided by law for general elections ; and the returns shall be made to the Sheriff at Washington 
County, at Port Washington, within six days after such election, in the same manner that returns are directed to be 
made to the County Board of Canvassers. On the Tuesday next following the election, the said Sheriff shall take to 
his assistance two Justices of the Peace, residents in the county of Ozaukee, who shall be a Board of Canvassers, 
and shall proceed to canvass the votes cast at such election for county officers in the same manner as is provided for 
by law for other boards of canvassers. Said Board of Canvassers shall immediately publish in some newspaper in 
said county the result of such election, and give a certificate of election to the person elected, and shall, as soon as the 
County Board of Supervisors shall be organized and a Clerk elected, file with said Clerk, to be recorded as by law 
directed, such statement of the result of such election. 

Sec. 13. The present village of Port Washington is hereby declared to be the county seat of Ozaukee. The 
terms of the Circuit Court of said county shall be held on the second Monday in June and the third Monday in No- 
vember in each year. 

Sec. 7. The liabilities or indebtedness of the present county of Washington shall be paid, satisfied and discharged 
ratably by said county of Washington and county of Ozaukee, according to the last assessment of Washington County, ex- 
cept so far as the county of Washington shall have a fund, which shall be used in discharge of said indebtedness ; and in 
case there is a county fund on hand, or real or personal property now owned by said county of Washington, the same 
shall be divided between the said counties at the same rates as for the discharge of indebtedness. The Board of Su- 
pervisors of either county shall have power to audit claims for which both counties are liable. 

Sec. S. All processes, appeals, recognizances and other proceedings commenced, either in the Circuit Court 
for the county of Washington, or in the County Court of said county, prior to the first Monday of May next, shall be 
prosecuted to find judgment therein, the same manner and with like effect as they might have been had this act not 
have been passed. 

Sec. 9. The county of Ozaukee shall constitute the Third Senate District. 

Sec. 10. It shall be the duty of the County Supervisors, elected at the next April town election within the 
said county of Ozaukee, to meet at the court room in the village of Port Washington, on the first Monday of May next, 
at 10 o'clock, A. M., organize a Board of Supervisors, and shall there and then proceed to select, within the limits of 
Port Washington, suitable lands for the erection of a court house and other county buildings; and also shall procure 
suitable rooms for holding courts and for county officers. 

Sec. 11. The Supervisors of the county of Ozaukee are hereby authorized and empowered to procure a copy 
of the records of Washington County, relating to the titles of all lands situate within the limits of said county of 
Ozaukee, as they now or may appear in the Register's, Circuit Clerk or Clerk of the Board of Supervisors' offices, in 
said county of Washington. The copies so entered in the respective offices of Ozaukee County shall be of the like 
form and effect as if originally entered of record in said county. 

Sec. 12. The place known and designated as the village of West Bend, in Town 11, Range 19, in the county 
of Washington, shall, and it is hereby declared to be the county seat of said Washington County ; and the Board of 
Supervisors of said county shall, as soon as practicable, provide suitable buildings for county purposes in said village 
of West Bend. And said Board of Supervisors are required to meet at said village of West Bend on the third Tues- 
day of March, A. D. ISO?,, for the purpose of providing said buildings and selecting and procuring grounds and lots 
for the location of county buildings. 

Sec. 13. All acts and parts of acts contravening this act are hereby repealed. 

Sec. 14. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to cause this act to be published forthwith, and it shall 
go into effect from and after its passage. 

Approved March 7, 185o. 

By act of March 19, 1853, in regard to officers holding over, and the election of new offi- 
cers to fill vacancies caused by the division, the provisions were as follows : 

" All officers elected for the county of Washington, residing in the county of Ozaukee, at 
the time of the passage of this act, shall be and remain officers of the county of Ozaukee, and 
all residing in the county of Washington were to retain their offices under the new organization 
The vacancies thus occurring, in either county, were to be filled at a special election, to be holden 
on the first Tuesday of the following May." 

Still another supplemental clause was passed, providing for Building Commissioners in each 
county, and appointing such Commissioners, and authorizing them to issue $8,000 in county 
bonds for building purposes. 

The above acts resulted in the permanent settlement of the difficulty, although the inhab- 
itants generally protested against it, and did not accept the situation for some months, nor till 
the question of the constitutionality of the law had been argued before and decided by the 
Supreme Court. The arguments were made by H. S. Orton in favor and Jonathan E. Arnold 
and E. S. Turner against the act. The decision, which virtually put the matter at rest and 
established the legality of the act erecting the county of Ozaukee and new Washington County 
as now existing, was as follows : 



346 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

On ilit- 4th day of March, 1863, the Legislature passed an act setting off certain territory from the county of 
Washington ami out of the territory thus set otf organizing the county of Ozaukee. This ao( * 1 i < 1 not by its terras 
change or in any way affect (lie organization of Washington County, but left it in all respects as it was before the act 
was passed, except the establishment of the county seat at the village of West Bend. 

Other acts, made necessary by the division of the county, were subsequently passed by the Legislature, but 
they do not bear directly on the questions before us. 

The respondent contends that the act of the Legislature setting off the territory and organizing the new county 
was repugnant to the Constitution of the State, and that consequently he is not obliged to hold the terms of the Cir- 
cuit Court at that place, as the relator claims. 

The provisions of the Constitution to which this act of the Legislature is supposed to be repugnant are con- 
tained in Sections 7 and 8 of Article XIII. 

Section 7 is as follows: " No county with an area of (100 square miles or less shall be divided, or have any 
part stricken therefrom, without submitting the question to a vote of the people of the county, nor unless a majority 
of all the legal voters of the county voting on the question shall vote for the same." 

This provision is clear and explicit, and it is manifest that the county could not be divided by the act of the 
Legislature alone, unless it contained an area greater than that fised in the section of the Constitution above quoted. 

Upon looking at the act of the Legislature fixing the boundaries of Washington County ( 'Rev. Statutes, Chap. 
2, Sec. 28}, we find them as follows : " Beginning at the southeast corner of Township 9 north, of Range 18 easl f 
the meridian aforesaid : running thence due east to the eastern boundary line of this State in Lake Michigan : thence 
northerly on said boundary line, until it intersects a line running due east between Townships 12 and lo north ; 
thence west on said line to the northwest corner of Township 12 north, of Kange 18 east ; thence south on said range 
line between 17 and 18 east, to the place of beginning." 

From these boundaries, it appears thai Washington County, as it existed before the division, contained an area 
of more than 000 square miles, if that pari of Lake Michigan lying within them is considered in determining the 
area of the county; and if it shall be excluded, the area was less than 900 square miles : so that the single question 
is, whether this part of Lake Michigan is to be included or excluded in determining the area of the county. 

It was claimed on the part of the respondent that the clause of the Constitution in question should be construed 
so as to deprive the Legislature of the power to divide a county unless it contained the required area of territory 
capable of being represented and taxed. This does not appear very evident. It is to be observed that the eastern 
boundary of tin- part of our State, as defined by our Constitution, and by the act of Congress admitting Wisconsin 
into the Union, is a line running through the center ot Lake Michigan. All that portion of the lake lying west of 
that line, being an integral part of the State, must of course be included within the limits of counties, tor the pur- 
pose of the due administration of law. 

It is difficult to perceive why this area should be a part of the county for some purposes and not for others. 
Many counties contain within their boundaries bodies of water which are entirely surrounded by land lying within 
the same county. These bodies of water have always been considered integral part* of the counties in which they 
are situated when the area of the county is to be determined. Indeed, to exclude the lake- and rivers lying within 
and running through a county in order to ascertain it- area, would, it is believed, bo t lie adoption of a novel princi- 
ple. We do not see how the fact that Lake Michigan is a large body of water, and does not lie wholly within the 
limits of Washington County or within the State, can make any difference as to the principle which should govern 
us in deciding this question. A portion id' it is within the boundaries of the county, and we think that the same 
principle should be applied in determining the area of the county as though that portion of Lake Michigan within 
its boundaries was a small lake, entirely surrounded by land lying within the same county. 

We do not, therefore, feel at liberty to adopt a principle in determining the area of this county which would 
exclude from our Constitution an integral portion of it. 

Section 8 of Article XIII of our Constitution, relied upon by the respondent for the purpose of showing that this 
act of th? Legislature is void, is in these words : 

" No county seat shall be moved until the point to which it is proposed to he removed shall be fixed by law. and 

a majority of the voters of the county, voting on the question, shall have voted in favor of its removal to such point." 

This provision of the Constitution, the respondent contends, has been violated, because tin' county seal lias been 

removed from its previous location, and established at the village of West Bend. We do not think this position well 

taken. 

The Legislature has full power to divide the counties of this State as it -hall think proper, -object only i" the re- 
striction contained in the clause of the Constitution, which we have quoted, and Washington County having had pre- 
vious to th" passage of the act dividing it, an area greater than nine hundred square miles, there was nothing to limit 

plied to thai county. It could have been divided in any mode which the Legislature -! 
To hold that the Legislature -hall not divide a county, in a particular way, although it contains an area greater than 
that mentioned in the Constitution, would be imposing restriction upon it, which is not contained in that instrument. 
In the exercise of this power, the Legislature set off the place at which the county seat was located to the Bounty 
of Ozaukee, and the county of Washington would therefore have been left without a county seat, unless the la 
ture had established one. This was done by the twelfth section of the act under consideration, which fixe- it n the 
village of W"e-t Bend. 

We think this was rather the establish inent of a county seat for a county which had none, than the removal of a 
county seat from one part of the county to another. 

We are fully aware of the consequences of this decision : we know it may be said that if the Legislature should 

now ante th tntj >i Ozaukee to the county of Washington, the only effect of the Legislature upon the subject 

WOnld be the removal of i In unty -eat of the county of Washington, from its previous location, to the village of 

W e-t Bend, and thus the provision c mtai 1 in Section 8 of Article XI 1 1, would be evaded. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 347 

But it is to be remembered that the same result would be reached if that part of the original county of Washing- 
ton, which now retains the name, had been set off from the remaining part of the county and called by another name ; 
this would clearly have given the Legislature power to establish a county seat for the county thus set off, for it wonld 
have had none within its limits ; and by passing an act annexing Washington County to it, the only result would be 
the removal of the county seat of the original county of Washington and the change of its name, which, of course, the 
Legislature could by another act restore. 

We do not feel at liberty to expound the Constitution in such a way as to take from the Legislature the power to 
divide the counties of the State, as they shall think proper, in cases where the area of the county exceeds the consti- 
tutional limit, and are therefore of the opinion that the mandamus must be awarded. 

The last throes of dissolution and the infantile struggles of the new counties prolonged the 
home strife for a few months. A short sketch of what transpired during that period will bring 
the reader to happier days of peace — the happy outcoming of one of the most remarkable strug- 
gles of its kind that ever transpired in this country. 

THE TRANSITION STATE. 

The news of the passage of the act dividing the county was a genuine surprise to two- 
thirds of its voters, and, with an alacrity worthy of a better cause, the spirit of captious op- 
position which had kept the county in a broil ever since it had had an existence, immediately 
developed, as usual. 

The opposition to the change was, perhaps, too widespread to be termed captious ; it was 
earnest, at any rate, and comprised a respectable portion of the citizens. The law required the 
removal of the offices of the county to West Bend, and, as all but one of the incumbents 
had his home, as well as his business, virtually established at Port Washington, the move was 
not personally popular to them. The officers at that time were : Sheriff. Lion Silverman, of 
Trenton ; Treasurer, John Fitzpatrick, of Saukville ; Clerk of the Board, John R. Bohan, of 
Hartford ; Clerk of the Court, La Fayette Towsley, of Port Washington ; District Attorney, 
E. S. Turner, of Grafton ; County Judge, Hopewell Coxe, of Hartford ; Register of Deeds, 
Adam Schantz, of Addison. 

The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors, after the passage of the act dividing the 
county, was held pursuant to a special call, at the village of Port Washington March 14, 1853. 
The towns represented were as follows : Hartford, T. Hall ; Erin, Charles Lynch ; Trenton, 
A. McCartney ; Belgium, N. Fyder ; Fredonia, D. M. Miller ; Saukville, William Payne ; Port 
Washington, L. Towsley ; Grafton, B. G. Gill ; Mequon, J. W. Milbrath; Cedarburg, M. Gor- 
man ; Jackson, William Rohn. 

The Chairman (George Ramsey, of Farmington), being absent, A. McCartney was chosen 
Chairman, pro tern. 

A Committee on Resolutions was appointed, consisting of B. G. Gill, Timothy Hall, D. M. 
Miller and William Payne, to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting upon the 
act dividing Washington County. The committee reported the following resolutions, which were 
voted on separately, and adopted : 

Whereas, An act has passed the Legislature of this State providing for a division of this county, and the or- 
ganization of a new county called Ozaukee, and whereas, the passage of said act is in opposition to the wishes of 
more than four-fifths of the citizens and tax-payers that we represent, and is believed by them to be unjust, and un- 
constitutional ; therefore, 

Resolved, That this board treat said law as unconstitutional and of no effect, and that we resist the provisions 
of said law, and hereby instruct the county officers of Washington County to still continue to hold their offices and 
attend to the duties of the same as if no such law had been passed ; and that we hereby guarantee to indemnify such 
officers against any damage or loss that may accrue to them in any manner, in consequence of acting in accordance 
with those instructions, and in opposition to the provisions of said act. 

Resolved, That a committee of two be appointed by the board to employ James S. Brown and J. E. Arnold as 
assisting counsel to this board and to the officers of this county, and that the District Attorney be hereby instructed 
to commence proceedings to have the constitutionality involved in said act immediately delermined before the Supreme 
Court; and that in case said attorneys cannot be retained or employed, that the said committee be instructed to 
employ other counsel in their place. 

Resolved, That the Supervisors of the different towns in this county be. each of them, instructed to hold no 
election in accordance with the provisions of said act, and that the Sheriff of this county be instructed to serve no 
notice of election, as required by the provisions of the same. 



348 HISTOBY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

La Fayette Towsley and William Payne were appointed a committee to employ counsel, 
in concert with E. S. Turner, who was added to the committee. 

The members of the Legislature were further instructed, by a resolution, " to immediately 
introduce a bill to repeal the act dividing Washington County, and to urge its passage." 

Some routine business was done and the meeting was adjourned to meet at West Bend on 
the following day at 1 o*clock P. M. 

At the adjourned meeting, a quorum being present, Mr. Timothy Hall offered the following 
resolution : 

Retolved, By the Board of Supervisors of Washington County, that we deem it inexpedient for this Board to 
provide offices at West Beud for the county officers, or to procure ground for the erection of county buildings, said 
board having leased offices for said officers for three years from the 17th of October, 18.J2. 

The resolution was passed, and after instructing the Clerk to draw orders in favor of the 
members for two days' attendance, and for $1 in favor of Mr. Bear for use of room, the meeting 
adjourned tine die. 

As is apparent from the records the members of the board attending the meetings reported 
above, were opposed to the law, and took such measures as they deemed practicable to test the 
constitutionality of the law, meantime assuming it to be unconstitutional, before any decision 
could be rendered, and treating it, therefore, as void. Had the decision sustained them, as it 
did not, the meeting would have been legal ; as it proved, in the face of the decision which has 
already been given, it was revolutionary. There was a quorum of the old board present, and 
the proceedings in accordance with the forms provided for such meetings before the late act had 
been passed. It assumed to be a special meeting of the old board, and such it would have been 
had the court decided that the old board still existed. 

ANOTHER MEETING. 

On the day that the adjourned meeting was held at West Bend, another meeting of Super- 
visors convened in the same village, professing to organize under the provisions of the new act, 
as the Supervisors of the new Washington County. The thirteen towns were represented, as is 
shown by the record of votes taken, although the list of names is not on the record. Timothy 
Hall, of Hartford, whoso attendance at the meeting at Port Washington on the previous day, 
had completed a quorum and enabled it to transact business, also attended this meeting, and par- 
ticipated in the transaction of the business. He evidently endeavored to be faithful to his 
constituency, and to have Hartford represented in whichever body might prove to be legally 
constituted. 

This meeting was held in the schoolhouse. H. L. Cramton acted as Assistant Clerk. 
After making preliminary provisions for rooms for county officers, selecting the ground for the 
county buildings, and providing for clearing the ground selected from stumps, and fencing the 
same, the following resolutions were passed : 

Raolvtd, That John It. Mohan, the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of Washington County, is hereby notified 
and required to remove forthwith, his otticc, books and papers belonging to the same. In the village ol Most Bead, 
■ I; eat of saiii county, and to serve the following notice upon the county officers of said county, by reading 
te to the said officers and leaving a copy thereof with each of them, to wit : 
To Eugene S. Turner, Adam Schantz, John Fitzpatriok, La Fayette Towsley, I. ion Silverman and Mason Wood- 
ruff: STou are hereby required to remove your offices, and all the books and papers belonging to the same to the 
village of West Bend, the county seat of said county, the County Board of Supervisors having procured otli 
of the county officers in said village. 

oed, Thai the Sheriff of Washington County be and is hereby instructed to remove the several 
offices of Washington County, together with books and papers belonging to the several offices, to the village of Weel 
Bend, the OOunty seal of said county immediately. 

On the following day, at an adjourned meeting, the following was passed: 

Whereat, We have heard thai the meeting purporting to be a meeting of the Supervisors of Washington 
County, held at Porl Washington on the 14th inst., did, by resolutions, instruct or appoint the District Attorney to 

have an injunction served on Ihe county offioers, if they should attempt to move to West Bend, and, whereas, we 
have also been informed thai the intention is to make the old county of Washington holden and responsible for the 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 349 

cost and expense of suit so commenced by injunction or otherwise, and the county liable for the expenses of said 
meeting, therefore, 

Resolved, That E. S. Turner, the District Attorney, be, and is hereby instructed to commence no suit for or in 
behalf of Washington County, or otherwise against any officer who may offer or attempt to remove his office to West 
Bend. 

Resolved, That Washington County is not chargeable for any costs or expenses incurred by the meeting on the 
14th inst., and adjourned to West Bend. 

Resolved, That Washington County will pay no costs or charges that may be incurred by means of suits com- 
menced in any way to test the constitutionality of the law passed at the present session of the Legislature, dividing 
Washington County and erecting the county of Ozaukee. 

Resolved, That the Clerk of this Board be and is hereby required to draw no orders to pay expenses incurred 
by the meeting held the 14th inst., above mentioned. 

THE ABDUCTION OF THE RECORDS. 

The new board of Washington County saw the importance of procuring the records, and 
of the removal of the offices to the new county seat, in order to establish the new government 
on firm ground, under the provisions of the new act ; but, as will be seen, the officers, with the 
exception of the Register of Deeds, Adam Schantz, of Addison, chose to disregard the man- 
dates of the new board, and, in accordance with the instructions, and fortified by the guarantees 
of the old board, made at the Port Washington meeting, refused to move. Schantz, it was 
understood, was preparing to remove the books and records of his office to West Bend, and to 
prevent him, an injunction, granted by Commissioner S. A. White, was served on him forbid- 
ding the removal until ordered by the court. The West Bend people employed the late Chief 
Justice Ryan, of Milwaukee, to draw up a petition to the court (Judge Larrabee) to dissolve the 
injunction. At that time, Judge Larrabee was holding court at Marquette, one of the most 
distant points in his extended circuit. L. F. Frisby and Paul A. Weil started with the peti- 
tion for Marquette. The roads were well nigh impassable, and the expedition consumed nearly 
a week's time. They returned, however, with the desired order from Judge Larrabee, and on 
their way called at the house of Schantz and showed him the papers from the court, whereupon 
he appointed Daniel C. Bustin, of Barton, his special Deputy to remove the records to West 
Bend without delay. He went the next day with Paul A. Weil, George H. Irish and Daniel Frier 
to Port Washington for the records. Trouble was anticipated, as Sheriff Silverman, under the 
injunction he had served on Schantz, and as is fair to believe, in ignorance of the dissolution so 
recently obtained by Messrs. Frisby & Weil, was on the alert to prevent any clandestine removal. 
After dark, the West Bend party repaired to the room with sacks and commenced packing up 
the books for removal. Sheriff Silverman discovered the light in the room, and, on peering 
through the key hole, discovered the West Bend raiders at their task. It was but the work of 
an instant to give the alarm, burst in the door and collar the aggressors. In five minutes all 
Port Washington was in an uproar. The bugle called the LTnion Guards, and a large party of 
indignant private citizens to the spot. The combined crowd hustled the West Bend party out 
of the room and into the street. On the next morning, the shelves of the Register's office were 
bare. Every volume had disappeared. The messengers returned indignant and somewhat 
crest-fallen to report that the records had all been stolen. Nothing further was heard of the 
whereabouts of the stolen records till some time in June, soon after the decision of the Supreme 
Court, affirming the constitutionality of the act of division, when L. F. Frisby, of West Bend, 
received a letter from R. A. Bird, then editor of the Washington County Times, stating that a 
part of the missing volumes had been found, and, that if responsible parties would call at his 
house, unobserved, they would be placed in their possession. Accordingly, Mr. Frisby, accom- 
panied by Daniel Freer, started stealthily out from West Bend after dark, reached Bird's house 
a little west of Sauk Creek, at 1 o'clock in the morning, received what volumes had been recov- 
ered, and information as to the whereabouts of those still missing. They entered West Bend 
early in the morning with the fruits of their successful raid, and with banners, improvised from 
handkerchiefs tied to poles they had cut on the way, flying in token of their success. This vir- 
tually ended the trouble, as the remaining volumes were soon after fished out of their place of 
concealment, between the brick walls of the Arcade building and the inside lathing — all save 



350 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AXI) OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

one, Vol. M, which was not recovered till 1878, when it was discovered by J. N. Baer, in 
making some alteration in his store in the old block, and delivered to the Register of Wash- 
ington County, uninjured by its seclusion of twenty-five years. 

The further local troubles arising from the division were unimportant, being mainly con- 
fined to the settlement of old accounts, which did not reach a final settlement without consider- 
able litigation and considerable delay. It was many years before the inhabitants became 
reconciled to the change forced upon them by the Legislature, and to this day some old inhab- 
itants fire up with the old-time indignation, when the subject is mentioned. After the decision 
of the court, the situation was accepted, but not without a parting protest, which, although of no 
avail, was placed upon the rocords, and is re-produced here, to show that the participants in the 
long struggle went down pluckily, unconvinced and unsubdued, although conquered. 

THE LAST PROTEST. 

At a special meeting held at the house of Emanual .Mann, in the town of Polk, August 24, 
1853, the following preamble and resolutions were offered by D. W. Maxon, and adopted by a 
vote of eight to two : 

Whereas, The Supreme Court has, by its recent decision, declared the law dividing Washington County to be 
constitutional, and, therefore, of binding authority upon us and our constituents so long as the same remains unre- 
pealed ; therefore, 

Resolved, That notwithstanding said decision, we yet believe the provisions of said law have depiived the citi- 
2ens of this county of certain defined constitutional rights. 

Resolved, The said law ever has, and still does, meet with the unqualified disapprobation of five-sixths of the 
voters and tax-payers of this county ; that they deem the same tyrannical, uncalled-for and unjust, and that this 
board, as ilie representatives of their feelings and interests, will, in the exercise of all lawful means, redouble our 
energies to secure the early and speedy repeal of the same. 

Resolved, Thai the supplemental acts passed at the late session of the Legislature, appointing Building Com- 
missioners for the two counties of Washington and Ozaukee, take from the people of said counties the right of deter- 
mining for themselves when they shall be taxed, and that the act giving to said I "inmissioners the authority to create 
« debt, to be paid by the counties at a future day, is anti-republican and anti-democratic J that it takes from the Board 
of Supervisors, representing each town, a legitimate and legal right, which, under the Constitution, can be exercised 
by no other person or persons. 

Resolved, That the law giving to said commissioners dhe authority to issue bonds for the sum of $8,000, draw- 
ing 8 per cent interest, payable in eight years, and to receive said amount of money into their possession, without 
any oath of office and without giving bonds for the faithful expenditure of said funds, is an unheard-of act of legis- 
lation, as in all other instances the lowest grade of receiving and disbursing officers are required to give security. 

/,'• i lived, That we do hereby protest against the issuing or negotiating of any bonds or other evidences of debt 
for building purposes by said commissioners, to be paid by said county, or to proceeding in any manner, at the ex- 
pense of this county, in the erection of county buildings at West Bend, by said commissioners, or any other person 
or persons; that, if said bonds or evidences of debt are issued or negotiated, we will, from first to last, oppose the 
payment of the same, or any portion thereof, by this county. 

Resolved, That the issue that was male before the Legislature at the time of the passage of the division law, to 
wit, "That it was necessary in order to settle the county seat question," is false, as this question would have been long 
since settled, but for interference in our local affairs by speculating politicians from abroad : that said law, together 
with two-thirds of the local legislation for this county, has been procured by citizens of Milwaukee, who are largely 
interested in village property at Port Washington and Weal Bend. 

'. Thai the articles that hive appeared from time to time in the Milwaukee city papers, show but too 
plainly to us the total ignorance of the authors in reference to our local affairs, or of the feelings of the people ; that 
those articles are intends I to effect : That, in answer to the charge that •• Washington County-seat affairs " have 
occupied too much of the time of the State Legislature, we have merely to reply that the published laws and jour 
nal give evidence that Milwaukee County local subjects have occupied more than one-fourth of every session since 
the organization of the State. 

Raolved, That the Distriol Attorney, elected at the last general election, in the county of Washington, be re- 
quested to commence and conduct such suits or proceedings, either in law or in equity, as will tend to restrain nud 
prevent the erection of county buildings, for this county, at West Bend, and that Timothy Ball and William Kolin, 
members of this Board, be appoint.' I ■ committee to aid the District Attorney, aforesaid, in all ways by them deeuied 
necessary, in order to cany into effect this resolution. 

■ ■•■</, That the Chairman of tins Board be instructed to cause these resolutions to be published in the Mil- 
waukee German and English papers. 

THE END. 

In closing this account, the peculiar causes that prolonged the struggle may be briefly 
summed up. There existed no central feeling of unanimity beyond the nearest locality. The 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



351 



inhabitants were largely foreign, with little political experience under the laws of a Republic, 
and a vague though extravagant sense of the personal power they had acquired through the 
franchise. Further, the number of villages striving for the prize was larger than usual, and 
very nearly equal in the support they could command, though no one had without outside allies 
an over-shadowing vote. Hence, it was impossible, out of the disintegrated and conflicting ele- 
ments, to agree on anything requiring a majority vote. It does not seem to have even entered 
into party politics, as, through all the phases of the quarrel, the county remained steadfastly 
Democratic. Neither did nationality or religion have any influence, as the Catholic or the Ger- 
man vote, if united, could at any time have controlled the county. It was strictly a sectional 
fight, incapable of ending itself, except through exhaustion. Unpopular as was the division at 
the time, and bitter as was the feeling of the various factions, it is now generally conceded that 
the act of division, arbitrary as it appealed, was the wisest possible solution of the vexed ques- 
tion that the inhabitants had so long and unsuccessfully striven to decide for themselves. The 
two counties and the inhabitants thereof, are to-day good neighbors, and, the general good will 
evinced, shows that the long and bitter war has left no scar, even, as a reminder of those 
troublous times. 




352 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



CHAPTER IL 

WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

Introductory— Early History— Manufacturing Facilities— The People— Settlement of 
old Scores— County Buildings— Railroads— The DeBar Tragedy— The Great Defal- 
cation—The Defaulter— The War Record— Drafting— Roster of Soldiers and Offi- 
cers—Washington County Agricultural Society— Washington County Old Settlers' 
Club— Newspapers— Schools— County Government— The Court— Legislators— Growth 
in Wealth— Election Returns— Population— Pauperism— Retrospect. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

The early history of the region embraced within the limits of this county, has been fully 
traced in the chapter entitled "Old Washington County," it being, until March 7, 1853, com- 
prised within the limits of the old county. At that time, the seven whole and fractional town- 
ships lying east of the range line number twenty, and extending to Lake Michigan, were set off 
and erected into a new county, styled Ozaukee, leaving the twelve Congressional Townships 
lying west of that range and east of range line eighteen, to constitute the area of the present 
county of Washington. The townships lie in three ranges east and west, and in four tiers 
(numbers nine, ten, eleven and twelve) north and south, and have an area of 432 square miles. 
The incorporated towns within its limits are thirteen in number and are as follows: Western 
Range No. eighteen — Erin, Hartford, Addison, Wayne; Middle range, nineteen — Richfield, 
Polk, West Bend (fractional township), Barton (fractional township) Kewaskum (fractional 
township); Eastern range, twenty — Germantown, Jackson, Trenton, Farmington. The county 
is abundantly watered by streams flowing from a large number of small lakes, and an innumera- 
ble number of springs that gush out from every hillside, and feed the creeks that thread the 
valleys between. The country is rolling, gradually rising from both the east and west into a 
considerable range of drift hills, trending northeast and southwest through the middle of the 
county, and dividing the water-ilow — a part finding its way through the sources of Rock River 
into the Mississippi, and a part through Milwaukee River and its tributary streams and creeks, 
into Lake Michigan. The source of Rock River is in a living spring but a few rods from the 
bank of Cedar Lake, which is itself the source of Cedar Creek, the main tributary of Milwau- 
kee River. The whole country is dotted over with small sheets of water containing areas of a 
square mile or less, while several are of considerable size. Cedar Lake, the largest in the 
county, lying across the western part of West Bend, from north to south, is nearly four miles 
long, and three-quarters of a mile wide. Its western shore is dotted with little wooded islands, 
and its banks bordered with a deep hard wood forest. It is a delightful resort for sportsmen 
and others seeking pleasure, or relief from the heat of summer and the cares of city life. Pike 
Lake, in the town of Hartford, is next in size, and is a favorite fishing-ground. There is 
scarcely a town in the county that does not contain one or more of these miniature lakes or a 
cluster of springs with a sufficient flow to thread the town with a never-failing flow of pure 
sparkling water. 

The soil is a clay loam, in some places mixed with sand, and well adapted to the growth of 
all cereals raised in this latitude. The growth of timber is of hard wood, chiefly oak, elm, 
maple, birch and beach. Along the banks of the creeks, the tamarack abounds. 

BUILDING MATERIAL. 
The clay yields R cream-colored brick. revKMiibliiiL' the far-famed Milwaukee brick in color, 
though inferior in quality. The limestone is only fair in its burning qualities, and does not 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 353 

crop out in great abundance so as to be generally used for building purposes. A few quarries 
have been opened along the railroads in the southern towns, which yield fair building stone, 
and an excellent quality of lime. A great part of the timber and sawed lumber now used for 
building purposes is obtained through railroad facilities from the north, and, in a manufactured 
state, from Milwaukee. 

MANUFACTURING FACILITIES. 

The Milwaukee River and Cedar Creek furnish abundant and excellent water-power at 
many points in the eastern portion of the county, which has been partially utilized by the 
building of dams and the erection of saw-mills and flouring-mills. In Barton, West Bend, 
Newburg and at Hartford, on the Rubicon, in early times, were flouring-mills and saw-mills that 
did a flourishing business, and formed the nucleus for the villages at those points. The clear- 
ing up of the timber has left the saw-mills little to do, and the modern changes in the modes of 
manufacturing flour for market, renders it difficult for the country mills to compete with the 
modern and more perfect establishments at the great milling centers, leaving them only the 
meager return to be drawn from the custom-grinding of the vicinity. These points, therefore, 
have at present an air of departed greatness about them as they wait for the sure revival which 
is to come when the effete saw-mill and the unused grist-mill shall be supplanted by the more 
modern and refined branches of industry which the advancing tide of population has developed. 
The possibilities of great manufacturing centers are all along the banks of the Milwaukee River, 
at Young America, Barton, West Bend and Newberg. The railroads now bring the raw 
material cheaply to such points for manufacture, and return the same to market. Formerly, 
saw-mills and grist-mills only were profitable ; they have had their day, and the time seems 
near at hand when establishments for the manufacture of wool, cotton, iron, wood and paper 
shall inspire with new life these points so admirably adapted for such work, and for which nature 
has already done so much. Some branches of manufacture are already being carried on success- 
fully, but not to such an extent as to characterize the county as a manufacturing region, only 
sufficient to foreshadow the future possibilities. 

THE PEOPLE. 

Nine-tenths of the inhabitants of the county are engaged in agricultural pursuits. The 
land is now all cleared up to the point where woodland is preserved for future wants. Nearly 
every farm has its piece of primitive forest still standing. 

The population is at least three-fourths foreign, or of immediate foreign descent, the Ger- 
man predominating largely, and the Irish coming next in point of numbers. The prevailing 
religion is Catholic, although in nearly every town the German Protestant sects are fully repre- 
sented. In political faith, the greatest unanimity prevails. The county is the stronghold of 
Democracy in Wisconsin now, as it has ever been. The schools are well supported throughout 
the county. The general character of the people bespeaks the quiet and unostentatious life of 
a law-abiding agricultural community, where general honesty, good-will, thrift and plenty pre- 
vail. The chronicles of such a people do not abound in exciting events. Through all, they 
" keep the even tenor of their way." The events that have transpired having any bearing on 
the growth of the county in material wealth, or on the intellectual or moral development of its 
people, are none the less worthy of notice. 

SETTLEMENT OF OLD SCORES. 

The early days of the county showed some of the results of the long local contest that had 
eventuated in the division. There were many outstanding bills unsettled, which had accrued 
prior co the division, and many others that were contracted at the various meetings of the dis- 
tracted members of the board, during the spring of 1853. For many months, all efforts at a 
settlement between the two counties were unavailing. Committees of Conference were appointed 
who utterly failed to agree, both sides showing an uncompromising spirit. In 1854, preliminary 
motions \w rr rrade to brimj the matters into court for adjudication, and notice given to Ozaukee 



854 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AXD OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

County of the determination. Both parties were averse to the idea of a long and expensive 
litigation, and to avoid it a joint committee was appointed, three from each county, to review all 
claims presented by either county, with instructions to agree on a report favorable to an ami- 
cable settlement, if possible. In November, 18.">4, the Committee reported the terms of settle- 
ment agreed upon as follows : 

Washington County was to take the county farm, with .stock and all other property belong- 
ing thereto ; and should in return therefor pay to Ozaukee County $800, less $280 for the furni- 
ture and fixtures of the old county offices, which was to become the property of Ozaukee County ; 
and was further to maintain the paupers of Ozaukee County, then on the farm, till January 1, 
1855, free of charge, and divide the indebtedness of the old county on payment of $1,000, to 
be paid by Ozaukee to Washington County. The final contract of settlement was as follows : 

The undersigned, J. C. Downs, Harvey Moore and Adolph Zimmerman, Committee appointed by a resolution of 
the Board of Supervisors of the county of Ozaukee, in the State of Wisconsin, and invested with full power to meet 
a Committee on the part of Washington County, in said State, and to make and adjust a final settlement with said 
County of Washington, and William Rolin, .lames Holfe and Chauncey Gray, Committee appointed by a resolution of 
the Hoard of Supervisors of Washington County to meet a Committee on the part of Ozaukee County for the same 
purpose, and with the same persons, have agreed upon and do hereby agree upon a final settlement of all claims, 
accounts and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description, between the said counties of Washington and 
Ozaukee to the date hereof, including a division of all property belonging to the two counties, to wit : All office 
furniture belonging to the several county offices, including safes, shall be the property of Ozaukee County. 

The piece or parcel of land described as the northwest quarter of Section 2, Town 10, Range 20, known as 
County Farm, including all stock, furniture and farming utensils belonging thereto, shall be the properly of Wash- 
ington County. 

All county orders mentioned in a schedule hereto annexed, and marked Schedule A, are to be redeemed by the 
respective counties, as set forth in said schedule, to wit: All orders contained in said schedule to be redeemed by 
the county of Ozaukee shall he paid and redeemed by said county of Ozaukee on presentation, and all orders therein 
mentioned to be redeemed by said county of Washington shall be paid and redeemed by said county of Washington 
on presentation; but, it is further agreed, that the Treasurer of either county shall pay any order contained in said 
schedule when presented for redemption, and the amount of orders so paid by the Treasurer of either county, 
which, by the terms of said schedule are to be redeemed by the other county, shall be charged to the county by 
-uch orders shall be redeemed according to said schedule, and shall be refunded on demand. 
All lax certificates belonging to said counties at the date hereof are divided, and upon the execution hereof the 
respective committee of each county receives and takes possession of the proportion of certificates allowed to their 
respective county. 

All claims existing against the county of Washington, at the time of the division thereof, may be audited by the 
Board of Supervisors of either county, and the amounts so audited shall be paid by the respective counties ratably, 
in accordance with the division act. 

All accounts between the original county of Washington and the several towns comprising said county are to be 
settled as follows, to wit: The county of Ozaukee shall settle all accounts with the several towns within its bound- 
aries, and the counly of Washington shall settle all accounts witli the several towns within its boundaries. 

The sum of three hundred an 1 ninety-nine dollars and fifty-eight cent- J 199.58 . due said original county from 
ili. State of Wisconsin, is divided as follows, to wit : Washington County shall be entitled to demand and receive 
two hundred and thirty-three dollars and seventy-five cents 1 s-j: ,7", i. and Ozaukee County the sum of one hundred 
and sixty-five dollars and eighty-three cents ($105.88), 

In witness whereof the said members of said committees have hereunto set their hands and seals this seventeenth 
day of October, 1855. (Signed) J. C. Downs, | 

II\h\i:v MooRC, f CommiUet o/ Ozauket County. 

A. ZlMKBBHAK, I 

William Khun, \ 

James Rolfs, v Committee of V/aihihqton County. 

i ii auxosy Gray, I 

mi XTY BUILDINGS, 
The first business transacted at the first meeting of the County Board, after the division of 
tin- county, "as to choose a committee to select suitable grounds on which to erect permanent 
county buildings. The committee, Messrs. ]',. Spinharney, C. Stearnea and I. Albright, 
reported as follows : 

i wur committee appointed to Beleoi a site for county buildings, beg leave to report that they have examined 
the grounds known as the Park, in the village ol West Bend, and four lots adjoining 8 aid Park, for which Wi.'liam 

Wigh man 1 1 ro puses to execute ■ 1 1 to the oounty of Washington, or its proper representatives, free of charge or 

expense, on condition that the Supervisors of said county proi I to ereot a oourl house in the center of said I'tirk 

-r as may t.e . and cause llie same in I ed with a good and substantial board fence, with the proper 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 355 

gates, etc., and clear the same from stumps, stones, logs and other rubbish, and that the deed for said Park and lots 
will be made as soon as called for by the proper individuals empowered by the County Board to receive the same. 
Your committee therefore recommend that the proposition of William Wightman be accepted, and that the Park be 
the site for the court house, and that a committee of three be appointed by the Chair, empowered to receive the deed 
■of the above-mentioned Park and lots. 

The land above selected had been reserved, years before, by the original proprietors of the 
village plat, for the purposes for which it was now selected, and Mr. Wightman, in behalf of him- 
self and others, procured the deed, which bears date of record August 16, 1853, and is signed 
by William Wightman and his wife Elizabeth, Byron Kilbourn and his wife Henrietta M., James 
Kneeland and his wife Anna Maria, and E. B. Wolcott and his wife E. J. Wolcott. 

Under a special act of the Legislature, the site being thus provided, the Building Commis- 
sioners of the county, consisting of Paul A. Weil, William Wightman and George Ramsey, pro- 
ceeded to the letting of the contract for the erection of a court house, jail and jailer's house. 
Much discontent was evinced at the provisions of the law, and the legality of the bonds they 
■were authorized to issue ($8,000) was questioned. The law was repealed while the buildings were 
in process of erection, and finished under the direct supervision of the County Board, through 
a committee of its members, but under the contract made by the Commissioners. 

At a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors, January 2, 1855, the court house, jail 
and jailer's house were accepted from Joel Kneeland, the contractor, as finished, and rooms 
assigned to the different court officers as follows : Room No. 1, Clerk of the Court ; No. 2, 
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors; No. 3, Judge of Probate and District Attorney; No. 4, 
Register of Deeds ; No. 5, County Treasurer; No. 6, Sheriff. The different offices as assigned 
■were occupied at once. The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors in the new court house 
was held July 5, 1855. 

During the two years prior to the completion of the court house, the courts and sessions of 
the County Board were held in the village schoolhouse at West Bend. The offices were, for the 
m.st part, kept in the building of H. J. Weil, who furnished rooms for four months without rent, 
and, for a year after, for a rent of $100 per year. 

In November, 1855, $1,500 was appropriated for the erection of a fire-proof building for 
county offices. It was completed in May, 1857, and has since been occupied by the Clerk of the 
Court, Clerk of the County Board of Supervisors, County Treasurer and Register of Deeds, each 
department being in a separate room. 

The Park, where the county buildings are located, is a beautiful elevation, in the southwest- 
ern part of the village of West Bend. The jailer's house is located on the south part of the 
tract. It is a two-story house, built of wood. The jail is in the rear of the house, surrounded 
with a high timber stockade or fence. 

The court house is a substantial two-story building, with no pretensions to architectural 
beauty, but of ample size, and well adapted for the uses for which it was designed. It is situat- 
ed on the summit of the hill, nearly in the center of the Park, overlooks the village, and com- 
mands an extensive prospect of the surrounding country. 

The offices, in a fire-proof building, are located within the inclosure, on the north slope of 
the hill, near the northern boundary of the Park. 

The total cost of the county buildings, not including the grounds, was $10,000. 

RAILROADS. 

Two railroads pass through the county, the southern terminal point of both being Mil- 
waukee. 

The Milwaukee $ St. Paul, the northern branch, which was the old Milwaukee & La 
Crosse Railway, enters the county at the southeast corner of Germantown, and runs northwest 
and west, through Richfield, Polk and Hartford. It was finished through the county in the 
summer and fall of 1855, being completed to Schleisingerville August 23, and to Hartford Sep- 
tember 7. 



356 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

The Chicago .f- North- Western, built in 1872-73, by the North- Western Union Railway 
Company, and now used as the direct trunk road of the Chicago & North- Western Railway 
between Chicago and Green Bay, via Milwaukee, also traverses the county from north to south, 
passing through the towns of Germantown, Jackson, West Bend, Barton and Jackson. 

The two lines give desirable facilities for transportation and favorable markets for products 
in all parts of the county. Telegraph lines along both lines of road also bring all the modern 
advantages arising from the rapid transmission of intelligence through that means. 

The means resorted to at an early day to build the first railroads through the State are so 
generally understood as to need but a casual mention here. There was no capital here except 
the farms, and to make that available for the enterprise, mortgages were quite generally given by 
the farmers along the proposed routes, for which they received certificates of stock, and the mort- 
gages were hypothecated as security for money, wherewith to build the ro;uls. 

As early as 1856, the Milwaukee & Lake Superior road was started, intended to run 
something nearly on an air line from Milwaukee, through Washington County to Fond du Lac. 
Many farmers mortgaged their farms in aid of the enterprise, which, because of bad, not to Bay 
fraudulent, managment fell through after having been built a few miles into the county, just far 
enough to make the mortgages good, as was unfortunately decided by the courts. Thus the farm- 
ers in their first efforts to get a railroad, became loaded with a debt contracted under fraudulent 
pretenses, got no return, and were ultimately obliged to pay up or sacrifice their farms. 

The old La Crosse road was also begun under the same plan, and half the farms in the 
western part of the county were mortgaged. The road under the first managment failed, fell in- 
to other hands, and the original stock received by the farmers in return tor the mortgages given, 
became worthless. Great trouble, litigation and suffering grew out of it. Many farmers after 
contesting the payment for years found themselves totally ruined and forced to give up their 
farms altogether. The trouble lasted for many years, and rested like a cloud over the prosperity 
of the county. Even now some of the mortgages are unsatisfied. The mad was, however, built, 
and the farmers had the advantage of it, leaving it a less bare-fared fraud than the case first 
mentioned. 

The North-Western Union Railway Company also received aid in the early stages of the 
construction of the road, but in a manner that produced no individual disaster. 

The towns of Kewaskum, Barton and West Bend took stock in the road, the two former 
to the amount of $15,000 each, and West Bend $25,000— $55,000 in all. The stock has, up 
to the present time, borne only a nominal value, and has mostly been sold by the towns :it from 
three to five per cent of its original cost. The roads, however, have doubtless enhanced the 
value of real estate far beyond the aggregate losses sustained, notwithstanding the apparent loss 
of all the original investment made by the inhabitants, and the prejudice against these invaluable 
highways of trade is rapidly dying out, leaving still, however, an innate jealousy toward all cor- 
porations, of which, in the light of their dear-bought experience, they have good cause to be 
wary. 

THE 1>IC BAB TRAGEDY. 

One of the most shocking tragedies that has ever been enacted in the State, occurred in 
Washington County in the summer of 1855, comprising in its horrid details, murder, arson, and 
swift and fatal retribution to the leading character at the hands of a mob, who, in a frenzy of 
indignation, heaped on the crime of murder the further horror of a lawless and brutal execution 
of the murderer. 

(icorge l)e liar, bom somewhere in the United States and a native American, was. at the 
time the tragedy occurred, a resident of the town of Barton, where his parents had formerly re- 
sided, and, as is stated by some old residents, were then living. He had always been deemed an 
inoffensive and harmless though rather shiftless young man. lie was of medium height, light 
hair, and blue eyes, which were wandering whenever he was directly addressed, giving him the 
air of diffidence. lie walked with a somewhat shambling gait, and altogether had the make-up 
of a more than ordinarily harmless young man. He worked about by odd jobs among the farm- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 357 

ers of the vicinity, never long in one place. He had, during the summer, worked for some weeks 
for a farmer named John Muehr, who lived then, and still lives, on a farm in the town of Tren- 
ton, on the Newburg road, not far from the old " Young " saw-mill. The family consisted of 
Muehr, his wife and a boy, Paul Winderling, some sixteen years of age. He left Muehr's em- 
ploy some time in July, and went to work for Christian Young at the mill. On the evening of 
August 1, it being a sultry night, De Bar left Young's house, saying he would sleep in the barn 
where it was cooler. He, however, went to the house of Muehr, as he himself afterward said, to 
collect a small amount still due him for work. While in the house, Muehr went into the cellar 
for beer ; on his reaching the head of the stairs in returning, he was met by De Bar, who dealt 
him a murderous blow with a hammer or some other hard weapon, and fell, stunned and senseless, 
back into the cellar. De Bar then turned upon Mrs. Muehr, who was making frantic outcries 
for help, and attempted to dispatch her with a knife, stabbing her, and inflicting horrid but not 
fatal gashes on both sides of her neck. She fell fainting from loss of blood. The outcries of 
the woman had awakened the only other member of the family, the lad, who had already gone to 
bed. He came into the room while De Bar was dispatching the woman, and attempted to escape. 
He ran, pursued by De Bar, into a corn-field a few rods away, where he was overtaken by De 
Bar, who, cutting his throat from ear to ear, dispatched him on the spot. Dragging the half- 
decapitated and lifeless body of his victim to the house, within which he supposed were the dead 
bodies of the Muehrs, he set fire to the house and fled. Muehr recovered from his blow and 
succeeded in getting his wife, still alive, though horribly mangled, from the burning building. 
Her wounds were dressed by Dr. Kleffler, then and still a resident of West Bend, and she sur- 
vived the horrors of the night for several years. De Bar, having as he supposed covered up the 
traces of his threefold murder, made his way to Milwaukee, where he was discovered the following 
day by John Wagner, of West Bend, arrested and lodged in the county jail to await trial. 

The news of the butchery, so deliberately perpetrated, and that, too, without any appar- 
ent motive to prompt it, sent a chill of horror throughout the county, which was followed by 
a deep-seated and general determination that the murderer should not escape the Mosaic penalty 
of death, despite the recent abolishment of the death-penalty in the State. Other circumstances 
conspired to incite the people to take the law into their own hands ; but a few months before, 
MaybeiTy, after trial and conviction for a no less atrocious murder, and after the extreme sen- 
tence of the existing law — imprisonment for life — had been pronounced on him, had been taken 
from the jail, where he was confined, in Janesville, and deliberately hung by a mob of infuri- 
ated lumbermen, and no attempt had been made to bring the lynchers to punishment. Thus 
public opinion seemed to tacitly justify the illegal execution and to condemn the recent law 
whereby all murderers, however atrocious their crime, were shielded from the retributive pun- 
ishment of death. 

On August 7, Judge Larrabee held a special session for the speedy disposal of De Bar's 
case. Threats were general and open that De Bar should not leave the county alive, and the 
opinion expressed by many who would shrink from any overt act, that whatever might be the 
outcome, he deserved hanging. The Judge, fearing the worst, had ordered two military com- 
panies, one from Port Washington and one from Milwaukee, to West Bend during the trial. 
The companies were both present. The grand jury found the indictment for murder ; De Bar 
was arraigned, and having pleaded not guilty, was being taken back to jail till the jury panel 
could be brought in by the Sheriff". As the Sheriff and his assistant guards came out upon the 
court house steps, they were met by the infuriated and frenzied mob, who overpowered them, 
seized the prisoner and commenced to wreak vengeance on him. He was first knocked down, 
and rendered senseless by throwing a heavy stump and stones upon him. He was then seized 
by the feet and dragged down the street, being kicked in the head and pelted with stones as the 
crowd moved on. At one point it was proposed to draw and quarter him, but better counsels 
prevailed, and with ropes tied to his feet, he was dragged to a point nearly in front of the old 
grist-mill, and there hung, head downward, on a maple tree. There he dangled for a short time, 
when some citizens, who had not participated in the execution, cut him down. He was, at this 



358 IIISTOKY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

time, as was testified by Dr. Hayes at the trial of the lynchers, "alive, and breathing quite- 
naturally." Other witnesses gave conflicting testimony on that point; at any rate, the mob 
were determined to leave no doubt, and seizing the rope, dragged him across the bridge, and 
again hung him to a tree near the eastern bank of the river; this time he was hung by the neck, 
and when cut down, an hour after, there was no conflicting testimony as to the fact that he was 
dead. 

The body was taken down by William T. Barnes and others, and buried in Barton. The 
military, being no longer required, were dismissed. 

Fifteen participators in the lynching affair were indicted and tried for the murder of De 
Bar in May, 1856. They were acquitted, as the testimony did not sustain the allegation that 
"he came to his death by hanging," there being a reasonable doubt as to his being alive when 
he was hung the last time. 

The affair ultimately cost the county a large sum, as besides the trial of De Bar and the 
lynchers, much litigation grew out of claims made for services, all of which were at first denied. 
Later, most of them were paid or compromised. Among the many recorded were the follow- 
ing : William T. Barnes, for services at the burial of De Bar, and materials furnished for 
fitting the body for burial, $9; Robert Wasson, Deputy Sheriff of Milwaukee, claimed $100 
reward offered for De Bar's arrest; S. Culber, for watching jail, and helping bury De Bar, 
$8.50; Edwin Smith, for ordering men to watch for De Bar, and watching himself, $17; E. 
Bordwell, for washing and dressing the body of De Bar, including burial services. $27.50; 
S. Conover, for services getting military. $2(> ; JB. Goetter, for provisions furnished military. 
§79.02 ; Capt. Liebhaber, for services of his company from Milwaukee, to attend the trial of 
De Bar, $2<I2.5<>. Capt. Silberman also presented a bill for the services of his company. These 
are only a few of the many appearing on the records. 

It was, as the reader can discern, a most lamentable affair from bejrinninrr to end. The 
completion of the history involves the necessity of a plain recital of the horror. Moralizing 
can be left to the reader, without detracting from the merits of this work. 

The crime stands almost alone in the criminal annals of the county, which is and always 
has been, with this one exception, remarkably free from crime. The citizens of no county in 
the State are more orderly or more peaceably disposed. 

Tin: 8REAT DEFALCATION. 

The only serious malfeasance in office which lias occurred in the administration of county 
affairs, has been in the case of Albert Semler. who, after a continuous service of nearly nine 
years as County Treasurer, was found to be a defaulter for upward of $14,000. Suspicion had 
been aroused in the minds of some at several times during his long tenure of office, and at one 
time a partial, but by no means thorough, investigation of his accounts was made by a special 
committee of the Board of Supervisors, who. in their report, explained away some suspicious 
circumstances in accordance, doubtless, with the light that Semler himself had thrown on the 
matter. After the defalcation became known, ami the glamour of Sender's popularity no longer 
deceived, it became the wonder of the hour how a whole community could have been so long 
blind to the manifold evidences of his crookedness that had been constantly apparent for a long 
time, except for the total blindness of confidence in Semler which prevailed. 

The linal discovery occurred in the early part of July, 1 S T * > . Semler had just returned 
from attendance at the National Democratic Convention, at St. Louis, to which he was a dele- 
gate, anil found the different School Commissioners anxiously awaiting his return, in order to 
receive their apportionment of the school fund, some $4,0on, which was in his hands, and 
should have Keen divided before he left for St. Louis. Sender pleaded pressure of business, made 
profuse apologies, and -tailed lor Milwaukee where he represented he had the funds on deposit, 
promising to return with the required funds on the next day. In Milwaukee he made most 
strenuous effort- to borrow the money required to bridge over the difficulty, as he hail done often 
before. He failed to accomplish his purpose, and in an interview with Joseph Ott, Henry Giants 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 359 

and Matt Altenhofen, who had gone to Milwaukee to interview him, he confessed to the defal- 
cation, giving as a reason that, in addition to heavy business losses incurred, he had been gam- 
bling desperately for the past six months in the hope to regain his losses and save the dreaded 
exposure and disgrace. The desperate remedy he had adopted had utterly failed. He begged 
a little time, he had hopes of immediate help from personal and family friends, to whom he had 
not yet made the extreme appeal to shield him from ruin and his family from disgrace. The 
gentlemen immediately returned to West Bend, when County Clerk Ott appeared before District 
Attorney O'Meara, and swore out a warrant for Sender's arrest. 

Sheriff Miller went without delay to Milwaukee to make the arrest. The ruined man had 
fled to parts unknown before Miller's arrival. Miller, with one of his Deputies, Peter Boden, 
after a disappearance of two weeks, traced him to Omaha, where they took him, half insane and 
with nerves completely shattered, by the awful experiences of his flight and disgrace, and, on 
August 6, 1876, brought him back to the scene of his happiest days, a disgraced and ruined man, 
and lodged him in the county jail. 

The Board of Supervisors met in special session so soon as the defalcation was known. The 
persons elected to guard the empty treasury was, in all respects, the opposite of the defaulter. 
He had been long a resident of the county, and had, by honesty and persistent industry, grown 
to be the wealthiest farmer in the county. No better selection could have been made than Peter 
Weimer, of Addison. His selection of B. S. Potter, of West Bend, as his Deputy, also gave 
general satisfaction. Under this new management the people knew full well that a repetition or 
continuance of the peculation was impossible, and that all that remained to be done was to ascer- 
tain the amount of the defalcation, recover what could be recovered from the ex-Treasurer and 
his bondsmen, and tax the countv for the balance of the deficit. 

The board accordingly appointed a committee, consisting of Philip Schneider, James Carrel 
and Ludwig Findorf, to examine the accounts of Sender, and report at a subsequent meeting the 
extent of the defalcation. The report was made, after a thorough examination, August 18, and 
arrived at the following summary : 

Receipts of Semler since the beginning of the fiscal year, November 18, 1875, in- 
cluding balance then reported on hand $4.3,144 57 

Disbursed during same time 29,095 95 

Balance due §14,048 62 

Actual balance on hand 16 57 

Amount of defalcations $14,032 05 

The gentlemen on Semler's official bond were : Henry Glantz, Charles H. Miller, John 
Pick, Jr., Peter Boden, William Wightman, I. N. Frisby and John B. Weber, of West 
Bend; Henry Fleischer, Germantown ; J. M. Gans, Richfield; Matthias Fellenz, George 
Scheif and Matt Altenhofen, Kewaskum ; John Kreutz, Hartford ; Matthias Weinart, Polk ; 
Nicholaus Marx, Wayne; Franz Reis, Jackson; Matthias- Lab. r, Jackson; Jacob Bastian, Bar- 
ton. The full amount of the bond was sufficient to indemnify the county. 

Owing to the belief that the defalcation had been running through several years, whereas 
the present bondsmen could not be held liable for more than had resulted from the malfeasance 
of the term since they became holden, it was deemed unwise to enter into litigation or to prose- 
cute for a full settlement. A compromise was made, whereby the bondsmen were to be released 
on the payment of $4,000 in addition to $1,000 to be furnished by Semler or his friends, 
amounting to $5,000 in all. Most of the bondsmen who were able, and still residents of the 
county, promptly deposited their pro rata share under the agreement, as did the friends of Sem- 
ler the $1,000. Seven hundred and seventeen dollars could not be collected of the bondsmen 
under the agreement, those who had paid declining to pay any further assessment on account of 
any delinquencies of their fellow- bondsmen. After a delay of many months, the county authori- 
ties finally settled with the bondsmen November 22, 1877, receiving the sum of $4,283. The 
balance of loss to the county was thus reduced to $9,749. The expense incurred in the capture 



360 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

of Seraler, and other incidental expenses, amounted to some hundreds of dollars, and swelled 
the total loss of the county to about $10,000. 

After the settlement, Semler, who had been confined within the jail limits for many months, 
was released by nolle prosse proceedings, and, so far as the county was concerned, the case was at 
an end. The experience was bought at a high price, but may perhaps prove to be worth, in the 
years to come, all it has cost. 

Albert Semler, the defaulter, came to West Bend when a young man, and first entered the 
employ of James Vollmar, as a clerk in his store. He was extremely affable, open and frank 
in his demeanor, was personally attractive, showed a remarkable aptness for business, and rapidly 
grew into favor, not only with his employer but with the whole community. It was but a short 
time before he became a partner with Vollmar. The firm soon enlarged their business, and, 
with August Patzer, built a woolen-mill, which they afterward controlled, having bought out 
Patzer's interest. Semler, in addition to the extensive business he was doing in connection with 
his partners, became the man of affairs of the town. He had the principal insurance agency of 
the town ; he loaned money as a fiduciary agent for foreign companies, and became the trusted 
fiscal agent and confidential adviser of half the credulous and confiding farmers of his part of 
the county. He became an active politician on the popular side, and, in 1 S ( J 7 , was elected 
Treasurer of the county. For the succeeding eight years, he held the confidence of the people 
without limit or bounds, and was held in more general esteem than any man within its bound- 
aries. During those years it appeared as though, in the general estimation of the people, the 
well-being if not the existence of Washington County, as a political organization, rested wholly 
on Semler's shoulders, and that, should death strike the shining mark, or other harm befall him, 
the whole fabric of Washington County society would go to ''eternal smash." Worse than death 
befell poor Semler — dishonor, disgrace — yet the county survived, and goes on its prosperous 
way, chastened by its experience, while he, alone among a strange people, is bearing his weary 
load of regret ami shame, regret for brilliant opportunities lost never to be regained, and shame 
for the weakness that led him through the delusive paths of vanity, extravagance and reckless- 
ness, out into the great highway of crime. 

The lesson is plain now, and is written in characters not easily effaced. His failure 
aroused wide-spread misfortune outside the loss incurred by the county. Trust funds misappro- 
priated, and money borrowed with an apparent recklessness, left scores of friends betrayed to 
regret the confidence so unworthily bestowed. 

He remained for some years after his release in West Bend, and made feeble efforts to re-es- 
tablish himself in business, and to regain the confidence he had suffered himself, in his weakness, 
to betray. It proved a hopeless task, and a few years since lie left for the Far West, probably never 
to return. The feeling toward him now is by no means as harsh as the betrayal would seem to 
warrant; it is rather of regret at his fall, and pity for his consequent misfortune. Behind all 
there is still a vein of tenderness for Semler — the chivalrous, the benevolent, the infatuating, the 
shallow, the faithless. 

THE WAR RECORD. 

At the beginning of the war, in March, 1861, do countv in the State showed less of the 
martial spirit evinced by voluntary military organizations in times of peace than Washington 
County. The population was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and took little interest in even 
the sham military displays of peaceful times. There were no military organizations worthy the 
name, nor had there ever been further than some few ephemeral companies organized, and gen- 
erally disbanded within a few months after their organization. In early times, before the divi- 
sion of the county, Port Washington bad boasted a military organization, and West Bend had, 
it is reported, a company of soldiers. In 1861, however, military matters were Dot numbered 
among the perceptible elements of interest in county affairs. The population was largely for- 
eign, and many of the inhabitants bad left the Fatherland to avoid conscription ami army service, 
and came to America to follow the peaceful vocations of life undisturbed by the Government 
requirements for army service, which, in Europe, had been the great family dread and overshad- 




<< — ^ 




HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 363 

owing evil, from time immemorial. They were intensely Democratic in their political faith, and 
opposed to the incoming party, with whose accession to power the great evil of civil war had 
appeared. They lacked, as was inevitable, that overweening love for the country which comes 
from birth and ancestral traditions handed down from father to son for many generations. 

Under these circumstances, the record of their sacrifices for the general good during those 
years of general peril, show sterling qualities of patriotic principle and loyalty to the Govern- 
ment, equal to those displayed by the other counties of the commonwealth. The population of 
the county in 1861 was, in round numbers, 24,000, and the number of men between the ages 
of eighteen and forty-five, liable to military duty, not far from 3,000. From this number the 
county furnished, during the war, either by personal service or substitutes, upwards of two 
thousand men. 

It is stated that at the close of the last draft, before the war closed, there were towns in 
the county where nearly every able-bodied man had been drafted, enlisted or furnished a substi- 
tute. The soldiers, as furnished, did not as a rule enter any regiment in companies, but were 
assigned in squads, as they enlisted, to the various regiments being fitted at their time of enlistment. 
In many towns large sums of money were raised and commutation paid, or substitutes hired to 
fill the quotas, this being necessary, in an agricultural region, to prevent the entire paralysis of 
labor by the withdrawal of all the able-bodied laborers from the county. Following are the 
reports of the several towns, of money raised and expended for war purposes : 

ERIN. 

Amount raised by tax $4,002 86 

Amount by private subscription 1,350 00 

Total $5,352 86 

Voted but uncollected at the close of the war $1,400 00 

HARTFORD. 

Amount collected by tax $17,600 00 

Amount by private subscription 17,687 50 

Total $35,287 50 

Voted to be raised but uncollected at close of war 10,200 00 

Paid to support soldiers' families 300 00 

Paid commutation 6 300 00 

Total $52,087 50 

Uncollected 10,200 00 

Actually paid $41,887 50 

ADDISON. 

Total amount voted to be raised by tax $30,500 00 

Total amount collected $19,273 00 

Amount by private subscription 6,230 00 

Actually paid $25,503 00 

WAYNE. 

Amount raised by tax $n 600 00 

Amount by private subscription 5 225 00 

Actually paid $16,825 00 

RICHFIELD. 

Amount raised by tax $4,150 42 

Amount by private subscription 867 70 

Actually paid $5,018 12 

D 



364 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

POLK. 

Amount raised by tax $2,860 00 

Amount by private subscription 418 00 

Actually paid §3,278 00 

« K.ST BEND. 

Amount raised by tax $10,600 00 

Amount by private subscription 3,000 00 

Total $13,600 00 

Voted, but uncollected at close of the war $2,000 00 

BARTON. 

No money was raised. The town chose to take its chances from volunteer enlistments and drafting. 

KEWA9KUM. 

Amount raised by tax $13,000 00 

Amount by private subscription 8,205 00 

Actually paid $21,205 00 

GERMANTOWN. 

Amount voted to be raided by tax $25,600 00 

Raised on town bonds $21,417 00 

Raised by private subscription 9,878 00 

Actually paid $31,205 00 

TRENTMN. 

Amount raised by tax $3, l J00 00 

Amount by private subscription 5,437 00 

Actually paid $9,337 00 

JACKS! >\ 

Amount voted $8,000 00 

Amount collected by tax $5,592 00 

Amount by private subscription 6,620 00 

Actually paid $12,212 00 

FARMIXOTON. 

Total amount raised by private subscription $1,295 00 

Note. — This money was raised in 1864, and paid to seven men as volunteers in the United States service 

The amount raised in the county for war purposes was as follows : 

Erin $5,351 86 

Hartford 41,887 50 

Addison 19.273 00 

W.ivne 16,825 00 

Richfield 5,018 12 

Polk 3,278 00 

West Bend 13,600 00 

Burton 

KewiiMkmn 21,206 00 

Oermantown 81,295 00 

Trenton 9,337 00 

Jackson 12,212 00 

Farmington 1,295 00 

Total $180,677 48 

No money was raised by the county at large for war purposes. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 365 

DRAFTING. 

During the first year of the contest, voluntary enlistments in the county were not as general 
as in other parts of the State. The people had no enthusiasm for the war, and the belief was 
quite general that under a compromise, or by some other means, it would be brought to a speedy 
end, and, having no appetite for the fray, they generally stayed at home waiting further devel- 
opments. 

The first draft, therefore, found the county largely behind in its quota. The call was made 
in August, 1862, and the quota of the State was 11,904 men. By the time the enrollment lists 
were completed, and the draft about to commence, many counties had nearly filled their quotas, 
as the following requisition on each county by Adjutant General Gaylord shows, the requisition on 
each county below named being as follows : Brown, 155; Buffalo, 16; Dane, 114; Dodge, 
264; Door, 63; Green, 97; Green Lake, 74; Iowa, 223; Jefferson, 63; Kenosha, 180; La 
Fayette, 148; Manitowoc, 438;. Marathon, 19; Marquette, 131 ; Milwaukee, 727 ; Outagamie, 

99; Ozaukee, 529; Pepin, 74; Racine, 194; Rock, ; Sheboygan, 205; Vernon, 12; 

Washington, 807 ; Waukesha, 181 ; Waushara, 5. Total, 4,818. 

When the above requisition was published, it was no wonder that the people were appalled 
at the demands made upon them, that suspicions were rife as to the fairness of the apportionment, 
and that general discontent and apprehension prevailed. They saw their quota larger than that 
of any other county in the State, in proportion to the population, with the single exception of 
Ozaukee; larger, with a population of 24,000, than that of Milwaukee, with four times that num- 
ber. They were in no temper to coolly sit down and figure out the justice of the unpleasant 
situation, but rather approached the draft with surly discontent. The fact that Milwaukee had 
so overawed the authorities by her protests against her apportionment as to gain a postponement,, 
and that Ozaukee had broken out in open resistance, was not calculated to soothe the people or 
allay apprehensions of trouble. The draft commenced at West Bend on Monday, November 10. 
1862. The result was published in the West Bend Post, as follows: 

THE DRAFT IN THIS COUNTY. 

On Monday morning last. Commissioner E. H. Gilson commenced drafting in the court house, for the men yet 
due from Washington County. The draft for the towns of West Bend, Barton, Kewaskum, Farmington and .Jackson 
was completed the first day, without any opposition whatever. The draft for the town of Trenton was completed on 
Tuesday, by 11 o'clock. The room was pretty well crowded, and quite an uneasiness wa» manifested by the men. 
from Trenton, during the draft, and, as soon as the last name was drawn, one of the excited men stepped up on a 
chair, and spoke to the crowd in the German language, and also asked the Commissioner if he was ready to deliver 
up the papers. Sheriff Weimar, and others, endeavored to quell the crowd, which was becoming a mob, but they did 
not succeed. Mr. Gilson and Luretta J. Young, a little girl thirteen years old, who had been drawing the names, 
were advised to leave, which they did, with all the papers, unnoticed by the Trenton men. Gilson came down, and 
stopped at the Mansion House a few moments, and then started for the post office. He had not proceeded far, when 
he noticed that his escape from the court house had been ascertained, and that they were coming down the hill, 
on the run, after him. They caught him near Mr. Wightnian's residence, but he jerked himself loose, and succeeded 
in getting near Frisby & Weil's law office, when he was again caught. A man had one arm around his body, and in 
the other hand he held a heavy stone, while one or two others had hold of his coat. He kept, backing toward the 
office, telling them that he had only been doing his duty, and, if they wished, he would resign, and some one else 
might be appointed in his stead, but that he could not give up the papers. Some person then said that he would 
have them, or Gilson's life. Mr. Frisby came out and spoke for a considerable length of time to them. As he was 
a drafted man, they put some confidence in what he said. He advised them to hold a meeting in the afternoon, and, 
while they were consulting among themselves in relation to it, Mr. Gilson, more scared than harmed, got into the 
office, escaped from the back door, went to Mr. Green's farm, procured a horse, and then started for Hartford ; took 
the cars there and went to Milwaukee, and upon receiving a dispatch from Madison, started ftr the latter place, to 
consult with the authorities there. 

At the meeting in the afternoon, speeches were made by Judge Shelley, in German, and by F. O. Thorp, in 
English, which had the desired effect. A committee of one from each town was appointed, who drew up resolutions 
praying for two months postponement of the draft, they stating that they would in that lime raise the quota. The 
resolutions, accompanied by a letter from Messrs. Thorp, Shelley and Vollmar, have been forwarded to Madison. 

In the evening, the crowd, which was composed mostly of men from Trenton and Polk, marched through our 
street, in something Hke military order, to the store of H. Trakat, an Abolitionist, of whom they demanded some- 
thing to drink, but as he did not gratify their wish, a few stones were hurled through the windows, whereupon they 
dispersed, and since then West Bend has been as quiet as ever. 



366 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



This has been a disgrace to our county and the State. It was bad, but we are pleased that it passed off as 
easy as ii has: that our village was not "cleaned out," as they threatened. We think the draft will yet be made. 
The papers are in this place, all safe. The Ozaukee trouble was the starting point of the muss here. Not more than 
fifteen or twenty men were really engaged in the affair, and we anticipate no further trouble. 

The report as detailed gives an apparently truthful statement of the trouble, which was in 
no wise serious, and was countenanced neither by the press nor the citizens generally. The 
flight of the Commissioner, and the ordering of troops here from Milwaukee, as a wise precau- 
tion against further trouble, rather than to quell the slight outbreak, which was quickly over, 
has invested the affair with more importance than its magnitude would otherwise warrant. But 
for the times and circumstances attending, it would have not been deemed a riot of sufficient 
importance to find a place in this history. 

Detachments from the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Regiment were sent to the scene of the 
disturbance, and the draft completed. No other open disorder occurred in the county during 
the subsequent drafts, although they fell with crushing force on some of the agricultural towns. 

The following roster of Washington County soldiers who did personal and gallant service 
during the war, is compiled from the State archives. The records at Madison are imperfect, 
but no other and better sources of information exsist. The list is given as one which but ap- 
proximates accuracy, and which represents part of the actual enlistments. 



ROSTER. 



TOWN Of WEST BEND. 



Fint Infantry — Co. A — Alex Gregg. Co. D — William 
Ed Gregg. Company unknown — Frank Ross, Orrin 
Sprague. 

Second Infantry — Co. K — W. Dennison, William Lowe, 
William Aikin, John Smith. 

Fifth Infantry — Company unknown — Truman Darling, 
Otis Darling, John Staff, Henry Senft, John F. Culver. 

Sixth Infantry — Company unknown — Herman Zipp, 
Conrad Fenzel, Alb Huchthausen, Nic Immel. 

Xmth Infantry — Co. C — John Munich, Carl Voss, George 
Schneider, William Kurth, Julius Trakat. Co. F — Peter 
Schrofer. Co. K — 1'eter lmmel, Lewis Guttenberg. 

Tenth Infantry — Company unknown — Robert Moore. 

Twelfth Infantry — Co. D — Ebenezer S. Bunoe, Mathias 
Latnpert, Martin Lampcrt, John Jones, Oscar Rusco, 
Solon Darling, James Jackson, Henry Stannard, Welling- 
ton Stannard, Christ Smith, Harrison (Ireen, Charles 
Waldo, John Cole, Thomas Farmer, Norman S. Oilson, 
Emery Smith. Ernst Fitzner, John Latnpert. 

Fourteenth Infantry — Company unknown — F. Kirchner. 

Seventeenth Infantry — Co. E — James Sullivan. Isaac 
Verbeck, Arthur Holoomb, Frank Luscomb, Henry Lus- 
oomb. Austin Baker. 

Twentieth Infantry — Co. I — T. S. Lorenz. 

Twenty-fourth Infantry — Company unknown — George 
Staff. 

Twenty-tixth Infantry, Washington County Rifles — F. J. 
Vockt. Charles Franz, Gottlieb Mctzner, Jacob E. Mann, 
Jacob Heip, Charles Ottilie, John Horn, John Reiuell. 
Jacob Wagner, Carl Hasten. Henry Baudin, Peter Stoffel, 
Charles Heffimui, Matliias Soeger, Emerson Smith, John 
Billing, George II. Emmet, Daniel Stenerwald, J.W. I!us- 
oo, William Sohnepf, Christian Franz. 

Second Battery — John Dcgolyer, Phil Seelemann, Will 
Miller, Charles Lembke, Henry Kampfcr, John llelduser, 
Charles Doerr, Isaiah Culver, James Trench. Company 
unknown — Lyman Green. Total, 88 

TOWN OF IIAKTFORD. 

Firtt Infantry — Co B — W. II. Babcock, Ambrose IJix- 
ey, John Smitt, John fvwartx, William K. Harney, Orin. 



Deming, Alexander Wiley, Barry O. Helmcr, G. 0. Scott, 
Richard Alton. Co. G — Albert Cook. Co. M — Justice 
Deming, John Crowfoot. 

Fourth Infantry — Co. I — Andrew Madison. 

Fifth Infantry — Co. F — Joseph Hesketh. 

Sixth Infantry — Co. D — John Cook, Francis McKiney. 

Ninth Infantry — Co. G — William Gautz, George Men- 
gel. 

Tenth Infantry — Co. A — William Chapman. Co. E — 
Alexander Pripell, John Waterman, Carl l.usensky, A. D. 
Worden. Ludwig Krieger, John Frader, Simon Deming, 
Christ Burdick, Robert McKann, Hamilton B. Dutcher, 
Silas H. Heimer, (ieorge Dewy, Orin Howe, George M. 
Westh, William Leeount, James E. Cook, Henry E. Cook, 

John Tortz, Henry White, Paddock, August Bellaw. 

Co. K — Robert Kohlesdorf. 

Twelfth Infantry — Co. Ariel Howe, U. S. Reg. 

Seventeenth Infantry — Co. E — Boardman Paddock. 
Enoch I'ailey, Thomas darned. 

Twentieth Infantry— Co. unknown — -Henry Latin. 

Twenty-fourth Infantry — Co. unknown — Carl Kilter. 
Harris Thayer, Elman Derrick, Hewitt Jackson, William 
II. Coon, Edward Paddock, J. H. Minuer, Thomas Phill- 

pot, E. H. Pratt, Bdmun Q He, William Hartman, Will- 
iam Henry Calkins. James Alexander, James Prilchard, 
Philip Planz, Conrad Roller, James Crawfoot, Herbert 
Gould, JullUB P. Gould, William S. Brown, Harrison A. 
Burdick, Lloyd V. Nawscawen, Wellington Dewey, Or- 
ange II. Chapman, William A . Wiley, Thompson M. Wiley. 
Luis Guest, Clark J. Towl, Etnary Martin, Thomas Ste- 
ven, John J. Barney, Daniel Ferguson, Charles Enoch, 
Oliver Biss&l, Edward longer, Albert Anderson, C. P. 
Aniiton, William Just. Jacob Goll. 

Twenty-tixth Infantry— Co. unknown — Adolph Kuleg, 
Henry Guenther, Paul Wagner, John Haag. 

First Cavalry — Co. M — Perry Winters. Ezra McKiney, 
Henry E. Staples, John White, Frank .1. Morgan. Co. 
unknown— John Little, George 11. King, Cornelius B. 
Osterhout, Andrew Slayer, Ch F. Wheelock. 

Seventh Battery — Samuel Pickett. Orin Clark. 

Regiment unknown— Co. unknown — Anton I'tich, A. 
Helmer, Charles C Bumpsey, Almorc Fronfelder, Marta 
Mengcl.— Total, 107. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



367 



TOWN OF TRENTON. 

Sixth Infantry — Co. I — Fred H. Zipp. 

Ninth Infantry — Co. A — Henry Schroeder. Co. I — 
Joseph Schaub, John Schaefer, Conrad Birne, Ferdinand 
Born. 

Twelfth Infantry — Co. D — Byron Fairbanks, Thomas 
Prat, Francis Granger, W. W. McDonald, Aaron Ruplins, 
William H. Porter, Aliens Jenkins, James McHenry, 
Harrison Green, Christopher D. Smith, Charles C. Smith, 
Daniel Sulivan. Peter Lynch, Nathaniel Dutcher, Will- 
iam Dutcher, Will McCarty, Malcom Cameron, Joseph 
Starke, Hallow Waller, David Waller, Henry C. New- 
comb, H. G. Strong, Pembroke Gilson, John McLaughlin, 
Edwin Frisby, William J. Norton. 

Sixteenth Infantry — Co. K — John Burdge. 

Seventeenth Infantry — Co. E — Henry Starke, James 
Young, William Downey, Dan Allen, Daniel McGee, 
Thomas D. Camfield. 

Nineteenth Infantry — Co. G — Andrew Byrnes. 

Twenty-Sixth Infantry, Washington County Rifles — 
Jacob Weinand, Nicholas Young, Michael Young, Rich- 
ard Daily, Cyrus N. Schaefer, Henry Wilson, Francis 
Ruho, John Mayer, John Cary, Frederick Skierwald, 
Julius Julson, Robert H. Templeton, Henry Allen, H. H. 
Warren, Hiram Carlow, Albert Story, Edward Schoen- 
feld, George W. McCarty. 

Cavalry — John Klein, Charles R. Taylor, William 
Marklin. 

Ninth Battery — Charles Schaefer, Lyman Green, George 
W. Schaefer, Samuel Sax, Richard C. Rohn. 

Herrbirch' s Battery — Henry Merke, Edward Henke. 

Artillery — Mathias Basch. Total, 69. 



TOWN OF FARMINOTON. 

First Infantry — Co. I — Albert Duncan. Co. K — Will- 
iam Lange. Company unknown — La Fayette Putnam. 

fifth Infantry— Company unknown— Peter Rheinsgans. 

Sixth Infantry — Co. F — William Lehman, Gustave 
Resh, Carl Hausler, Daniel Hull, James Clark. 

Ninth Infantry — Co. F — Nicholas Metzer. 

Eleventh Infantry — Company unknown — Carver Wes- 
cott. 

Twelfth Infantry— Co. D— George E. Ross, Willet R. 
Wescott, Erskine Wescott, James Harris, Nicholas Har- 
ris, George Wescott, John Holt, George Holt, Hugh 
Cowen, Eugene Callaghan, George Lusenden, Peter Linch, 
Franklin Smith, James R. Willis, Charles Wills, William 
Hockman, John McLement, Andrew Bullard, Ananias 
Wescott (discharged), Christoph Probst, Samuel Thomp- 
son, Guy Myers, Frank Clark. Company unknown — 
George Hemel. 

Seventeenth Infantry — Co. E — Thomas Callaghan, 
Thomas Callaghan, Jr., Michael Clark, Ebenezer Wescott, 
Samuel McLement, John Sullivan. 

Twenty-Sixth Infantry, Washington County Badgers — 
Company unknown — Frederick Walters, Samuel A. Var- 
ney, William Hamilton, Jr., John Lussenden, Harry H. 
Wescott, Faner Wescott, Louis Pertheld. 

First Cavalry — Co. K — William Lange, Fritz Abel. 

First Illinois Cavalry — Co. A — Theodore Koch. 

Second Battery — Fredrick Fikler, Fredrick Hauschen, 
Jacob Marhus, Ludwig Janke, Fritz Janke, John Ruf, 
Richard Bratz, Barton Wescott, Michael Young, Guido 
Baesler. 

Regiment unknown — Company unknown — David Bullen, 
Patrick Cahoo, Charles Vansdrow, Thomas McCormick. 
Total, 65. 



TOWN OF ADDISON. 

Ninth Infantry — Co. G — Henry Moll, Lorenzo Watzin- 
ger, John Kahn, Sebastian Boeswald, Conrad Fetter, 
Emanuel von Buller, Leo Winterhalter, F. W. Ignatz 
Esser, Joseph Stiller, John Stamp, August Zillsdorf, John 
Shack, Andrew Knobel. 

Twenty-Sixth Infantry — Company unknown — Philip 
Illian, Henry Blenker, John Schultz, John Guenther, 
Henry Guenther, Henry Miller, J. Barrel, J. Fetting, 
Jr., Jacob Heins, F. Gihlsdorf, Peter Dellenbach, Joseph 
Schuts, Peter Kahl, William Wehe, Bern Daul, Jac 
Knoble, F. Chihlsdorf, P. Schnovreuberg, L. Weiss, Leo 
Schuh, Peter Ripplinger, Eugenius Haak, John Ritger, 
L. Groshanner, M. Stumpp. Total, 38. 

T OWN OF BARTON. 

Second Infantry — Co. K — George Van Eps, William 
Goodnough, William Potter, William Dutcher. 

Third Infantry — Co. A — Charles Lord. 

Fifth Infantry — Co. C — Martin Arno. 

Ninth Infantry — Co. F — Andrew Smith, John Reeling, 
William Fenstermacher, Henry Frohman, Fritz Kocher, 
William Abel, F. Abel, Simon Geiger. 

Twelfth Infantry — Co. D — Christopher Eberhard, Will- 
iam Nungesser, Henry Taylor, Frank Tobacco, John M. 
Price (Captain), William L. Ball, George Bentley, I. E. 
Munger, Truman 0. Phelps, James H. Randall, Henry 
Wispel, Nathaniel Dutcher, J. R. Wright, Henry Stark. 

Seventeenth Infantry — Co. I — George Porter, George W. 
Porter. 

Twenty-sixth Infantry — Company unknown — William 
Simon, George Koehler. 

Twenty-seventh Infantry — Co. I — Peter Dricken, Will- 
iam E. Stranchen, Frank Bidwell, Peter Randall, James 
Taylor, William T. Cole (Second Lieutenant), George 
Engelman, John Haber, George Schmidt, Charles Ostran- 
der. 

Regiment Unknown — Company Unknown — Frederick 

; surname unknown ; enlisted with Erastus Shum- 

way. Total, 44. _ 

" TOWN OF JACKSON. 

Fourth Infantry— Co. E — John E. Lewis. 

Fifth Infantry — Company unknown — Fritz Bettler. 

Ninth Infantry — Co. A — Ferdinand Jenning, August 
Jenning. 

Tenth Infantry — Co. I — William Heyes, August Kurth. 

Eleventh Infantry — Co. I — Ferdinand Kroening. 

Seventeenth Infantry — Co. E — John Osborn, Michael 
Sullivan, James Burns, Jr., Timothy Toom. 

Nineteenth Infantry— Co. I — James Lewis, Carl Miller. 
Co. K— Thomas 0. Toole. 

Twentieth Infantry — Company unknown — Franz 
Hener. 

Forty-fifth Infantry — Company unknown — Herman 
Ohm, August Krause. 

Fifty-fifth Infantry — Co. C — Martin Eggut, August 
Eggut. 

Ninth Battery — Richard Rohr, Henry Fullerton. 

Washington County Rifles — Halmon Cassel, John Crowly, 
Gottlieb Schmith, Frederick Egenhaust, Robert Salter, 
George Emitt, William Salter, Carl Haffeman, Henry 
Shotoce. Unknown — James Burns, Sr., Albert Koeller. 
Total, 32. 

TOWN OF FOLK. 

Second Michigan Infantry — Company unknown — Ste- 
phen Hamentem. 



368 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



Fifth Infantry — Co. C — John Conrad. 

Seventh Infantry— Co. G — Peter Giver. 

Ninth Infantry — Company unknown — J. Close, A. Ha- 
ferman, Jacob Schulteis, Peter Happel. 

Tenth Infantry — Co. E — August Belan. 

Twelfth Infantry — Co. D — Jos. H. Stacks, Peter Far- 
man. Co. I — Daniel D. Stacks. 

Fifteenth Infantry — Company unknown— Henis Hoth. 

Ttoenty-firit Infantry — Company unknown — George 
Krause, John Gilman. 

Twenty-second Infantry — Co. B — M. B. Stacks. 

Twenty-third Infantry — Company unknown — George 
Menger. 

Twenty-fourth Infantry — Company unknown — Emil 
Oberkircher, Peter Kurz, Peter Jochim, George Jochim. 

Twenty-sixth Infantry — Company unknown— 'Mathias 
Dambach, Carl Fischer, John Weifenbach, Henry Renker, 
Frederick Mueller, Jos. Steinnetz, John Detling. 

Second Cavalry — Co. M — John Schiltinger. 

Fourth Illinois Cavalry — Co. B — Peter Gunner. 

Ninth Battery — John Milling, John C. Foil, Marshal 
Fahrington, Henry Farman, Jacob Wallbrachstein. Com- 
pany unknown — Nic Hoth, Christian Muller. Total, 36. 

TOWN OF RICHFIELD. 

First Infantry — Company unknown — Adam Roth. 

Fourth Infantry — Co. D — Gerhard Callenbrach. 

Eighth Infantry — Company unknown — Francis Mc- 
Manne. 

Sixteenth Infantry — Co. B — Isaac Fritzinger, Joseph 
Kiehle. 

Seventeenth Infantry — Co. C — Edward McManne. 

Seventeenth Infantry — Co. G — Peter McManne. 



Twenty-eighth Infantry — Company unknown — Gerhard 
Glion, John Schaeffler, George Benze, Francis Benie. 
William Coats, Sacra Fuller, Anton Van Berger, Carl 
Miller, Mathias Muller, Fredreich Burghart. 

Second Cavalry — Company unknown — Herman Knoll, 
August Knoll, Isaac Brown, William Benze, Michael 
Benze. 

Third Cavalry — Co. E — Jacob Maurer. 

Second Battery — Carl Doerr. Company unknown — 
Ferdinand Shupp. Total, 35. 

TOWN OF WATNE. 

First Infantry — Co. C — William A. Fedder. 

Ninth Infantry — Co. K — Peter Walter. 

Twelfth Infantry — Co. D — John Saenger, Thomas Mc- 
Donnel, John Schwendner, Christian Schwendner, Henry 
Mueller, George Rasskopf. 

Seventeenth Infantry — Co. C — Patrick Hechert. 

Twenty-sixth Infantry, Washington County Rifles — Joa- 
chim Wiedever, John Walter, Peter Walter, Jr., Peter 
Kuhn. Total, 13. 



TOWN OF GERMANTOWN. 

Ninth Infantry — Edmund Weimer, Jacob Wasserburger 
(Musicians), Valentine Henrich. 

Seventeenth Infantry — Company unknown — Michael 
Porannleiu. 

Thirty-ninth Infantry — Co. D — Thomas Kinnaw. 

Second Cavalry — Co. H — Fredrick Weimer, Peter 
Hacteel. 

Washington Cavalry, D. C. — Edward Kinnaw Total, 
8. Whole number, 520. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



369 



ROSTER OF COMMISSIONED OFFICERS FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

These names are all that appear on the records, but the list is apparently incomplete, as 
two towns in the county are missing. What can be gathered to further complete the list will 
find mention in the town histories : 



Hartford: 

William K. Barney.. 

George E. Conant 

Robert Kohlsdorf. 

Roswell H. Lee 

Lloyil V. Naecawen.. 

Henry E. Staples 

George M. West 

George M. West 

Jesse D. Wheelock... 

JeBSe D. Wheelock*. 

Justus K. Demming. 
West Bend : 

Isaah Culver 

Isaah Culver 

Thomas Farmer 

Andrew J. Fullerton 

Jacob E. Mann 

Jacob Heip 

John B. Jones 

Charles Lemke 

William J. Norton... 

Charles Ottilie 

Cnarles Ottilie* , 

Addison : 

James Lonergan 

Lambert Weiss 

Wayne : 

Evan R. Jones 

Jackson : 

George W. Jones 

Herman Rohn 

Victor E. Rohn 

Barton : 

John Martin Price.. 



William Nungesser.. 

George H. Van Epps 
Farmington: 

George T. Wescott.... 

Charles Witteg 

Trenton : 

Harlow M. Waller.... 



Organization. 



29th Infantry... 

3d Infantry, 

loth Infantry.. 
41st Infantry.. 
43d Infantry.... 

1st Cavalry 

10th Infantry.. 



41st Infantry.. 
47th Infantry.. 
1st Cavalry 



1st Artillery... 



12th Infantry.... 

26th Infantry 

26th Infantry 

26th Infantry.... 

44th Infantry 

43d Infantry 

12th Infantry 

9th Infantry 

9th Veterans 



34th Infantry.. 
26th Infantry.. 



5th Infantry..., 

26th Infantry.. 
45th Infantry... 
45th Infantry.. 

12th Infantry.. 



12th Infantry..... 
1st Heavy Artillery 



12th Infantry.. 
45th Infantry.. 



12th Infantry... 



First 
Commission. 



Date of 

First 

Commission. 



1st Lieutenant 
2d Asst. Surg.. 
1st Lieutenant 
l8t Lieutenant 
2d Lieutenant. 
2d Lieutenant. 
2d Lieutenant. 



Pate of 
Promotion. 



Sept. 24, 1862. To Captain Nov. 10, 1864. 

April 29, 1862 To 1st Asst. Surgeon.... June 7, 1862.. 

Sept. 26, 1S61.'to Captain Co. K lAug. 12, 1862. 

June 9. 1864... ToCapt'n Co. B,52d Inf.jApril 10, 1865 



Major 

Captain 

1st Lieutenant 



May 20,1864. 
Feb. 11, 1865. 
Jan. 6, 1865.. 



D 2d Lieut., Jr.. 



1st Lieuteuant 
1st Lieutenant 
Captain. 



Aug. 10, 1864. To 1st Lieutenant- 
April 7, 1864.. 

Sept. 26, 1S61. To First Lieutenant.. 
To Captain 



June 30. 1S65 



Nov. 7, 1863.. 



Aug. 12, 1862 
Dec. 5, 1862. 



To 1st Lieut, (junior).. 
To lBt Lieut, (senior).. 



To Captain.. 



Oct. 4, 1861... 

June 8, 1864.., 

Sept. 10, 1862. 

1st LieutenantjSept. 10,1862.1 

2d Lieutenant.jSept. 13, 1864 iTransferred to Co. C... 

2d Lieutenant.! Aug. 10,1864.' 

2d Lieutenant. Oct. 14, 1861.., To 1st Lieutenant 

1st Asst. Surg... Sept. 26. 1862 

1st Asst. Surg. ..March 8, 1865 



1st Lieutenant Dec. 24, 1862.. 
1st Lieutenant.April 6, 1S65.. 



June 19, 1865 
July 25, 1865 



Oct. 19, 1864. 



Nov. 4, 1864. 



May 7, 1862. 



C. 2d Lieutenant. Dec. 31, 1864.. To Captain Co. A.. 



Adjutant Jan. 19, 1865.. 

G. 2d Lieutenant. Jan. 6, 1864... To First Lieutenant.. 
F.'2d Lieutenant. March 7, 1865 . 



D Captain . 



D 1st Lieutenant 
A. 2d Sen. Lieut. 



D ;2d Lieutenant. 
A. '2d Lieutenant. 



Oct. 7, 1864... 
May 3, 1864.. 

Jan. 6, 1865.. 
July 11,1805. 



To Major.... 
To Captain.. 



D '2d Lieutenant .May 7,1862 Resigned Sept. 17, 1864, 



April 22, 1865 



July 11, 1865 



Nov. 21, 1864 
Jan. 6, 1865 



Close of Service- 



Mustered out June 22, 1865. 
Discharged Nov. 22, 1862. 
Resigned Dec. 2, 1862. 
Mustered out July 28, 1865. 
Mustered out June 24, 1865. 
usteredout Feb., 19,1864. 

Killed in battle Sept. 20, '63. 
Resigned June 7, 1864. 
Mustered out Sept. 4, 1865. 
Mustered out Sept 29, 1865. 



Mustered out Sept. 1. 1865. 
Resigned May 23, 1862. 
Mustered out June 13, 1865. 
Resigned Dec. 8, 1862. 
Resigned Nov. 19,1862. 
Mustered out Aug. 28, 1865. 
Mustered out June 24,1865. 
Dismissed April 21, 1864. 

Mustered out June 30, 1S66. 

Mustered out Sept. 8, 1863. 
Mustered out June 18, 1865. 

Mustered out July 16, 1865. 

Mustered out June 13, 1865. 
Mustered out July 17, 1865. 
Mustered out July 11, 1865. 

Wounded July 29, 1864; re- 
turned to duty Sept., 1864; 
died Dec. 20, 1864. 

Mustered out July 16, 1865. 

MuBtered out Aug. 18, 1865. 

Mustered out July 16, 1865. 
Mustered out July 17, 1865, 



*Re-enlisted. 



370 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

WASHINGTON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The preliminary steps for the organization of this society were taken at a meeting held for 
that purpose at the village of Hartford November 1, 1855. The officers elected were : President, 
Hopewell Coxe, of Hartford; Vice President, John Kessel, of Richfield; Treasurer, William 
Rohn, of Jackson ; Recording Secretary, George C. Williams, of Hartford ; Corresponding 
Secretary, Patrick Toland, of Erin ; Committee of Arrangements, Phillip Dhein, of German- 
town, Thomas Hayes, of Richfield, and D. W. Maxon, of Polk. It was voted that the next 
annual meeting be held at the court house, in the village of West Bend, on the first Monday of 
November, 1856, and that the President be requested to prepare a constitution and by-laws for 
consideration and adoption at the next meeting. 

At an adjourned meeting held at West Bend, November 8, 1856, the organization was 
completed by the adoption of a constitution and by-laws presented by the President, Hopewell 
Coxe, and the election of a full board of officers, as therein provided. The name and style 
adopted by the society was, "The Washington County Agricultural Society," and its objects 
as stated were : " To promote and improve the condition of agriculture, horticulture, and the 
mechanical, manufacturing and household arts within the county of Washington." The 
Treasurer's report showed a balance on hand amounting to $110. received during the year for 
memberships. For some unknown reason the affairs of the new society languished; no fair was 
held in 1857, and the records show no meeting held till April 18, 1858, at which an election of 
a new board of officers was held, and a resolution passed requesting the Treasurer to collect what 
money may be due the society, and to report to the next meeting, which was adjourned to the 
third Monday of May, 1858. The adjourned meeting was not held, and the organization was 
considered defunct. 

Re-organized. — A meeting was held November 9, 1858, by citizens of Washington County 
for the purpose of re-organizing the society, and putting it on a practical working basis. F. 0. 
Thorpe, Silas Wheeler and William Rohn, were appointed a committee to draft a new constitu- 
tion and by-laws for the society. The committee reported, and their report was adopted. The 
new constitution did not change the name of the society, nor vary from the old in defining the 
objects of the society. The membership fee was established at 50 cents, and the annual mem- 
bership dues thereafter at $1. The constitution, however, had a new provision, which at once 
gave life to the organization. It was as follows: 

Article VI. The society glial! hold an annnal show or fair of agricultural and horticultural products : of agri- 
cultural anil mechanical implements ; of domestic manufacturers and of domestic animals; at such time and place as 
the Executive Committee shall designate. 

From the establishment of an annual fair the society dates the commencement of its actual 
life. Although it had a nominal existence since 1855, it really dates its actual establishment for 
practical results from the meeting held at West Bend, December 8, 1858. 

The first officers of the re-organized society were as follows : President, Densraore W. 
Maxon, of Polk ; Vice President, James Volmar, of West Bend ; Recording Secretary, F. 0. 
Thorpe, of West Bend ; Corresponding Secretary, W. II. McCracken, of Barton ; Treasurer, 
William Rohn, of Jackson ; Executive Committee (in addition to the above, who were also mem- 
bers), George Ramsey, Silas Wheeler and F. W. Nolting ; General Committee, John Moran, 
West Bend ; Peter Frazer, Barton : James Rix, Polk ; Matthias Altenhofer, Kewaskum ; Lud- 
wig Joeckel, Jackson ; John Graham, Hartford ; Ulrich Senn, Wayne ; William A. Smith, 

Farmington ; John Sell, Addison ; I. E. Vandercook. Trenton ; James Kenealy, Erin ; 

Klurab. Germantown ; Peter Schulties, Richfield. 

The First Fair. — The first fair was held the week following the re-organization of the 
society, in the court house square at West Bend, December, 1858. Although somewhat insig- 
nificant in its display, and showing very diminutive prizes in comparison with the fairs now an- 
nually held by the society, it was a decided success and firmly established it in the interest of 
the farmers of the county. The whole amount paid for premiums was §81, and a prouder set of 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 371 

contestants never bore off the prizes from the Olympian games than those who won them at this 
first fair held in Washington County. The amounts won by the victorious contestants are not 
recorded, but their names and the character of their victories appear below : 

Glass No. 1. — Fruits and vegetables — Apples — David Jenner, first premium ; John Moran, 
second premium. Hungarian grass seed — Silas Wheeler, first premium. Corn — Ethan Maxon, 
first premium. Beans and potatoes — L. B. Root, first premium. Beets and carrots — Chauncy 
Gray, first premium. Peas — Ludwig Joeckel, first premium. Winter wheat — John Moran, first 
premium ; Ludwig Joeckel, second premium. Turnips — Andreas Werner, first premium. 

Class No. :3. — Swine — Silas Wheeler, best Lester boar, first premium ; James Geer, best 
Suffolk sow, first premium ; Archbacker & Bro., best barrow hog, first premium. 

Class No. 3. — The arts and mechanical productions — Pictures — Dinah Harrod, first pre- 
mium. Printing — Josiah T. Farrar, first premium. 

Class No. 4- — Domestic manufactures and household arts — Cheese — James E. Geer, first 
premium ; Casper Van Loon, second premium. Butter — Mrs. M. A. T. Farmer, first premium ; 
Mrs. William Wightman, second premium. Embroidery — Mrs. P. A. Weil, first premium ; Mrs. 
William Wightman, second premium. Knitting — Mrs. M. A. T. Farmer, first premium. Beer 
— Mayer Bros., first premium. Black-currant wine — Chauncy Gray, first premium. White- 
currant wine — John Findorf, first premium. Currant Jelly — Mrs. M. A. T. Farmer, first pre- 
mium. 

Clans No. 5. — Cattle and sheep — Durham cow — John Moran, first premium. Best fat ox 
—Mayer Bros., first premium. Native cows — James E. Geer, first premium. Durham bull- 
calf — John Moran, first premium ; Silas Wheeler, second premium. Heifer-calf — James E. 
Geer, first premium ; Silas Wheeler, second premium. Merino buck — James E. Geer, first 
premium ; Silas Wheeler, second premium. Leicester buck — William H. McCracken, first 
premium. Merino ewes — James Geer, first premium. Native bucks and ewes — James E. 
Geer, first premium. 

Class No. 6. — Horses — Stallion — Martin Loose, first premium. Native stallion — Ludwig 
Joekle, first premium. Black Hawk colt — Paul A. Weil, first premium. Morgan colt — Chris- 
topher Eckstein, first premium. Morgan six-year-old — John Rix, first premium ; William Rohn, 
second premium. Breeding mares — Messenger, seven years old — Ethan Maxon, first premium. 
Morgan, eight years old — William Rohn, first premium. Black Hawk, six years old — William 
Hamilton, first premium. Vermont Morgan — John Rix, first premium. Native — John Findorf, 
first premium. French — Carl Wilke, first premium. Two-year-old mares — French — Christo- 
pher Eckstein, first premium. Morgan — James Rix, first premium. Morgan-Black Hawk — 
John A. Rix, first premium. Messenger — William Rohn, first premium. Black Hawk — D. 
W. Maxon — first premium. Matched teams — Native — Peter Lars, first premium. Native, four 
years old — L. B. Root, first premium. Business, eight years old — J. A. Rix, first premium. 
Duroc — John Moran, first premium. Best pair of mules — William W. Verbeck, first premium. 

The Treasurer, at the close of the fair, reported all bills and premiums paid, and $24.58 left 
in the treasury. Thus was fairly started the most valuable farmers' auxiliary, which has grown 
to be the great nucleus of the agricultural progress, development and excellence, which now dis- 
tinguishes the county. Fairs have been held annually, with the exception of two years, since 
1858. There is no record of any for 1860. In 1861, October 8, 9, 10, the fair was held at 
Cedar Creek. In 1862, it was postponed, owing to the absorbing excitement incident to the 
war. Since that year it has been held in October, each year, at West Bend. 

The Grounds. — The first move for the providing of permanent grounds was made in the fall 
of 1856. A committee was appointed at that time to receive proposals for a proper tract, who 
reported, December 22, 1856, that it had received the following propositions : 

From H. J. Weil, a lot on Section 13, West Bend, at $100 per acre ; from John E. Mann, 
a lot in the town of West Bend, at $100 per acre ; from John Wagner, eighty acres for $3,500 ; 
from John Findorf, eighty acres for $4,200 ; from J. L. and J. A. Rix, twenty acres in the town 
of Polk, at $40 per acre. 



372 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

After some discussion and modification of the terms, it was decided to buy a tract from Mr. 
John Findorff. The society did not, however, promptly fulfill their obligations in the premises, 
and the trade fell through. The following entry on the records, made by Secretary George H. 
Kleffler, gives the conclusion of the whole matter : 

" The society having failed to comply with the conditions (to build a track and otherwise im- 
prove the grounds before receiving a deed) made by Mr. Findorff, and the agreement made be- 
tween him and the society, Mr. Findorff withdrew his offer, leaving the society, in regard to fair 
grounds, in its former status. Several meetings were afterward held, and, in March, 1867, the 
society was so fortunate as to buy twenty acres of land from Mr. II. J. Weil, adjoining the vil- 
lage of West Bend. A more beautiful tract of land could not have been acquired. The track is 
made, and two buildings up. It cost $1,500." 

The lot above described was conveyed to the society April 6, 1867, by Henry J. Weil and 
Catharine Weil, his wife, the consideration being $1,500. It embraces twenty acres, located on 
the southwest half of the southwest-quarter of Section 12. It is on the east side of the river, on 
a high level plat, about three-fourths of a mile northeast from the court house, and overlooking 
the village on the opposite side of the river. It has a fine track, is inclosed with a close fence, 
and is fitted up with a stand, buildings, booths, stalls and the other appointments of first-class 
fair grounds. Here the fairs of the society have been held annually, in October of each year, 
since its purchase, ''Fair Week," constituting the grand gala season of the farmers each year. 

The first fair held on the grounds, occurred on the 1st, 2d and 3d of October, 1857, and the 
speeding of horses was inaugurated, and has ever since been a leading feature of the fair. The 
prizes at the first races were won as follows : Running match — August Schmidtt. $20. Trot- 
ting match — S. J. Wilson, first prize, $40 ; H. Taylor, second prize, $25 ; S. J. Wilson, third 
prize, $15. 

The society is at present in a healthy condition. Its present officers (for 1880-81) are: 

George W. Jones, President, Jackson ; S. S. Barney, Secretary, West Bend ; Ernst Franck- 
enburg, Treasurer, West Bend. Vice Presidents, James Kenealy. Jr., Erin ; John Rosen- 
heimer, Schleisingerville ; Nic Marx, Wayne; William Stewart, Farmington ; J. T. Van Vech- 
ten, Kewaskum ; Valentine Dhein, Germantown ; John Pick, village of West Bend ; John 
Moran, Hartford; John Sell, Addison; Gottfried Rosenthal, Barton; William Coughlin, Tren- 
ton; C. A. Wilke, Town of West Bend; Frank Salter, Jackson; Alfred Rolfe, Polk; John 
Kessel, Richfield. 

WASHINGTON COUNTY OLD SETTLERS' CLUB. 

This club was organized at the Washington House, West Bend, January 16, 1875- The 
following constitution was reported and adopted, and the following officers elected: President, 
William Wightman ; Vice Presidents, Richard Rohn, J. T. Van Vechten, Willet Wescott ; 
Secretary, :». S.Barney; Treasurer, B. Goetter ; Marshal, Thomas Farmer; Executive Com- 
mittee, Paul A. Weil, Chairman; W. Rix, Alfred Rolfe, Charles Wilke, Peter Frazer. 

CONSTITTTIIIN. 

Ahticlk I. Any person of gooil, mora] character, who settled in Washington County prior to the 1st day of 
January, 1866, may become a member of the Old Settler's Club of Washington County by signing this constitution, 
and paying a matriculation fee of $1. 

II. Tin' officers of this club shall consist of a President, three Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer and Mar. 
shnl, and an Kxecutive Committee of five members. 

III. The ntlici'i s shall perform sued duties as usually devolve on such officers ; but all matters relating to the 
club shall be Under the control and management of the Kxecutive Committee. 

l\ The officers of the dab shall be elected by ballot on the 22d day of February in each year, except when 

that day shall fall .hi Sunday, in which case they shall be elected on B day within a week of said date, which day 
shall be appointed by the Kxecutive Committee, by giving notice through the papers of said county at least twenty 
days before BUCh meeting. 

V. The Kxecutive Committee shall give notice through the papers of the county and otherwise of the time 
selected for the funeral of the deceased members; and all members, if possible, Bhall Attend said funeral wearing the 
club badge. 

VI. Whenever twenty members have signed this constitution, they may elect the officers of the club, and 
otherwise organize the same. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 373 

VII. There shall be an annual festival gathering of this club on the same day as the annual meeting hereinto- 
fore provided for, which festival shall be under the general supervision of the officers of the club, and such sub- 
committees as they may appoint ; and the members of ihe family of the members of the club shall be allowed to attend 
such gatherings. 

VIII. This constitution may be amended at any regular annual meeting of the club, by a two-third vote of the 
members present at such meeting. 

The following amendment was adopted at a meeting of the club, held February 22, 1875 : 

The officers of this club shall consist of a President, one Vice President from each town and incorporated village 

in the county which shall be represented by a member or members in the club, a Secretary, Treasurer, Marshal and 

an Executive Committee of five members. 

Annual meetings are held February '22 of each year. Below is given the present roll of 
tcembers as kept on the record of the club : 

MEMBERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY OLD SETTLER'S CLUB. 

NAMES. DATE OF BIETH. PLACE OP NATIVITY. HATE OF 8ETTLEMFNT. 

"William Wightman June 20, 1798 Herkimer County, N. Y October 20, 184b. 

Leander F. Frisby June 19, 1825 Mesopotamia, Trumbull Co., Ohio October 1, 1850. 

Samuel S. Barney January 81, 1846 Hartford, Washington Co., Wis January 31, 1846. 

Paul A. Weil July 22, 1829 Besaneon, France June 4, 1846. 

William McHenry December 25, 1814 Kilkenny County, Ireland October 15, 1846. 

J. Potter, Jr December 25, 1821 Brookfield, Madison Co., N. Y March 1, 1849. 

George Sussenden April 15, 1812 Thombrane Parish, Kent Co., England April 15, 1852. 

Ananias Wescott January 8, 1832 Nichols, Tioga Co., N. Y May 8, 1853. 

John Shelley February 1, 1817 York, York Co., Penn January 7, 1854. 

Henry Glantz February 28, 1833 Mecklenburg, Schwerin January 10, 1855. 

Louis Miller August 11, 1823 Hanover November 5, 1845. 

John E. Derfus September 20, 1823 Hetzles, Bavaria December 20, 1843. 

Abraham L. Baer February 17, 1845 Strasbourg, France May 20, 1852. 

M. Hirsch December 24, 1829 Trimbach, France June 15, 1847. 

Charles H. Miller September 26, 1826 Doebeln, Saxony September 28, 1841. 

George W. Knapp June 27, 1831 Carmel, Putnam Co., N. Y May 15, 1846. 

T. W. Nolting June 22, 1822 Bremen, Germany July 11, 1845. 

James Garbadi February 20, 1827 Bremen, Germany January 15, 1854. 

Jacob T. Van Vechten May 8, 1823 Catskill, Green Co., N. Y August 20, 1846. 

Wareham V. Rix March 19, 1843 Canada April 15, 1845. 

John A. Rix December 26, 1834 Massachusetts April 15, 1845. 

Marvin Green October 26, 1808 Carmel, Putnam Co., N. Y May 16, 1849. 

Manson A. T. Farmer August 19, 1808 Edinburg, Saratoga Co., N. Y May 21, 1845. 

Reuben S. Rusco October 18, 1816 Onondaga County, N. Y November 5, 1846. 

Thomas Farmer October 27, 1838 Tioga County, N. Y May 21, 1845. 

B. S. Weil June 29, 1802 Strasbourg, France November 1, 1845. 

E. S. Weil February 4, 1847 Schleisingerville, Washington Co., Wis February 4, 1847. 

Casper Kehrl* December 31, 1809 Salzburg, Austria December — , 1856. 

Nic Schwinn November 20, 1825 Heltzweiler, Prussia October 10, 1848. 

Willet R. Wescott February 15, 1830 Tioga County, N. Y October 4, 1845. 

Thomas McHenry May 17, 1846 Jefferson County, N. Y October 15, 1846. 

Horace Hauer May 7,1819 Jefferson, Schoharie Co., N. Y November 10, 1845. 

N. A. Potter March 20, 1814 Pownell, Vt July 12, 1849. 

John A. Robinson April 25, 1815 Greenfield, Hillsboro Co., N. H February 22, 1854. 

John Thielges October 19, 1830 Rhine Province, Prussia July 5, 1852. 

William Rohn October 1, 1804 Leitmeritz, Austria September 10, 1846. 

J. W. Everly February 26, 1824 Dietlingen, Baden August 15, 1843. 

James Kenealy, Jr November 18, 1840 Boston, Mass August 15, 1843. 

Carl D. Wilke May 13, 1811 Lengefeld, Waldeck, Germany August 15, 1849. 

William Schroeder May 10, 1828 Lengefeld, Waldeck, Germany November 15, 1847. 

S. F. Mayer February 1, 1854 West Bend, Wis February 1, 1854. 

Andrew Pick July 4, 1851 Milwaukee, Wis July 4, 1851. 

C. H. Wilke January 15, 1841 Lengefeld, Waldeck, Germany August — ,1849. 

John Pickf March 9, 1849 Milwaukee, Wis March 9, 1849. 

John Reisse August 5, 1818 Hofgeismar, Germany May 15, 1848. 

Andrea Schmidt March 6, 1839 Worbis, Prussia October 15, 1852. 

J. R. Kohlsdorf. December 29, 1815 Breslau, Prussia July 1, 1853. 

Mrs. P. O'Meara December 15, 1850 West Bend, Wis December 15, 1850. 

* Casper Rehrl died in August, 1881. 
t John Pick died in August, 1881. 



374 HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

NAMES. DATE OF BIRTH. PLACE OF NATIVITY. DATE OF SETTLEMENT. 

Mary M. Goetz August 18, 1846 Detroit, Mich April 15, 1847. 

Nathaniel Emery December 21, 1827 Williamsburg, Canada East June 8, 1847. 

Julia E. Semler July 20, 1842 Dresden, Saxony October 4, 1847. . 

.Joseph Mann October 13, 1820 Randnitz, Austria.... /..August 10,1843 o..f,& 

Valentine Dhein August 25, 1823 Sechesbach, Germany August 28, 1842. 

H. G. Fischbein November 1, 1847 Saukville, Wis November 1, 1847. 

Francos M. Winkler June 20, 1840 Lima, Mich... October 20, 1846. 

G. E. Weiss March 26, 1820 Murenherg. Saxony October 1, 1847. 

Robert Salter* December 23, 1816 Ireland lune 18, 1846. 

Charles Wright September 12, 1822 Dutchess County, N. V May 20, 1855. 

Ferdinand Daegling September 24, 1810 Germany September 15. 1846. 

Samuel Ingalls September 12, 1822 Genesee County, N. V September 15, 1853. 

D. W. Maxon September 30, 1820 Oneida County, N. Y May 15, 1843. 

Glenwav Maxon December 1, 1851 Cedar Creek, Wis December 1, 1851. 

M. S. Fisohbein October 18, 1849 Saukville, Wis October 18, 1849. 

William little July 27, 1860 Ireland September 4, 1847. 

Daniel l>. Smith August 17, 1795 Washington County, N. Y September 4. 1847 

James Carrel May 15, 1822 Addison County, Vt May 15, 1851. 

Samuel Anderson November 22, 1815 Oneida County, N. Y September 20, 1845. 

Asa Varney June 16, 1816 Addison County, N. Y September 15, 1847. 

Sanford J. Wilson December 8, 1833 Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y November 18. 1S44. 

Richard C. Rohn April 22, 1834 Leitmeritz, Austria September 10, 1846. 

Peter Schwinn September 19, 1808 Saarlouis, Prussia July 10, 1845. 

Jacob Simon April 4, 1819 Saarlouis, Prussia April 15, 1844. 

William Siewart August 16, 1816 Perth County, Scotland October 15, 1846. 

11. Sohacht October 1. 1825 Eriegen. Curhessen September 1, 1850. 

Peter Bach July 24, 1827 Luxemborg September 14, 1848. 

Peter Boden July 25, 1829 Lorine, Prussia July 25, 1843. 

James Finnigan January 12, 1839 Ireland May 20, 1850. 

L. A. Clark April 3, 1824 Oswego County, X. Y January 27. 1846. 

J. B. Rusco April 26, 1822 Onondaga County, N. Y April 18, 1843. 

J. II. Meyers September 18, 1827 Trumbull County, Ohio November 15, 1 >47 

William Johnson February 27, 1818 Scipin. Cayuga Co., V V October 15, 1852 

I. V Frisby March 6, 1820 Mesopotamia, Ohio June — , 1860. 

William Clapham July 23, 1827 Lincolnshire, England November 1, 1855. 

Fred O. Rohn March 5, 1839 Leitmeritz, Austria September 10. 1846. 

John S. Songler April 8, 1821 Madison County. N. V October 18. 1846 

-Leopold Maim March 18, 1834 Roundnitz. Boehmen July 3, lS4f>. 

Frank Salter lune—, 1816 Scollan, Ireland lune 6, 1846. 

Gregory Cole May — , 1830 Scollan, Ireland May 8, 1849. 

Matthew F. Ililey lanuary 10, 18411 Washington County, Wis January 10, 1846 

Owen Hams July — , 1809 Ireland April 22, 1854. 

Dr. Otto Boesewetter February 18, 1840 (iermany November 10, 1855. 

Clara Arzbacher March 18, 1835 Germany April 1, 1852. 

R. B. Salter April 11, 1854 Jackson, Wis April 11, 1854. 

Fred Scheiber September 2, 1843 Rhenish Prussia September 2, 1847 

Peter Fraser February 12, 1819 Livingston County. X. V September 22, 1846. 

A. C. Fuge April 26, 1886 Tastunzen, Prussia June 20, 1M7 

P. T. Brissel November 5, 1822 Hesse-Darmstadt lune 4, 1848. 

A M. Thomson May 80, 1822 Pittsburgh, I'enn \pril 19, 1848 

P. W. Harns luly 8, 1849 Monroe County. N. V April 22, 1854 

Fred II. Haase June 5, 1831 Mecklenburg Schwerin, Germany February 20. 1856. 

John Clow February 3, 1808 Athens, Greene Co., X. Y lune 15, 1848. 

Andrew Martin lune 1,1880 Germany lune 26, 1853. 

Mrs. Lovina Frisby November 29, 1798 Castleton, Rutland Co., Vt September 20. 1848. 

Mr>. Joseph tltt lanuary 19, 1866 West Bend, Washington Co . Wis lanuary 19, 1855. 

Mrs. William Wightman October 8, 1808 East Avon, Livingston Co., X. Y October 20, L848 

Mr- E. L. Thomson February 7, 1822 Barre, Washington Co., Vt April 19, 1848. 

Henry Alhinger September 19. 1823 Cure Hessen October 15, 1844. 

Peter Walter January 28, 1832 Cure Hessen August 15, 1864. 

Martha E. Miller lugust 18, 1888 Lima. Mich October 20, 1846 

tails ft. Weil November 8, 1882 Angelica, N. Y October 1, 1861. 

Mary A. Frisby Ootober 20, 1848 ftllentown, l'enn 

Abagail A. Johnson Inly B, 1888 Bradford County, I'enn 

L. E. IngalN November 10, 1828 Genesee County, N. Y 

John Borenhcimer lune 25, 1847 Addison, Washington Co., Wis June 25, 1847 

• lU.l.rt Salter .llrd In Ncwbnrg, In 187C. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 375 

NAMES. DATE Or BIRTH. PLACE OF NATIVITY. DATE OF 6BTTLBMBNT. 

B. Goetter May 24, 1817 Hesse-Darmstadt August 15, 1846. 

Samuel S. Geiln March 27, 1839 Niederwiessen, Hesse-Darmstadt April 15, 1855. 

S. May March 10, 1816 Heppenheim, Hesse-Darmstadt.... September 16, 1853. 

William J. Le Count February 29, 1834 Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y June — , 1854. 

Charles Smith February 6, 1826 Hatfield. Mass September 1, 1845. 

E. Franckenberg ..November 1, 1827 Hanover, Germany March 1, 1856. 

William I. Timpleton November 26, 1848 Trenton, Washington Co., Wis November 26, 1848. 

Dorsey Smith September 13, 1850 New Berlin, Wis January 1, 1852. 

H. P. Eames November 29, 1815 Washington, Mass October 23, 1853. 

Frederick Roll May 5, 1819 Switzerland November 12, 1844. 

John Lacraft July 20, 1820 Toronto, Canada November 21, 1S47. 

M. L. Schwinn August 10, 1851 Farmington, Washington Co., Wis August 10, 1851. 

Damian Hirschboeck February 27, 1831 Bavaria April 1, 1855. 

Herman Gruhle May 30, 1832 Saxony, Germany May 1, 1849. 

J. R. Taylor March 28, 1813 Cayuga County, N. Y January 25, 1845. 

P. C. Schmidt, Jr May 17, 1853 Cincinnati, Ohio August 19, 1856. 

John Moran June 24, 1821 Gahel, King Co., Ireland September 13, 1850. 

B. S. Patten February 3, 1836 Elba, Genesee Co., N. Y September 6, 1856. 

Mrs. J. T. Van Vechten.... April 14, 1831 Syracuse, Onondaga Co., N. Y February 4, 1851. 

Mrs. H. P. Eames January 14, 1818 Peru, Berkshire Co., Mass October 23, 1853. 

Mrs. W. R. Wescott September 25, 1846 Wauwatosa, Wis September 15, 1847. 

Daniel W. Lynch November 15, 1847 Cedarburg, Wis November 15, 1847. 

Michael Bohan June 22, 1832 Tamplemore, Ireland May 25, 1846. 

Mrs. M. Lacraft August 14, 1825 Ashtabula, Ohio November 19, 1847. 

Mrs. E. C. Knapp August 28, 1843 Jordan, N. Y July—, 1849. 

Mrs. N. A. Potter May 27, 1819 Skaneateles. N. Y July — , 1849. 

Mrs. A. J. Wright June 29, 1827 Onondaga County, N. Y July 7, 1855. 

Mrs. N. N. Emery September 5, 1836 Livingston Co., N. Y October 14, 1846. 

Mrs. M. L. Rix November 19, 1847 Jackson, Washington Co., Wis , 1852. 

Mrs. Ellen S. Barney December 2, 1843 Mount Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y 

Mrs. Mary A. Fraser March 25, 1823 Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y March 2, 1854. 

Mrs. M. B.Potter February 27, 1827 Alexander, Genesee Co., N. Y March 1, 1849. 

Mrs. D. W. Maxon February 22, 1828 Catskill, N. Y August 27, 1837. 

Mrs. A. L. Wilke July 21, 1843 Saxony, Germany February 5, 1855. 

Mrs. A. H. Schroeder July 9, 1836 Saxony, Germany February 5, 1856. 

J. Ross Rice June 6, 1842 Medina County, Ohio May 4, 1855. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

There are at present three weekly papers published in the county — the West Bend 
Democrat, the West Bend Times and the Washington County Republican. 

The West Bend Democrat is the oldest paper in the county. It was started under the 
name of the Washington County Organ, soon after the organization of the county, some time 

during 1854, by Wentworth, a practical printer. In size, it was a small affair. Went- 

worth ran it with considerable ability, but also managed, in slang parlance, to " run it into the 
ground." Its good will, and a dilapidated subscription list, with a meagerly furnished printing 
office, was all that was left of it at the close of 1855. Isaiah T. Farrar and Mr. Fonda bought 
Wentworth out, and on its ruins started the Washington County Democrat, issuing the first 
number of the first volume of what is now the West Bend Democrat, January 1, 1856. So far 
as the proprietorship and editorship of the paper can be traced from the imperfect files still 
existing, and from the recollection of early settlers, it is as follows : Farrar & Fonda were the 
proprietors, and Farrar the editor, till January 14, 1861. At that time it appeared as the 
West Bend Post, and was run by Charles D. Waldo and Ed P. Kellogg, till March 25, when 
Jacob E. Mann bought an interest in the paper. Mann & Waldo owned and conducted it till 
January, 1863, when John E. Mann became the sole proprietor, and Erastus W. Root was em- 
ployed as editor. February 14, 1864, Waldo k Mann again became proprietors, and Jacob 
E. Mann assumed the editorship. In September, 1864, Mann sold out to Waldo, who ran it 
alone, as editor and proprietor, till 1866. At that time it was purchased by Maxon Hirsch, 
who remained its proprietor for a long time — nearly ten years. During his proprietorship, Mr. 
Paul A. Weil and Abram L. Baer were editors, and perhaps others. In 1875, Franckenberg 



376 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON 7 AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

& Walters bought the paper, and it appeared as the West Bend Democrat, Mr. William Walters 
becoming the editor. The paper was continued with varying success under that management 
till 1878, when Frankenburg retired. The publishing firm became at that time Walters k Mur- 
tha, Walters still remaining the editor. 

In March, 1880, a corporate company was formed under the style of the " Washington 
County Publishing Association." The proprietorship became vested in the company, and so- 
remains at present (1881). Mr. Walters remained the nominal editor till November 1~>. 1880. 
when Mr. Michael Bohan, an old citizen of the county, and a gentleman of more than ordinary 
ability, was called to the editorial management, which he still holds. The paper has ever been 
and still remains a stanch and sincere advocate of Democratic doctrines, and is, under its present 
management, ranked among the leading country papers of its political faith in the State. The 
first editor to establish the paper on a lasting basis was Isaiah T. Farrar. He was cut off in 
the midst of his usefulness. At a meeting of the Old Settlers' Club, held February 22, 1875, 
Dr. G. F. Hunt, in response to the toast, " The Press," paid him the following tribute : " The 
first paper established in the county was in 185-1, called the Washington County Organ, under 
the editorial charge of Mr. Wentworth. The paper soon passed into the hands of Mr. Farrar, 
who, by his industry, wit and editorial ability, raised the paper from an insignificant sheet to be 
one of the leading papers in the State, and an ornament and honor to the county. He possessed 
in an eminent degree those rare and natural endowments which every man must possess in order 
to make a paper readable, entertaining and instructive. Under his management the paper in- 
creased in circulation, gained in influence, and attained a wide celebrity. The paper which he 
did so much to put upon a sure footing, still lives, and is in a prosperous condition ; but Farrar, 
the wit, poet, versatile writer and whole-souled editor, has passed away. Consumption, that 
destroyer of so many literary lights of the world, fastened upon him in early manhood, and soon 
bore him away from among us." This paper furnished its full quota during the war. Three 
editors and eight compositors enlisted at different times. 

The West Bend Times is a young and promising candidate for journalistic favor. It was 
established June 3, 1880, by B. S. Potter and C. L. Powers. June* 27, 1881, Mr. Potter Bold 
his interest to his former partner, Mr. Powers, who is now the sole proprietor. Mr. C. L. Pow- 
ers has had the editorial management since its establishment, and to his literary and journalistic 
ability its rapid growth in favor is to be entirely attributed. Its present circulation places it on 
a paying basis not often achieved by a new paper in so short a time. It is Democratic in its poli- 
tics, and has all the brilliant possibilities of success before it that its warmest friends could wish. 
Its history is to be written in the years to come. 

The Washington County Republican, the only Republican paper in the county, is now 
published in Hartford. It was first established in West Bend under the name of the Wesl Bend 
Republican, September 13, 1872. and was edited by S. S. lJarney. The proprietorship became 
vested in a corporate company styled " The West Bend Publishing Association." From Jan- 
uary 9 to June 12, 1874. Dr. G. F. Hunt was its editor. At the latter date. Mr. William 
George purchased an interest in the paper and became its editor. July 21, 187(1, having be- 
come the leading proprietor, he removed the office to Hartford, where he has continued the pub- 
lication up to the present time. At the time of its removal, it assumed the name it has since 
borne, the Washington County Republican. It has ever been a stanch supporter of the doc- 
trines and measures of the Republican party, and is the favorite local paper in the western part 
of Washington and the eastern part of Dodge Counties. 

Several papers not now in existence have at times flourished and had their day within the 
bounds of the county. 

The Home League was started in Hartford early in 1861, by Hon. A. M. Thompson. As 
Stated in the prospectus, it was "devoted to the interests of the six thousand railroad farm mort- 
gagors of Wisconsin ; the friend of labor, and the uncompromising foe of swindling corpora- 
tions." It was conducted with signal ability and attained a wide circulation, not only in the 
county but in all parts of the State where the evil of farm mortgages existed. It ceased to ex- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES 



377 



ist after the questions which it had discussed had been decided by the courts and further cham- 
pionship of the lost cause was useless. Mr. A. M. Thompson, who has since gained so wide- 
spread and favorable reputation as an editorial writer on the Janesville Gazette, Milwaukee 
Sentinel, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Journal, won his first laurels on this modest little 
paper, devoted to the interests of a deceived, swindled and helpless class of his fellow-citizens. 

Several attempts have been made to establish German papers in the county, but they have 
not resulted in permanent success. A paper was started in 1858, by Gustav Grahl, in West 
Bend— the Pharnix. It lasted about one year. 

Mr. Hirsch also published a German paper for a year or two, in connection with the West 
Bend Post, during his proprietorship of that paper. He had some extraneous help from county 
advertising and other sources, it being the only German paper in the county, but with all it did 
not prove a paying enterprise, and was abandoned after a trial of two years. John G. Lever 
was at one time connected with this paper as an editor. 

In August, 1861, Mr. F. Orthwein started a German paper— the West Bend Democrat. 
He gave up his paper in September and joined the army. 

SCHOOLS. 

The county system of school supervision was inaugurated in 1861. The first County 
School Supervisor elected at that time was Frederick Regenfuss, an old teacher, who had been 
intimately connected with the schools of the county prior to that time. He held the position 
uninterruptedly for fourteen years, and under his administration brought the schools of the 
county to a high grade of efficiency. In 1875, he was succeeded by S. S. Barney, under whose 
successful direction the schools remained for four years. He was succeeded by James Finnegan, 
the present incumbent. 

Teachers Institutes. — There has never been a Normal School in the county. The teachers 
have for many years received their special training at teachers' institutes, which are held annu- 
ally during the summer vacation, and are fully attended by the teachers and those being educated 
for that profession. They have become a part of the school system of the county, and annual 
reports of their success are embodied in the report of the County School Superintendent. 

The schools of the county are conducted thoroughly under the State common school system, 
under the direct supervision of a County Superintendent. The following summary of the report 
of the County Superintendent, Mr. James Finnegan, to the State Superintendent, made in 
August, 1880, gives full and reliable data on the educational affairs of the county : 



NUMBER OF SCHOOL 


DISTRICTS, SCHOLARS, TEACHERS 


AND RATE OF 


WAGES. 








School 
Dists. 


No. of.Schhlars Between 

THE AGES OF 4 AND 20. 


No. of Teachers. 


Av. Monthly 

Waoeb 
of Teachers. 


'o 

■si 

a" 

« 
U. 


Private Schools. 


TOWNS AND VILLAGES. 


u 

d 
ft. 




d 

a 


O 

a 

Eh 


3 

o 


3 


d 

| 


"3 
o 


d 

a 


S 

ID 

fa 


a 


O 


dl 

EH 




4 


7 


385 
24a 
254 
355 
431 
515 
368 
279 
352 
365 
448 
3«7 
180 
199 
79 


328 
288 
237 
336 

375 

4.-,;: 

398 
268 
328 
318 
402 
338 
189 
195 
45 


713 
528 
4 1 
(i'.ll 
806 
968 
766 
547 
680 
683 
850 
675 
367 
394 
124 


6 
3 
1 
7 
5 
8 
4 
2 
10 
7 
3 
7 
3 
1 
1 


o 
5 
8 
8 
6 
7 
6 
6 
4 
2 
12 
2 
4 
4 


7 
8 
'. 

I.". 

11 

1.". 

10 
8 

14 
9 

15 
9 
7 
6 
1 


$34 80 
37 50 
30 00 
35 00 
35 00 
40 33 
32 25 
42 50 

35 24 

36 6K 

37 35 
30 12 
35 50 
80 00 
45 00 


$23 33 
26 66 
21 20 
19 00 
25 00 




3 
5 


128 
137 


4 




5 5 


5 


Erin 


6 
6 

1 
6 
2 

1 


4 

6 
9 
li 
8 
5 

10 
4 
4 
5 
3 
1 
1 




1 










1 
2 


45 
49 


1 




20 80 1 


2 




2a 20 
20 57 

20 30 
18 00 

23 50 

24 00 

21 83 








1 


4 

2 


12 


5 


Polk 


2 


Richfield 


7 
8 
5 
6 








1 
3 
1 
2 
1 


44 

27 
56 
20 


1 


Wayne 


3 


West Bend 


1 


West Bend (village) 


29 00 


3 


Schleisineerville (village) 






1 


1 










County totals and averages 






4787 


4498 


9285 


67 


76 


143 


.$39 15 


$21 02 


4 


23 


613 


98 









378 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



VALUE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY AND YEARLY EXPENDITURE. 



TOWNS AND VILLAGES. 


5 

Q 

m 
"3 


■- 

c 
« 
o 

1£ 
o 
C 

S 

o 
= 

B 

6 
4 
2 
4 
4 
3 
■1 
8 
8 
5 
5 
2 
4 
2 


Q 

C . 
O CD 
■- t* 

= a 
SB 
d — 
> - 
B 

,a 
■ 
■ 


CO 

s 



a 
o 

"S 

=3 

S 


£ 

& 
< 

no 

Si 

!»■ 

I 


Totul Cash Value 


— 
3 

5 = r 

--; 
t 8" 

3a 




7 
5 
4 
8 

10 
8 
8 
6 

10 
7 
9 
8 
6 
2 
1 


$6,670 
6,678 
2,300 
O.o:,o 
3,700 

10,450 
4,550 
5,650 
8,250 
6,050 
5,500 
3,100 
2,476 
o, mm 
400 


$325 
::s ( i 
115 
325 
750 

1,150 
520 
(90 
390 
225 
450 
225 
150 

1,000 
150 


$262 
210 
140 
152 

976 

630 
323 
236 
683 
340 
535 
512 
240 

1 .000 
150 


$7,157 

7,208 
2,555 
7,127 
5,425 
12.230 
5,893 
0.270 
9,328 
6,615 ; 
6,485 
8,887 
2,865 
N.OOtl 
700 


$1,554 17 




1,283 09 




1,186 41 




2,226 36 




2.SI2 91 




4,245 55 




1,975 94 




2,04m 64 




2,913 87 




1,9! 6 16 




2,098 76 




1.733 99 




971 82 




l,92i 08 




459 76 








99 


54 


, r7 „ ._,._,; 


|6 645 


$6,388 


$91,256 


$29,422 28 







CO0NTY GOVERNMENT SUPERVISORS AND OTHER COUNTY OFFICERS, 1853 TO 1862. 



TOWNS. 



Erin 

Hartford 

Wayne 

Kiwaskum 

Newark ( 1854, Bai ton 

Weal Bend 

Polk 

Richfield 

Germantown 

Jackson 

Trenton 

Farmington 

Addison 

rs — 

Presidents 

Clerks 

Treasurers 

Registers of Deeds 



1853-54. 



1854-55. 



Charles Lynch 

Timothy Hall 

Conrad Schleisher 

B. Spinharney 

W. P. Barnes 

B. S. Weil 

D. W. Maxnn 

Michael Fahey 

Philip Zimmerman 

William Kohn 

S. II Vati'ler look 

0. D. Norton 

i lhauncey Uray 



Timothy Hall 

Jesse II. Myers.... 
John Pitzpatrick.. 
\ dam Schantz 



John Whales 

tlustav Streckwald 

Ludnig Slyer 

D. C. Bowen 

M. L. Helaney 

Walter Deruinon.. 

lames Rolf. 

Thomas Hayes 

P. Zimmerman 

Wm. Kohn 

3. H. Vander < ',,<,k 
I '. w. Detmering... 
Chaunoy Gray 



1855-56. 



Henry Wier 

Gustav Streckwald 
k Connely... 
William B >. den.. 

M. L. Delaney 

John Findorff 

Thomas Jenner 

Thomas Hayes 

v. Sohaetzel 

James Pagan 

T. K. Vander Cook 

Norman Terrill 

Michael Lonergan 



1856-57. 



is:, 7 :.s 



M. I.. Deleaney. 



Joseph Blnapp.. 

Adam Schantz . 



. James Pagan.... 
. Chaunoy Gray. 

. I ), K'Ullman.... 

John Reu te 



James Murphy — 

Gustav Streckwald 
Patrick Connely... 
William Borden... 

Paul \. Weil 

Charles l'fening... 

Thomas Jenner 

John Kelly 

Fred Krueger 

Jai Pagan 

T. E. Vander Cook 
George Ramsej 
Michael Lonergan 

i Iustav Streckwald 
Chaunoy Gray 

A. Kauffman 



James Kenealy. 
Pranois Fitzgerald. 

Ulrich Senn. 
\l. Altenhofen. 
John Keisse. 
James Vollmar. 
Thomas Jenner. 
Leonard Brugger. 
Fred Krueger. 
James Pagan. 
P. E Vander Cook. 
George Ramsey. 
Adam Schantz. 

George Ramsey. 
i lhaunoy Gray. 
George Etegenfuas. 



lohn lleisse George [ppel. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



381 



TOWNS. 



Erin 

Hartford 

Wayne 

Kewaskum 

Barton 

West Bend 

Polk 

Richfield 

Germantown 

Jackson 

Trenton 

Farmington 

Addison 

Officers — 

Presidents 

Clerks 

Treasurers 

Registers of Deeds. 



1858-59. 



Thomas Berry 

Gustav Streckwald 

George Kiefer 

Mathias Altenhofen... 

John Reisse 

Christopher Eckstein. 

Paul A. Weil 

Michael Malloy 

Fred Krueger 

Charles Milbraith 

Tisdel E. Vander Cook 

E. A. Duncan 

Adam Schantz 



Paul A. Weil 

Chauncy Gray 

George Regenfuss. 
Peter Schulteis. ... 



1859-60. 



Bernard Kelly 

Gustav Streckwald 

George Kiefer 

Mathias Altenhofen 

M. L. Delaney 

George Ippel 

D. W. Maxon 

Michael Malloy 

Val Schaetzel 

Charles Milbraith 

Tisdel E. Vander Cook. 

William Stewart 

Adam Schantz 



M. L. Delaney... 

Daniel Bohan 

Ludwig Joeckel. 
Peter Schulteis.. 



lsr.o f,!. 



William Foley 

Timothy Hall 

George Kiefer 

Philip Smith 

John Reisse 

George Ippel 

John Woolfitt 

John Kessell 

George Beyer 

Charles Milbraith.... 
Tisdel E. Vander Cook 

George Ramsey 

Adam Schantz 



1861-62. 



George Ramsey.. 
Daniel Bohan...., 
Ludwig Joeckel. 
Iuco Bertschy.... 



William Scollard. 
Luzerne Frost. 
George Kiefer. 
Philip Smith. 
John Reisse. 
George Ippel. 
John Metz. 
John Kessell, Jr. 
George Beyer. 
James Fagan. 
Tisdel E Vander Cook. 
Stephen Wescott. 
Adam Schantz. 

Adam Schantz. 
Michael Bohan. 
Sebastian Koenig. 
Iuco Bertschy. 



The law was changed throughout the State in 1862, whereby the government of the county 
was put into the hands of a Board of Commissioners, numbering one from each Assembly Dis- 
trict, and one from each ward of each incorporated village and city in the county. Under the 
new law the Commissioners were as follows : 

COMMISSIONERS AND OTHER COUNTY OFFICERS, 1862 TO 1870. 



1862-63 J 

1863-64... 
1864-65 J 

1865-66... 
1866-67 < 

.J 



1867-68 
1868-69 
1869-70 



Commissioners. 



District. 









Third 






James Kenealy 


First 


Philip Schneider 


Third 




First 








Third.... 


Herman Sternman 




Ferdinand Bublitz.... 
L. E. Peck 


Third 
First 






Ferd Bublitz 


Third.... 




First 






F. Bublitz 


Third 



James Kenealy. 
James Kenealy. 
James Kenealy. 
James Kenealy. 
James Fagan... 

H. Sterneman.. 

L. E. Peck 



John G. Liver.. 



Michael 
Michael 
Michael 
Michael 
Michael 

Michael 

Michael 

Michael 



Bohan 
Bohan 
Bohan 
Bohan 
Bohan 

Bohan 

Bohan. 

Bohan 



Sebastian Koenig 

Lorenc Gulh 

Loernc Guth 

Nic Theissen 

Nic Theissen 

Albert Semler 

Albert Semler 

Albert Semler 



Begisters of Deeds, 



Charles H Miller. 
Charles H. Miller. 
John Dettling. 
John Dettling. 
Valentine Dettling 

Valentine Dettling 

Valentine Dettling 

Valentine Dettling 



"Died in office; succeeded by Philip Zimmerman. 



fSeat contested by L. E. Peck; Bion retired to save expense. 



382 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



The law was again changed and the old form of government adopted, giving each town 
and village a representative in the County Board through the Chairman of its Board of Super- 
visors. The first meeting of the board under the new law was held November 15, 1870. The 
law has remained unchanged since, and the officers and Supervisors of the County Board have 
been as follows : 

SUPERVISORS AND OTHER COUNTY OFFICERS, 1870 TO 1881. 



TOWNS. 



Addison 

Wayne 

Rich6eld 

Polk 

West Bend 

West Bend (vill'ge 

Barton 

Kewaskum 

Germantown 

Trenton 

Farmington 

Erin 

Hartford 

Schleisingerville 

(village) 

.Jackson 

Officers — 

Chairmen 

Clerks 

Treasurers 

Registers of Deeds 



1870-71. 



Adam Schantz.. 
Ulrich Senn.... 

John Kessel 

Fred. Anspach. 
J. A. Robinson. 

— Potter 

M. L. Delaney. 
George Sohleif 

Geo. Beyer 

Jer. Riordan.... 
P. Schneider... 
Wm. Scollard.... 
L. E. Peck 



J. Toll 

Ferd Bublitz. 



M. L. Delaney.. 

M. Bohan 

A. Semler 

Francis Noll.... 



1871-72. 



Adam Schantz.. 

Ulrich Senn 

John Kessel 

Nicholas Grau.. 
Lud. Findorff.. 
John Shelley... 
M. L. Delaney . 
Philip Schmidt. 
George Beyer.. 

J. Riordan 

P. Schneider.... 
Thos. O'Neil.... 
John Simon 



J. Rosenheimer 
Ferd Bublitz... 



Adam Schantz... 
George Ott.... 

A. Semler 

Francis Noll. 



1872-73. 



1873-74. 



Adam Schantz... Adam Schantz. 

Ulrich Senn Ulrich Senn 

John Kessel Michael Fahey. 

Nicholas Grau... Nicholas Grau.. 

Lud Findorff L. Findorff 

John Shelley lohn Shelley... 

M. L. Delaney. ...M. L. Delaney.. 
Philip Schmidt.. James Carrell.. 

George Beyer Fred Kreuger.. 

D. Steuerwaldt.. J. Hiordan 

P. Schneider P. Schneider.... 

Thomas O'Neil.. Wm. Scollard... 
John Simon John Simon 



.1. Rosenheimer. H Sternemann. 
Ferd Bublitz Herman Koepke 



George Beyer.... P. Schneider- 
George Ott Joseph ( itt.... 

A. Semler A. Semler 

Francis Noll Francis Noll.. 



1874-T.V 



Adam Schantz.. 

Ulrich Senn 

Miohael Fahey. 
Nicholas Grau.. 

L. Findorff 

John Shelley... 
John Kapfer.... 
James Carrell.. 
Fred Kreuger.. 
Jacob Harmes.. 
P. Schneider... 
Wm. Scollard.. 
John Schroeder 

H. Sternemann. 
Herman Koepke 

Adam Schantz. 

Joseph Ott 

A. Semler 

A. Schmidt 



1875-76. 



John Wolf. 
Ulrich Senn. 
Michael Fahey. 
Nicholas Grau. 

I.. Findorff. 
John Shelley. 
Martin Gayhart. 
James Carrell. 
Fred Kreuger. 
Jacob Harmes. 
P. Schneider, 
lames Murphy. 
John Schroeder. 

II. Sternemann. 
H. Koepke. 

P. Schneider. 
Joseph Ott. 
A. Semler. 
A. Schmidt. 



TOWNS. 



Addison 

Wayne 

Richfield 

Polk 

West Bend 

West Bend (village)... 

Barton 

Kewaskum 

Germantown 

Trenton 

Farmington 

Erin 

Hartford 

Schleisingerville (vil 

lage) 

Jackson 

Officers — 

Chairmen 

Clerks 

Treasurers 

Registers of Deeds , 



is;.; 77. 



John Wolf. 

John L. Koerber .. 

Michael Fahey 

Jacob Brissel 

Ludwig Findorf... 

John Shelley 

John Kapfer 

.lames Carrell 

Fred Krueger 

Jacob Harmes 

Philip Schneider .. 

James Murphy 

John Schroeder. . 

n Sternemann 

Herman Koepke... 

Philip Sohneider. 

Joseph ott 

Peter Weimer 
Andrew Schmidt.. 



1877 78. 



John Wolf. 

John I.. Koerber. 

John Kessel 

Jacob Iirissel 

Louis Miller. 

Geo. II. Kleffler.. 

Fred Kluver 

James Carrell 

Fred Krueger 

.I:n'.. Ii I lanncs 

F. C Schuler 

James Murphy.... 
John Schroeder.. 

John Rosenheimer 
Herman Koepke 



James Carrell 

Joseph Ott 

I'eter Weimer 

Andrew Schmidt . 



1878-79. 



William Rusch.... 

Ulrich Senn 

John Kessel 

Jacob Brissel 

Louis Miller 

John Shelley 

Fred Kluver 

James I 'arrell 

Fred Krueger 

Jeremiah Riordan 

F. C. Schuler 

Jamet Murphy.... 
F. Hildebrandl ... 



J. Rosenheimer.. 
Herman Koepka. 



James Carrell 

Joseph I lit 

Peter Weimer 

Andrew Schmidt . 



1879-80. 



William Rusch.... 

Ulrich Senn 

Andrew Emus .... 
Philip J. Bissell.. 
Francis Ganzel.. . 

John Pick 

J'red Kluver 

James Carrell 

Valentine Dhein. . 

Jacob Harmes 

I-". C. Schuler 

Miohael Fahey.... 

lohn Schroeder.. 



J. Rosenheimer ... 
Herman Koepke.. 



James Carrell 

Joseph Ott 

Fred Krueger 

Andrew Sclnni.lt. 



1880-81. 



William Rusch. 
Ulrich Senn. 
Andrew Ennis. 
John Koch. 
Francis Ganzel. 
John Shelley. 
Martin Gayhart. 
James Carrell. 
in Goelzer. 
Jacob Harmes. 
F. C. Schuler. 
John Murphy. 
John Schroeder. 

J. Rosenheimer. 
Herman Koepke. 

James Carrell. 
Joseph Ott. 
Fred Krueger. 
Hugo Koenen. 



• P. Wplmor iippoliit'-'l in | i . f scml'-i, *> lm (Icfuultnl. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



383 



THE COURT. 

Judges of the Circuit Court, Third circuit, and officers of the Court for Washington 
County, from 1853 to 1881. (Terms of office commence January 1, succeeding date of elec- 
tion. Judges' term, six years ; officers, two years.) 



Date of 
Election.* 


Judges. 


District Attorneys. 


Sheriffs. 


Clerks cf the Court. 


1853 




John Shelly 


B. Spinharney 

Joseph Schanlz, Jr 


Patrick Toland 


1854 


Frederick 0. Thorp 


Patrick Toland. 


1856 


Patrick Toland. 


1857 








1858.... 




Edmund Neff 




George H. Kleffler. 
George H. Kleffler. 
George H. Kleffler. 


1860 


Edmund Neff 


1862 


Paul A. Weil 


1864 




Paul A. Weil 




1866 




Paul A. Weil 


William H McCrucken 


1867 






George H. Kleffler. ?. 
James Kenealy, Jr. 
James Kenealy, Jr. 
James Ketealy, Jr. 
James Kenealy, Jr. 
James Kenealy, Jr. 
M 1' Bix 


1868 








1870 








1872 


David J. Pulling 






1874 


Patrick O'Meara 




1876 




Peter Boden 


1878 




Patrick O'Meara 


1880 




M. P. Rix 











In the winter of 1881, a new Judicial Circuit was created by the Legislature, embracing 
the counties of Dodge, Washington and Ozaukee. It is known as the Thirteenth Circuit. Hon. 
A. Scott Sloan has been elected Judge of the Circuit, and will enter on his judicial duties Jan- 
uary 1, 1882. 

COUNTY COURT. 

The probate business of the county, from its organization to the present time, has been ably 
and honestly conducted, but few changes having occurred. The County Judges have been : 
George C. Williams, who served till the election of John Shelly in the spring of 1857, when he 
resigned, and L. F. Frisby was appointed, serving till Mr. Shelby's official term commenced, 
January 1, 1858. Judge Shelly will, on the expiration of his present term, December 31, 1881. 
have held the office continuously for twenty-four years. That he has been a just Judge, in th& 
strictest sense of the term, is unquestionably proven by his long term of service and his many 
re-elections by the people whose interests he has so faithfully subserved. He retires full uf hon- 
ors, and universally respected and beloved. His successor is Hon. H. W. Sawyer, of Hartford, 
whose official term will begin January 1, 1882. 

LEGISLATORS. 

Since the division of the county, new apportionments for representation in the State Legisla- 
ture have been made every five years. The changes in the county representation have been as 
follows : 

1856 — Senatorial District No. 4 — Washington County alone. Assembly District No. 1 — 
Erin, Hartford, Addison and Wayne. Assembly District No. 2 — Richfield, Polk, West Bend, 
Barton and Kewaskum. Assembly District No. 3 — Germantown, Jackson, Trenton and Farm- 
ington. 

1861 — Senatorial and Assembly Districts unchanged. 

1866 — Senatorial District unchanged. Assembly District No. 1 — Wayne, Addison, Ke- 
waskum, Barton, West Bend, Farmington and Trenton. Assembly District No. 2 — Hartford, 
Polk, Jackson, Erin, Richfield and Germantown. 

* Judges elected in April, County Officers in November. 

t Incumbent of the office at the time the county was organized. 

j Sloan whs appointed to fill vacancy on the resignation of Larabee, who was elected to Congress in the fall of 1858. 

2 Kleffler elected at a special election in May, McCracken not qualifying. 



384 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

1871 — Senatorial District made to comprise the two counties of Ozaukee and Washington, 
and numbered 33. Assembly Districts unchanged. 

1876 — No change in representation. 

1881— No change. 

The following list embraces the names and post office addresses of' all who have served in 
either branch of the State Legislature since the organization of the county : 

1851 — Senate — Balthus Mantz, Meeker. Assembly — Adam Schantz, Addison ; Philipp 
Zimmerman, Germantown. 

1855 — Senate — James Rolf, Jackson. Assembly — Mitchell L. Delaney, Barton ; Byron 
Smith, Erin. 

1856 — Senate — Baruch S. Weil, Schleisingerville. Assembly — Thomas Hanes, Richfield ; 
John Sell, Addison. 

1857 — Senate — Baruch S. Weil, Schleisingerville. Assembly — Hopewell Coxe, Hartford; 
James Vollmar, West Bend ; James Fagan, Cedarburg. 

1858 — Senate — D. W. Maxon, Cedar Creek. Assembly — James Kenealy, Erin ; Paul A. 
Weil, Richfield ; Charles W. Detmering, Newburg. 

1859 — Senate — D. W. Maxon, Cedar Creek. Assembly — Gustav Streckewald, Hartford ; 
James Vollmar, West Bend; Philip Zimmerman, Staatsville. 

1860 — Senate — D. W. Maxon, Cedar Creek. Assembly — George Kiefer, Nenno ; Mathias 
Altenhofen, Kewaskum ; T. E. Vander Cook, Newburg. 

1861 — Senate — D. W. Maxon, Cedar Creek. Assembly — Nathan Tucker, Hartford ; Le- 
ander F. Frisby, West Bend ; Valentine Schaetzel, Menomonee Falls. 

1862 — Senate — Fred 0. Thorp, West Bend ; Assembly — Thomas Barry, Erin ; Michael 
Maloy, Richfield ; Robert Salter, Newburg. 

1863 — Senate — Fred 0. Thorp, West Bend. Assembly — Adam Schantz, Addison ; Henry 
Hildebrandt, Station ; Martin Schottler, Staatsville. 

1864 — Senate — Fred 0. Thorp, West Bend. Assembly — Nicolaus Marx, Wayne ; Henry 
Hildebrandt, Station ; Martin Schottler, Staatsville. 

1865— Senate— Fred 0. Thorp, West Bend. Assembly — George C. Williams, Hartford ; 
Mitchell Tj. Delaney, Barton ; Ernst Franckenberg, Newburg. 

1866 — Senate — Fred 0. Thorp, West Bend. Assembly — James Kenealy, Erin ; Mitchell 
L. Delaney, Barton ; Philip Schneider, Barton. 

1867— Senate — Fred 0. Thorp, West Bend. Assembly — Charles H. Miller, West Bend ; 
Densmore W. Maxon, Cedar Creek. 

1868 — Senate — Adam Schantz, Addison. Assembly — George H. Kleffler, West Bend ; 
Densmore W. Maxon, Cedar Creek. 

1869 — Senate — Adam Schantz, Addison. Assembly — John Kastler, Wayne ; Densmore 
W. Maxon, Cedar Creek. 

1870 — Senate — Adam Schantz, Addison. Assembly — Henry V. R. Wilmot, Newburg ; 
Densmore W. Maxon, Cedar Creek. 

1871 — Senate — Adam Schantz, Addison. Assembly — Baruch S. Weil, Schleisingerville; 
Densmore W. Maxon, Cedar Creek. 

1872 — Senate — Senator from Ozaukee. Assembly — Densmore W. Maxon, Cedar Creek ; 
Baruch S. Weil, Schleisingerville. 

1873 — Senate — Adam Schantz, Addison. Assembly — Hiram W. Sawyer, Hartford ; Ba- 
ruch S. Weil, Schleisingerville. 

1874 — Senate — Adam Schantz, Addison. Assembly — Hiram W. Sawyer, Hartford ; 
Jeremiah Riordan, West Bend. 

1875 — Senate — Gilead J. Wilmot, West Bend. Assembly — Andrew Martin, Reisville ; 
Philip Schneider, Barton. 

1876 — Senate — Gilead J. Wilmot, West Bend. Assembly — Andrew Martin, Reisville; 
Philip Schneider, Barton. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



385 



1877 — Senate — Philip Schneider, Barton. Assembly — Frank Fitzgerald, Hartford ; Nic- 
olaus Marx, Kohlsville. 

1878 — Senate — Philip Schneider, Barton. Assembly — Cornelius Coughlin, West Bend; 
William Scollard, Hartford. 

1879 — Senate — Senator from Ozaukee. Assemby — J. H. Muckerheide, Kewaskum ; John 
G. Frank, Jackson. 

1880 — Senate — Senator from Ozaukee. Assembly — Jacob C. Place, Hartford ; Baruch 
S. Weil, West Bend. 

1881 — Senate — George F. Hunt, West Bend. Assembly — John F. Schwalbach, German- 
town ; Joseph W. Holehouse, Barton. 

GROWTH IN WEALTH. 

The following table shows the total number of acres ami the valuation as reported by the 
Boards of Equalization, for the years designated (1853 to 1868 inclusive): 



YEARS. 


Total No. of Acres. 


Valuation of Real 
Estate. 


Village Property. 


Personal Property. 


TotAl Valuation. 


1853 


264028 


$473405 


$21181 


SI 2900 


5507486 


1854 


267831 


499372 


28020 


16585 


543977 


1855 


267660 


556804 


35847 


20113 


612764 


1856 


270557 


697390 


40020 


30699 


768109 


1857 


273307 


1233966 


48699 


34395 


1317060 


1858 


272687 


2974481 


240217 


536100 


3750798 


1859 


272573 


3082259 


221847 


253>-05 


3557911 


1860 


272573 


3094934 


230601 


582743 


3908278 


1861 


273771 


2930972 


199302 


536994 


3667268 


1862 


273771 


2945848 


202671 


462235 


3610754 


1863 


268527 


2858009 


202649 


437323 


3497981 


1864 


268978 


2882417 


202669 


531060 


3616146 


1865 


270423 


2783772 


235169 


523669 


3542610 


1866 


270423 


2783772 


235169 


552903 


3571844 


1867 


271417 


3363468 


261018 


t,7.131 


4299617 


1868 


270358 


3352774 


274040 


675131 


4301945 



Since 1868, the records of the Board of Equalization do not separate the village property 
from the other real estate. 



TABLE SHOWING THE COUNTY TAXES FOR TWENTY YEARS. 



YEAR. 


State Tax. 


County Tax. 


School Tax. 


Total Amount. 


1861 


$6922 05 
11913 49 

8293 58 
18632 15 
19034 57 

6530 70 
12496 15 
10381 26 
10082 98 
11940 25 
10808 49 
13266 61 
11773 77 
10222 73 
11410 00 
12647 38 
11133 10 
14078 69 
11765 49 
16045 48 


$8000 00 
7000 00 
6000 00 
9316 08 
11000 00 
16600 00 
23000 00 
20300 00 
12750 00 
13350 00 
13912 00 
14450 00 
14800 00 
14000 00 
13650 00 
10000 00 
12075 00 
10380 00 
12010 00 
11805 00 


$3121 28 
3771 28 
4146 79 
4658 04 
5000 00 
6500 00 
7100 00 
7100 00 
7100 00 
7100 00 
7100 00 
5900 00 
5900 00 
6900 00 
6900 00 
6900 00 
6900 00 
6900 00 
■ 6800 00 
6800 00 


$18043 33 


1862 


22684 77 


1863 


18440 37 


1864 


32606 27 


1865 


35034 67 


1866 


29630 70 


1867 


42596 15 


1868 


37781 26 


1869 


29932 98 


1870 


32390 25 


1871 


31820 49 


1872 


33616 61 


1873 


32473 77 


1874 


31122 73 


1875 


31960 00 


1876 

1877 


29547 38 
30108 10 


1878 


31358 69 


1879 


30575 49 


1880 


34660 48 



086 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



Below is given the valuation of real estate and personal property as appears on the county 
records, from 1868 to 1880. 



YEAH. 


Real Estate. 


Personal Propertj. 


Total Valuation. 


1869 






$4304700 


1870 


58961771 


$1 148037 


5109778 


1871 


5545000 


1872 




5546000 


1873 


4408000 


1195000 


5598000 


1874 


5536000 


1875 






5561000 


1876 


4:541000 
4346000 
6697008 

6005000 
6105000 


1239000 
1238000 
1725000 
1350000 
1385000 


5880000 


L877 


5584000 


1878 : 


7422000 


1879 


7355000 


1880 


7490000 







TABLE SHOWING INCREASE IN VALUATION OF TOWNS FROM 1853 TO 1880. 

1853, 1--". 
TOWNS AND VILLAGES. Total Valuation. Total Valuation. 

Erin $35,266 $475,000 

Hartford 49,836 820,000 

Addison 40,475 615,000 

Wayne 32,232 570,000 

Richfield 40,389 545,000 

Polk 44,054 540,000 

Schleisinaerville (village) 75,000 

West Bend 38,707 335,000 

West Bend (village) 295,000 

Barton (Newark! 34,666 395,000 

Kewaskum 23,830 390,000 

(iermautown 46,720 650,000 

Jackson 39,767 650,000 

, TrentoD 42,977 670,000 

I'armington 38,577 565,000 

Total $507,486 $7,490,000 



The following comparison of the Presidential votes of Washington County for 1856 and 
1880, shows the change that has occurred in the political complexion of the vote during the past 
twenty-four years : 





1856. 


isso. 


TOWNS AND MLLAGE3. 


Democratic. 


Republican. 


Total. 


Democratic. 


KopuUicao. 


I InenbMk. 


Total. 




218 
266 
284 

1-7 
246 
330 




213 
484 
309 
199 
278 
363 


200 
312 
295 
134 

190 
44 
113 
1S1 
193 
141 

196 
134 
262 

191 


59 

H'js 

83 

192 

82 

167 

35 

68 

74 

95 

172 

158 

172 

72 

1.-,:: 


16 
2 


275 




219 

25 

12 
88 
88 


642 




878 






:126 


Richfield 




337 


Polk 




357 






79 


West Bend 


149 


ST 


-S\r, 


2 


ITS 




255 




L18 
119 
808 
L68 

l 17 
128 


74 

1 

81 

13 
126 
117 


1ST 
162 
889 
181 
263 
245 




288 




1 


817 




354 




r 

24 


814 




868 




344 










2616 


si;: 


3459 


2841 


1905 


66 


4802 







HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



387 



ELECTION RETURNS. 

The Presidential vote at each election since 1856 has been as stated below : 



1856. 
1860. 
1864, 
1868 
1872. 
1876. 
1&S0. 



Democratic Candidates. 



Buchanan 

Breckenridge 

McClellan 

Seymour 

Greeley 

Tilden 

Hancock 



Number 

of Votes 

cast. 



2647 
2747 
2923 
3073 
2727 
3047 
2841 



Republican Candidates. 



Fremont 
Lincoln.. 
Lincoln.. 
Grant — 
Grant.... 
Hayes.... 
Garfield. 



Number 

of votes 

cast. 



813 

939 

664 

1213 

947 

1321 

1906 



Greenback Candidate. 



Weaver.. 



Number 

of votes 

cast 



56 



Total 
number 
of votes. 



3460 
3686 
3587 
4286 
3674 
4368 
4803 



POPULATION. 

The enumeration of population has been as follows : Total enumeration by State census of 
1855, 18,897 ; Federal census of 1860, 23,622 ; State, 1865, 24,019 ; Federal, 1870, 23,905 ; 
State, 1875, 23,862 ; Federal, 1880, 23,251. 

CENSUS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, IN 1880, BY TOWNS. 



Towns. Population. 

Erin 1,265 

Hartford 2,707 

Addison 1,770 

Wayne 1,594 

Richfield 1,716 

Polk 2,060 

West Bend 855 

West Bend (village) 1,283 



Towns. Population. 

Barton 1,287 

Kewaskum 1,469 

Germantown 1,943 

Jackson 1,764 

Trenton 1,868 

Farmington 1,670 



Total 23,251 



PAUPERISM. 

The county has never shown any remarkable poor list, but has, on the contrary, had the 
smallest average number of paupers of any county of like population in the State. They are 
supported and cared for on the Poor Farm, which is located in the town of Polk, and has been 
owned and run by the county ever since the division occurred in 1853. The average number of 
paupers supported on the farm, from 1853 to 1865, was twenty, at an annual expense for each 
person of $42.83. Since 1865, the number of paupers has increased hardly in proportion to the 
increase in population. The latest report (1880) gives the average number for the year at thirty- 
four, and the annual cost for the support of each at $58.10. The farm consists of something 
over 160 acres, and is under a high state of cultivation. The main building is of stone, was 
built in 1864, at a cost of $1,775, and has room for sixty-four inmates. 



RETROSPECT. 

The changes of the past thirty years have been so gradual as to be almost imperceptible 
from year to year, yet the beginning and the end of the period show in striking contrast. 

In 1853, there were no railroads, and the only means of transportation was that of the horse 
and ox team. The mails were carried by the stage-driver, some of the remote towns being served 
but twice weekly. There was no telegraph line nearer than Milwaukee, now two lines of rail- 
road traverse the county, and there is telegraphic connection with every considerable village. 

At the time the county was divided the population already numbered upward of 15,000 
souls. The land had been nearly all occupied, and the work of subduing the forest was already 
begun in earnest by a hardy set of pioneers. They were all poor. It is doubtful if the wealthiest 
man in the county was worth $5,000, and there were not above half a dozen men who could 
show 81,000 in available property outside their homesteads. The whole taxable personal property 
of the county at that time was but $12,900. In 1880, it had increased to $1,385,000. 



388 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



The. increase in population has not been rapid, and for the past twenty years the number 
has remained essentially unchanged, varying from 23,000 to 24,000. In population the county 
has its growth as a farming community, the available land for forming purposes being all occu- 
pied, and mostly owned by the occupants. Nothing can materially further increase the popula- 
tion, except the utilizing of the various water-powers, and the building-up of manufacturing in- 
dustries at the many available locations in the county. It will be the duty of the future historian 
to chronicle the inevitable progress that will ensue. 

There is not a single millionaire in the county. The wealth is more generally diffused than 
in any other county in the State, and shows an average, per capita, much in excess of ordinary 
agricultural communities, as well as a wonderfully rapid increase in wealth. In 1853, with a 
population of, say 15,000, the total valuation of the county was, in round numbers, §500,000 — 
$33 per capita. In 1880, with a population of 23,200, the valuation was, in round numbers, 
$7,500,000 — $326 per capita. The increase of population during the period has been nearly 50 
per cent ; the increase in wealth, 900 per cent. The crop statistics for the harvest year of 1880, 
gathered from official sources, are given below : 



KIND. 



Wheat.... 

Corn 

Oats 

Barley... 

Rye 

Potatoes. 
Apples... 
Butter.... 
Cheese... 



Total home valuation. 



Acres. 



47,300 

10,000 
18,100 

7,600 
4,400 
2,000 



Amount. 



694,000 bu. 
463,000 bu. 
551,000 bu. 

203,000 bu. 
70,000 bu. 
17(1.000 bu. 
108,000 bu. 
500,000 lbs. 
100,000 lbs. 



Value. 



650,000 

185,000 

165,000 

150,000 

56.000 

68,000 

80,000 

75,000 

10,000 

$1,430,000 



The summary of the returns shows, outside the sale of stock, a farm production of $1,439,000. 
The apple-orchards embrace 2,000 acres, having 650,000 fruit-bearing trees. The milch cows 
number 9,000. The growing timber in the county aggregates 51,000 acres. 

Forty-five years ago, the old primeval forest covered the lands of Washington County. The 
birds built their nests unscared in its inpenetrable shades. The bear, the deer, and the wolf, 
held joint possession with the wild red men of the Menoninee. Innumerable waterfowl brooded 
in the marches and fluttered on the bosom of the shimmering lakes. The partridge drummed 
upon every sunny hillside, and the industrious beaver built his dam, undisturbed by conflicting 
title, and unvexed by suits for flowage from his neighbors — the otter and the mink. 

The forest is gone ; cottages dot the landscape ; villages smile along the streams ; the lands 
teem with bountiful crops, and the peaceful music of lowing herds and bleating flocks is heard 
among the hills. These changes, so like a dream now they are passed, have come within the 
memory of men who still live to recount the story of labor and toil in which they bore their 
sturdy part, and by which the wondrous change was wrought under the fostering care of the 
wisest Government on the face of the globe. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 389 



CHAPTER in. 

TOWN HISTORIES OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

West Bend — Village of West Bend— Hartford— Village of Hartford — Polk— Schleisin- 
gerville— farmington— kewaskum— village of kewaskum — barton and villages — 
Trenton— Jackson — Wayne— Addison— Erin— Germantown— Richfield. 

WEST BEND. 

West Bend, situated immediately north of the center of Washington County, of which it is 
the county seat, was organized by an act of the Legislature on the 20th of January, 1846. 

The act reads as follows : " All of that part of said county (Washington) comprised in 
Towns 11 and 12 north, of Ranges 19 and 20 east, is hereby set off into a separate town by the 
name of West Bend, and the first election shall be held at the house of Isaac Verbeck." At 
that time, and until February 11, 1847, it comprised all the territory included in the present 
towns of West Bend, Barton, Trenton, Farmington and Kewaskum. 

On the 11th day of February, 1847. that portion of West Bend comprised in Town 12 
north, of Range 19, was set off and constituted a new town under the name of North Bend, and, 
at the same session, that portion of the town situated in Town 12 north, of Range 20 east, was 
set off and constituted another new town under the name of Clarence. 

And, on the 11th of March, 1848, the territory of West Bend was again reduced by the 
organization of another new town under the name of Trenton, and, at the same time, the name 
of the town of Clarence was changed to Farmington. Until August 19, 1848, all of the 
present town of Kewaskum, and the north half of what is now the town of Barton, was 
embraced in the town of North Bend ; but the Legislature of that year passed an act setting off 
" two miles from the south of the town of North Bend, and two miles from the north side of 
West Bend," and constituted a new town by the name of Newark. 

This act seems to have been repealed and another passed, which reads as follows: "So 
much of Washington County as is embraced in two tiers of sections from the north side of 
West Bend, and two tiers of sections from the south side of North Bend, shall constitute a sep- 
arate town, and shall be called by the name of Newark." 

The Supervisors, unable to satisfy themselves that the above act had been legally and offi- 
cially published to avoid difficulty and dispute, " Ordered that sections from 25 to 36 of Town- 
ship 12, and sections from 1 to 10, and the north half of Sections 11 and 12 north, of Range 
19, be, and the same are, hereby set off and constituted, and shall be known and recognized, 
from and after this 8th day of May, 1849, as the town of Newark ; the next election to be held 
on the first Tuesday of April at the house of Martin Foster, in the village of Newark." 

And it was also ordered, for the purpose of defining the precise boundary of the present 
town, "that the south half of Sections 11 and 12 of Range 19 shall be, and are hereby 
attached to, and made a part of West Bend." The half-sections in the northeast corner of the 
town were attached to West Bend to preserve, undivided, the village plat, and to avoid any pos- 
sible misunderstanding or dispute in relation to the mill property. 

By referring to the various acts and orders recorded in this work, the precise limits and 
boundaries of the present town of West Bend will be understood ; and it will be seen that, 
instead of its being a regular township six miles square, it is a town comprising only twenty- 
four whole and two half sections. 

The Milwaukee River, running from north to south through the northeastern sections of 
the town, nwking a sharp horseshoe bend at a point spanned by the railroad bridge, and thence 



300 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

through Section 13 to the town of Trenton, is a beautiful, rapid stream, affording a valuable and 
reliable water-power. 

The town has many natural advantages. Its hills, valleys, rich bottom and fertile uplands, 
patches of woodland, remnants of primitive forests, numerous springs, the sources of lakes andl 
streams sufficient in number and volume to afford an abundant supply of excellent water for al 
ordinary purposes, with but few remaining morasses requiring the adoption of practical sanitary 
measures, constitute exceptional natural conditions of health and prosperity. 

The land is productive and peculiarly adapted to cereals, vegetables and fruit, and, 
although the soil varies, and is in the central and eastern portions of the town, composed mainly 
of sand and a light mold, in other parts rich clay and marl abound. 

In some portions of the northwestern sections hills and peculiar mounds, with their corre- 
sponding depressions, vulgarly called "Potash Kettles," abound, and the soil is in such locali- 
ties almost worthless for ordinary agricultural purposes. 

The range of hills upon which they are found, passing from the north through Kewaskum, 
Barton, the western portion of West Bend, a part of Hartford and Erin, embracing " Hermit 
Hill," the highest point in the county, constitutes a water-shed, all springs and streams rising 
upon the eastern slope, or east of this range, finding their way to the Milwaukee River, while 
those rising on the west empty into Rock River, and other streams flowing toward the Missis- 
sippi. 

For several years after the arrival of the first settlers, the history of agriculture in the town 
shows that when the soil was first broken it yielded abundant harvests ; that, in 1847, the yield 
of winter wheat from a portion of Mr. Farmer's land, on Section 24, was forty bushels per 
acre, and that Nelson Rusco, without even re-plowing a field from which he had taken a crop 
of corn, had thirty-five bushels per acre from a portion of Section 26. Reuben S. Rusco, the 
present owner, is now, thirty-four years later, harvesting wheat from the same ground, and does 
not expect it to yield more than fifteen bushels per acre. 

In recent years the chinch-bug has seriously injured spring wheat. After its first appear- 
ance it left for a time, but soon returned, and is now troublesome in dry seasons, and in loca- 
tions where the soil is sandy or of light mold. 

LAKES. 

The more important lakes of the county are in the southern part of West Bend, although 
Hartford has Pike Lake, and Barton has Smith Lake, the former being an important one. 

Cedar Lake, beginning on the north, in Section 17, covering portions of several sections as 
far south as Section 5, in the northern part of the town of Polk, is four miles in length and 
about one mile in width. 

It is supplied by many unseen springs, which, at its bottom, are its secret and reliable 
sources, and help to supply Little Cedar Lake and Cedar Creek. 

Little I ledar Lake, situated about one mile east of its more important sister, on Section 33, 
is little more than one mile in length, and about half a mile in width, and is supplied from the 
larger lake, and probably from springs at its bottom. Cedar Creek rises in and is supplied from 
Little Cedar Lake; but the water from both lakes find an outlet in the creek. 

Silver Lake, on Section 27, is a smaller but more charming body of remarkably clear 
water, is fed by springs at its bottom, and lias its outlet in Silver Creek, which runs north to 
Eoppe's mill-pond, on Section 14, thence east, and empties into the Milwaukee River on Sec- 
tioE 11. 

r. \KI.\ SKTTLERS. 

Thorough examinations of all records relating to West Bend, frequent conversations with 
early settlers residing in this and other towns, and a correspondence with such as have removed 
to other localities, conclusively show that M. A. T. Farmer and Isaac Verbeck, with their 
families, were the earliest actual settlers. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 391 

Amos Verbeck, and Abigail, his wife, parents of Isaac Verbeck, came in soon after their 
son with the family. The family was numerous, the roster being as follows : Boys — Isaac, 
Nelson, Amos, Philip, Joseph, William, Anson, Charles and Sidney. Girls — Abigail, Mary 
and Sarah. Following are sketches of several of those who came in at this early period. 

PERSONAL PIONEER SKETCHES. 

Joseph and William Verbeck, born and reared in Pennsylvania, came to Wisconsin and 
settled, for a time, near Menomonee Falls, in Waukesha County, in the spring of 1844. 

They found settlers in that vicinity, and in the southern part of Germantown, and, 
although the people who had been in that county for several years were still living in shanties, 
they had cleared considerable land. 

The Verbeck's worked land on shares for one Sam Cole, completed the clearing of an 
«ight-acre lot for James Piatt Vaughn, who kept a primitive tavern just over the line in Ger- 
mantown, and, in the following winter, they cleared nine acres for themselves. 

On the 10th of May, 1845, M. A. T. Farmer, with his wife and four children, accompa- 
nied by his brother-in-law, Isaac Verbeck, his wife and their five children, left Pennsylvania, 
traveled by land and lakes, and, on the 20th, landed in Milwaukee, from which point they 
reached Menomonee on the 21st and joined their two brothers. They brought with them 2,000 
pounds of household goods securely packed in boxes, and when one of these was taken apart 
each of the four men had a door for his shanty, taken from his Eastern home. 

Mr. Farmer has still in his possession ancient pieces of furniture which had a place in the 
homesteads in New York and Pennsylvania, and a portion of a flail — a swingle — swung by his 
father a century ago, and a bell borne by a favorite cow from Menomonee to their new home, is 
still preserved. 

Isaac, who did not take kindly to drudgery, becoming restless, started on foot to visit the 
western portion of Washington County. He had heard, from travelers who now and then tar- 
ried at Vann's tavern, of lakes and beautiful lands in the vicinity of the shanty of Timothy 
Hall, who had settled in the northeastern portion of Hartford, on the old Fond du Lac road. 
Arriving there, he heard enchanting stories of Indian Prairie, whither he went, spending a 
night in camp with one hundred and fifty Indians. 

The red men who remained in Washington County were peaceable and loyal. 

A German settler shot a deer that was pursued by a party of Indians, who, on finding him 
in possession of the carcass, demanded it ; but the German refused to relinquish his claim, 
whereupon " John," known as "Bad Indian," retreating in the forest and leveling his weapon 
fired upon him, while he in self-defense shot and killed his assailant. The other Indians coming 
up removed the body, acknowledging that "John," being the aggressor, received his just 
deserts. This circumstance, occurring in the county, illustrates their honor and love of justice. 
On the following morning, while Isaac was viewing the prairie from the wigwam, a chief said : 
" White man, go on," and we next hear of his examining lands in different localities, particularly 
those on the section line running north and south, between Sections 23 and 24. 

Pleased and apparently satisfied, he returned to Menomonee, had a conference with Mr. 
Farmer and his brothers, in which Mary, Jannett and the older children took an active part, 
discussed the situation and prospects pro and con, finally deciding to go at once to the land office 
at Milwaukee and pre-empt portions on different sections. Three days later they were erecting 
shanties, one on Section 24 for Mr. Farmer (which was the first structure of any description in 
what is now the town of West Bend), and the other for Isaac Verbeck on the west half of the 
southwest quarter of Section 13, on what is now known as "Battle Creek," while Joseph, 
being unmarried, and having no present use for a house, simply chopped some wood and made a 
brush heap on the southwest corner of Section 24, now the residence of Mr. Kohlsdorf, to show 
Walter Demmon that "some one had been there while he was gone." 

In September, Mr. and Mrs. Farmer, their two boys and Isaac, spent four weeks in their 
new shanty, improving the premises, and, in company with Ben Thompson, assisted Barton 



392 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

Salisbury, of Mequon, who was preparing to build the first shanty in what is now the village of 
Barton. 

Leaving their effects in their shanty, they returned to Menomonee, remaining six weeks to 
harvest their crops and prepare for the coming winter, and, on November 7, Isaac and family 
removed to their new home. On the 9th, Mr. Farmer with his family, and Joseph and William 
Verbeck removed their goods and chattels, and became permanent settlers. 

Walter Deramon visited what is now West Bend, in August, 1845, for the purpose of 
selecting a desirable location, but omitted to secure any land before visiting his home in New 
York, where he remained five weeks. Upon his return, in October, the portions of the sec- 
tion upon which he had partially decided to settle, had been taken, and Joseph H. Verbeck's 
" brush heap " marked the spot. 

On the 12th of January, 1846, Mr. Demmon became a permanent settler and erected a su- 
perior log cabin, 18x24 feet, on Section 26, where he now resides. He has held many offices of 
trust in the town, and has served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. 

Jacob E. Young first visited West Bend in January, 1846. He says : " Traveling on foot 
from the South, I arrived at Verbeck's shanty in the evening of a cold January day. but, finding 
it already occupied, I was informed that one Charles Buck had a shanty a mile farther north at 
which I could stay overnight. Following the section line, I soon arrived at my destination. 
In the morning upon returning to Verbeck's and finding him absent, ' Jannett,' who commanded 
a nimble tongue, described the land near the river and gave me any quantity of advice. 

" A young man who was present, Edward Helm, said he would show me some of the pieces 
described. I liked Section 13, and after returning to the shanty for lunch, I started for the 
land office at Milwaukee, walking the whole distance that afternoon. Next day, I entered and 
paid for a quarter-section, and also purchased of Kilbourn, Wolcott & Co., two lots in the vil- 
lage plat situated on the east side of Section 14. I had $1,000 in gold on my person, but after 
leaving the Receiver's office, and wishing to purchase some article at a store, the money could not 
be found. I was absent-minded then, as I am now, but remembering where I had been, returned 
to Helfenstein's office, who, upon seeing me, said, ' D — m you, you ought to have a guardian 
appointed to look after you,' and, laughing, handed me the bag of money. 

" I soon removed my family and effects from Milwaukee, and, boarding at Verbeck's for a 
time, I built a shanty for present use, and in the spring erected a commodious log house, 12x24 feet. 
Removing into it, we thought to enjoy private life, but several mechanics desiring accommoda- 
tions, almost positively refusing to be turned away, we yielded to their demands." Mr. Young 
was one of the first Justices of the Peace and held the office many years. 

Christian Young, with his wife, two children and mother, came in the fall of 1846, and is, 
like his brother, an encyclopedia of facts and incidents pertaining to the early history of the 
town. It is stated that he was at first homesick and seriously threatened to go back into civil- 
ized life, but on being appointed Deputy Sheriff by Solon Johnson, an office which he held for 
many years thereafter, he saw encouraging dawns of civilization in his new home, and gradually 
assumed the air of a contented citizen. 

George N. Irish, having lived in a shanty at Cedar Creek, came to West Bend in 1846, 
and built a log house on the block south of William Wightman's present residence. It was a 
commodious structure and in it he kept his famous tavern. The mills were then being built. 
Men from Milwaukee, owning extensive tracts of land and the water-power, were coming and 
going ; their mechanics must be accommodated, either at the shanty of Verbeck or at the tavern 
of Irish. It does not appear that he gave his hotel a name in 1846, although it is probable he 
did, as. at a later day, it was known as the " American House." 

Jehiel H. Baker came from Michigan in the summer of 1846, and erected the second frame 
building, a short distance south of Weil's "sharp corner" store. It was occupied as store and 
residence early the following autumn. The front part is now the store of Jonathan Potter, Esq. 

Mr. Baker was one of the commissioners appointed by the Legislature of 1848, to lay out 
a " Territorial Road " from Waukesha, in Waukesha County, to West Bend. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 393 

B. (Schleisinger) Weil owned property, and erected what was at the time considered an ele- 
gant residence on Section 31, west of Cedar Lake, about 1847, where he lived for a time. The 
village of Schleisingerville derives its name from him. 

Moses Weil was born in Soultz, in the department of the Lower Rhine, France, in the 
year 1798. He was one of the few survivors of the last century. He lived in Paris during a 
large part of the time in which Napoleon the First was making Europe tremble, and saw him, 
on his arrival at Paris, after Waterloo. 

Mr. Weil came to West Bend in November, 1845, accompanied by his two sons. Paul A. 
and Henry J. purchased a large tract of land near Cedar Lake, and made some improvements 
there before coming to this part of the town in the summer of 1846. In the month of August 
of the same year, he built the store known as the " Sharp-corner Building " — the first frame 
structure in the town. All the lumber used in its construction was brought from Milwaukee by 
his son Paul A. with his ox teams, and the merchandise to fill it was brought in the same man- 
ner by the young man partly from Port Washington, but principally from Milwaukee. The Weil 
Store was a prominent business center in those early times, a large business being carried on for 
several years. The first frame dwelling-house in the town was also built by Mr. Weil, and he 
early became one of the proprietors of the mill, and continued in the active business manage- 
ment of it until the year 1856. He died at Cedar Lake, at the residence of B. S. Weil, on the 
6th of August, 1863. A friend writes of him as follows : " As a business man, he was honest 
and industrious, prompt in all his engagements, and deservedly possessed the confidence of the 
whole community. By his enterprise and liberality, he contributed much to the growth and 
prosperity of this village in its early settlement. A man of temperate, abstemious and scrupu- 
lously regular habits, of plain and genial manners, he was kind-hearted to all, and charitable to 
the poor. 

" Possessed of a mild and friendly disposition, courteous and honorable to all classes, he went 
to his final rest, regretted by all who knew him, and sincerely mourned by his family and 
friends." 

William Wightman, of Washtenaw County, Mich., came early in the summer of 1846, and 
being pleased with the country, authorized James Kneeland, of Milwaukee (a half brother of 
Mrs. Wightman), to purchase certain property for him. Leaving Michigan the following 
autumn with his wife and four daughters, in a comfortable covered-wagon drawn by horses, the 
journey was rendered pleasant by visits to relatives and friends along the route. Arriving at 
a shanty on Section 24, they purchased a loaf of bread of Huldah Farmer and passed on to the 
store and residence of their old acquaintance, Jehiel H. Baker. 

Visions of the old home rising before Mrs. Wightman in contrast to this new life they 
were to enter upon, caused her to feel that she could not leave the wagon ; but better judgment 
prevailing, she determined that as this must be her future home, it should be a happy one. This 
was in October, and before January Mr. Wightman had prepared the frame for his house, but 
when everything was ready heavy snows delayed the raising, and a shanty was erected instead. 
To be once more in their own home, however rude, was happiness indeed, although one side of 
the store must be parlor while the other was kitchen. After the erection of his frame house, it 
was opened and kept for ten years as a hotel, and will be remembered as the West Bend House. 
Mr. Wightman has been prominently identified with the town and county, faithfully serving his 
constituents at all times when they have called him into public life. He is still living in West 
Bend, carrying sturdily the weight of over eighty years. 

The early settlers known to have settled within the limits of the town in 1845-46, were 
the Verbecks with their families, M. A. T. Farmer and family, Moses Weil and family, William 
Wightman and family, G. N. Irish (the first tavern-keeper), the Rusco brothers, Jehiel H. Baker, 
Walter Demmon, the Young brothers with their families, Daniel Freer, Edward Helm, Elder 
Babcock, Lewis Bates, Mrs. Betsey Visgar, James L. Bailey, Mr. Sinn, the blacksmith, and 
Mr. Bullins. 

During the next two years, the lands within the present limits of the town were rapidly 



394 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

taken up by actual settlers, and the clearing-up of the beautiful farms that now cover the whole 
town was begun on nearly every section. 

FIRST TOWN MEETING. 

The town was incorporated by act of the Legislature, as has been stated, January 21, 1846, 
which was soon after the earliest settlers began to come in. The first town meeting was held at 
the house of Isaac Verbeck, the only precinct designated in the act of incorporation for the 
town which embraced at that time what is now comprised in the towns of West Bend, Barton, 
Kewaakum, Farmington and Trenton. It was held April 7, 1846. For several years the 
records were kept on loose sheets and stored away in a bag. The bag is lost, and the particu- 
lars of this first town meeting are gathered from the recollections of old settlers still living who 
were present at the meeting. Jacob E. Young's account is substantially as follow-; : 

"We had trouble about that first town meeting. We had to organize from the stump, and 
bow we were to manage was the question. We had no officer, no authority to put the machine 
in motion. I had been in the same fire in 1838 at Two Rivers. There we elected a Board of 
Inspectors, Judges of Election and a Clerk. Having no officer to swear the Board and Clerk. 
I suggested that one of us swear the Clerk, and the Clerk could then swear the Inspectors and 
others. I therefore administered the oath to Joseph H. Verbeck as Clerk, who, in turn, swore 
the Inspectors, and then we were in running order. I was elected Justice of the Peace, and 
there were three others elected (whose names I do not remember), and three Highway Commis- 
sioners. They were Joseph H. Verbeck, Nelson Rusco and myself. Verbeck was elected 
Clerk and Farmer was Treasurer. Barton Salisbury, and, I think, Charles Higgins, ran for 
Chairman of Board of Supervisors, Salisbury being elected. I think Ben Thompson and some 
one else ran for Supervisors, and each had the same number of votes. It is said that Verbeck's 
coffee-pot was the ballot-box. I think, however, an old candle-box was used for that purpose. 
I think there could not have been more than forty voters." 

Walter Demmon says : " A town meeting was held at the house of Isaac Verbeck, as 
had been ordered by the Legislature, when the town was set off and named in April, 1846. The 
four townships being represented at this precinct. I knew we had a difficulty to overcome — we 
had no one to swear in the officers. Jonathan Bailey, a Justice of the Peace from Mequon, was 
here on business, and I asked him to administer the oath, which he did. I ran for Chairman 
of the Board of Supervisors against Barton Salisbury. My opponent was elected, he having a 
majority of two votes. I think Jacob E. Young was elected Justice of the Peace, and Joseph 
Verbeck, Clerk. W. P. Barnes, Mr. Waite and myself were elected Assessors. I do not 
remember names of other officers. We were all strangers. I think there were not more than 
thirty voters." 

These statements must be accepted as the record in the absence of a better one, and, 
although the witnesses differ on some minor and immaterial points, both are, in the main, cor- 
rect. 

Mr. Young evidently refers to swearing Inspectors of Election and then Clerk before voting 
commenced ; Mr. Demmon to administering the oath to the officers elected. 

Of course, no poll list of this first meeting is now in existence, but the list of votes polled 
at the ensuing fall election, held in November, 1816, is on file at the County Clerk's office, and 
is as follows : 

John M. Pickle, John A. Avery, Barton Salisbury, William II. Morehouse, Russell Ruscp, 
Joseph II. Verbeck, Charles Iliggcns, Jared S. Blount, Daniel Freer, Jacob B. Young, Reuben 
Rusco, George hi-li. Peter Buck, John S. Rusco, John S. Vanepes, Stephen Irish, Joshua 
Bradley, William W. Verbeck, De Lafayette Waite, Peter Buck, Nelson Rusco, Harvey Moore, 
Isaac Verbeck. Joseph Mann. Barman Mum. Sylvester Rowe. James Costello, Patrick Costello. 
Total number of votes polled. 27. 

The above list comprised all who voted at that time within the limits of the four townships 
then embraced in the town of Weal Bend. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 396 

FIRST SCHOOL. 

In the fall of 1846, the first school money was drawn. The parents and number of chil- 
dren reported were as follows : M. A. T. Farmer, four children ; Isaac Verbeck, five ; Charles 
Higgens, one; Walter Demmon, two ; Lewis Bates, two; Russell Rusco, one; Nelson Rusco, 
three ; Moses Young, four. Total, 22. There is no record of any school being kept, although 
it is quite likely there was one during the previous summer. The earliest school-teacher who 
can be traced was Miss Cyntha Sinn, a daughter of Sinn, the blacksmith, afterward Mrs. 
Everly. She taught in 1847. 

OTHER FIRST MEN, WOMEN AND THINGS. 

The first marriage was solemnized in 1846 between Anson Verbeck and Hannah McDonald. 
The ceremony was performed by Jacob E. Young, who was the first Justice of the Peace. 

The first death was that of a child of Dr. Pickett. It was buried near Kohlsdorf's place, 
south of the village, where it was then contemplated locating the burying-ground. 

The first religious service was held at the house of Walter Demmon by Rev. Bela Wilcox, 
or Elder Babcock. Authorities differ. 

The first tavern was kept by George N. Irish in 1846. 

The first saw-mill was built by E. B. Wolcott in 1846, and the first lumber sawed by 
George N. Irish. 

The first grist-mill was built in 1847 by E. B. Wolcott. 

The first millers were the Cotton brothers. 

The first frame building was erected in 1846 — Weil's " Sharp-corner Store" — built by the 
Weils, father and sons, and still standing. 

The first lawyer was Ira Spencer, who was also the first Postmaster. 

The first physician was Dr. Spencer, a brother to Ira. 

The first large spinning-wheel was brought in by Mrs. M. A. T. Farmer in 1845. 

The first wheat was grown by M. A. T. Farmer, who also was the first white settler who 
owned a dog. 

The first village lot was sold to Jacob E. Young. 

The first blacksmith was Nelson Verbeck. 

The first family jar was at Battle Creek, south of the village, which gave the locality its 
name. 

The first newspaper was the Washington County Organ, published by a Mr. Wentworth, 
who was the first printer and editor. He set up in 1854. 

The first span of horses owned in the town was a span of grays bought in Indiana by Paul 
A. Weil and brought to West Bend by him. 

The first shanty was built by M. A. T. Farmer, and the second by Isaac Verbeck. 

The first male school-teacher was William H. Ramsey. He taught the village school in 
the winter of 1847-48. He now lives at Grand Rapids, Mich. 

The first white woman in West Bend was Mrs. Ben Thompson. 



THE VILLAGE OF WEST BEND. 

The village is built along the western bank and up the slopes from the Milwaukee River, 
mostly on the northeast quarter of Section 14, and extending on to the adjoining sections 
11, on the north, and 13 on the east. 

The river, running in a southerly course, here makes a sharp bend to the southwest and 
sweeps round to the northeast within a radius of two miles, making a semicircle. The land 
slopes up from the river banks on either side. The river runs through the valley, having a fall 
of some fifty feet in a course of four miles. 



-I'' HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

No more beautiful site for a village can be imagined, and it is no wonder that, with its 
splendid water-power, it was early marked as the destined central village of the surrounding 
region. Almost as soon as the first settlers came in, speculating prospectors had discovered its 
natural advantages and secured the land on which the village was afterward built. 

E. N. Higgins had, prior to September, 1845. pre-empted the land covering the water- 
power. During that year, Byron Kilbourn, of Milwaukee, an energetic and farseeing man, since 
known as the prime mover in all the early public improvements of the State, made an exploring 
trip through Washington County and discovered, as he thought, one of the most valuable powers 
in the country at West Bend. He and two other Milwaukee men, James Kneeland and Dr. E. 
B. Wolcott, purchased eight eighty-acre lots adjoining Higgins's, and took Higgins in as a part- 
ner, to secure the water-power, as he had already preempted the land about the falls. The pur- 
chases from the Government and the formation of the copartnership was consummated in the 
fall of 1845, and the village plat made before January, 1846. The original owners were Byron 
Kilbourn, James Kneeland and Erastus B. Wolcott, of Milwaukee, and E. N. Higgins, who 
lived at West Bend. William Wightman subsequently became interested. Jasper Vliet, then 
of Milwaukee, was the surveyor and platter. 

The village having been laid out, improvements on the water-power were begun forthwith. 
E. B. Wolcott entered into a contract with his co-partners, whereby he was to own the water- 
power on the building of a dam, saw-mill and grist-mill at his own expense, to be finished at the 
times specified, in 1846 and 1848, and to be afterward maintained by him in good working con- 
dition. Wolcott built the dam and saw-mill in 1846, commenced the grist-mill in 1847, and 
completed it in 1848. The saw-mill was leased to George H. Irish, and he began to saw lumber 
for the building that was now being vigorously pushed by the incoming settlers. The first lumber 
sawed went into William Wightman's house, which lie had already commenced to build. The 
grist-mill, on its completion, was leased to Daniel Cotton and his brother. While these improve- 
ments were progressing, many settlers had come into the place and it now put on all the appear- 
ances of a thriving spot, as it certainly was. 

There was a post office kept by Ira Spencer; Weil Brothers and Ishiel H. Baker were doing 
a profitable business in dry goods and groceries with the farmers of West Bend and the surround- 
ing towns; Verbeck and Sinn were each running a blacksmith-shop ; the three taverns of Irish, 
Wightman and Zimmerman were filled with travelers nightly, and the streets by day were 
crowded with those who came with grists to mill and to make their purchases. The trade and 
traffic of the western part of the county centered here, and rapidly built up the town. During 
the years from 1850 to 1860, the town grew to approximate its present size and put on its pres- 
ent appearance sufficiently to have a family resemblance to the village of to-day. It had during 
that time, added to its milling and lumber manufactories, a brewery : in 1863, a woolen factory 
was added ; it had two more hotels: the main street (River) was well built up. The village had 
become the county seat, and the county buildings had been erected. Three churches had also 
been built. In 1857, the population was 600, and, in I860, it was not far from eight hundred. 
It had a newspaper and supported a high school. Thus, at the beginning of the war, it had 
grown to be one of the most promising villages of the State. For the succeeding ten years, the 
village remained nearly stationary. Since 1870, the growth has been gradual, the population 
being, in 1880, 1,283. 

A SHORT-LIVED CITY. 

November 25, 1853, West Bend lost its identity. At a session of the County Board of 
Supervisors held on that day, the town of Newark was changed to Harton, and the town of 
Farmington to Carbon : whereupon the member from West Bend moved to change the name of 
West Bend Village to Lamartine City, and it was accordingly done by vote of the board. Dur- 
ing the evening the change became known, and was, to put it mild, not graciously accepted by 
the citizens. On the following morning, a petition, generally signed, was presented to the 
board, praying that Lamartine City be changed to West Bend. It was accordingly so done. 
The city had an ephemeral existence of eighteen hours. 




^S T^LwA-^ 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 399 

THE CHANGES. 

Many changes have occurred during the past twenty years, calculated to affect the business 
interests of the village. The old saw-mill has gone altogether, the old grist-mill, still standing, 
seems to have outlived its usefulness and contents itself with grinding now and then a grist in 
memory of its youth, when it ran night and day. 

The woolen-mill was long ago burned, and the water-power lies virtually idle, waiting the 
hand of enterprise once more to direct it again to profitable and beneficent uses. 

INCORPORATED. 

The village was incorporated by act of the Legislature in 1868. The first meeting under the 
act of incorporation was held April 7, 1868, and the following board of village officers was 
elected: Trustees, John Shelley, President, Simon Hornstein, B. S. Potter and Ernst Lemke ; 
Assessors, William Smith, Louis Reisse ; Clerk, H. G. Treveranus ; Marshal, Charles T. 
Haas ; Justices of the Peace, H. J. Weil, F. H. Haase ; Constables, August Luckow, Theodore 
Glantz. 

The village tax for 1868, the first year of its corporate existence, amounted to $4,754.38, 
of which sum $2,591 was raised for schools. The amount of village tax for 1880 was $5,013.26, 
of which sum $2,217.91 was expended for the support of schools. 

The present board of village officers, elected April 6, 1881, is as follows : Supervisor, 
Henry Krieger; President, John Reisse; Trustees, F. H. Haase, John Thielges, George 
Leisgang, Mathew Regner ; Clerk, Adolph Arzbacher ; Treasurer, Jacob Herdt ; Assessor, 
John Knippel ; Justices of the Peace, John Ekstein, L. Neuburg ; Constables, John Burkardt, 
Jacob Heipp ; Marshal, John Koester. 

In 1873, the Chicago & North-Western Railroad was completed through the county, and 
gave to West Bend railroad and telegraphic communication with the outside world, and a fresh 
start. The depot grounds are on the east side of the river, which is now spanned by two sub- 
stantial bridges and several lighter structures for foot passengers. 

Thus has been briefly outlined the material growth of the village from its beginning, in 
1845, to the present time. The inhabitants have been characterized b ; honesty, thrift and 
patriotism. Some of the first to settle in the village still remain, but they see few of their old 
companions of thirty-five years ago. Of the original owners of the village, Messrs. Kilbourn and 
Wolcott are dead ; James Kneeland is still living in Milwaukee, and William Wightman 
alone enjoys a peaceful and contented old age in the beautiful village he helped to build. 

OTHER EARLY COMERS. 

Of those who came in at a later date, but sufficiently early to be termed old settlers, and 
who have been honorably identified with the growth and good name of the village, it is fitting to 
mention such as have been prominent, or are still active in its affairs. 

John Potter, Jr., came in in the spring of 1849, and after an honorable and successful 
mercantile career of thirty-two years, is still engaged in business at the old stand. 

Leander F. Frisby, the oldest law practitioner in the county, came in October, 1853, and is 
still engaged in his profession, in company with Paul A. Weil, with whom he has been asso- 
ciated continuously since 1858. 

John E. Mann, now County Judge of Milwaukee County, was one of the early lawyers of 
West Bend, being associated with L. F. Frisby from 1854 to 1858. 

B. Goetter, now the oldest hotel-keeper, proprietor of the Washington House, and a wealthy 
and respected German citizen, came in the spring of 1849, started the first brewery, and in 1852 
built and opened a hotel on the site of his present building. It was burned and rebuilt by him 
in 1864. He is one of the oldest German settlers now living in the village. 

Charles H. Miller, now a lawyer in West Bend, is one of the oldest settlers now living in 
the county. He came into Mequon with his parents in 1841, when only fifteen years of age. 



400 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

He was, at the time of the division of the county, living in Port Washington. He moved to 
West Bend in 1853. 

John Shelley, who held the office of County Judge for twenty-four successive years, came to 
the village in 1854, and is still a resident. 

John Wagner came in 1848. He first followed his trade as a mason, .then became a mer- 
chant, and finally retired to a farm. He died of consumption July 23, 1870. He was a 
citizen of sterling worth and unspotted character. His two sons still live in the village. Her- 
man J. Wagner, born May 15, 1852, is a blacksmith, of the firm of Wagner & Knippel. Adam 
M. Wagner, born September 29, 1858, is in the employ of John Potter, Jr. 

George F. Hunt. M. D., came into the county and settled in the town of Barton in I860. 
In 1861 he removed to West Bend, where he has resided ever since. He is one of the oldest 
and most skillful practitioners in the county. He has also been active in public affairs, having 
been Postmaster for eight years. He was elected State Senator in 1880. He has also been 
connected with the press, and is an able writer and lecturer on anatomy and other kindred sub- 
jects. He was President of the village in 1879-80. and has held other offices of trust and 
honor. 

George H. Kleffier, one of the earliest German residents of West Bend, settled in Barton 
as a physician as early as 1851, came to West Bend in 1853, when the county seat of the new 
county was established here, and has since been an honored resident of the village. He has had 
more offices conferred on him by the suffrages of the people than any other citizen of the county. 
He also inaugurated the practice of celebrating the Fifth of July, a practice peculiar to West 
Bend and vicinity. 

I. N. Frisby is one of the oldest lawyers in the county, having commenced the practice of 
law in 1854, the next year following the organization of the county. He is a careful lawyer of 
ability, far above the rank his own modesty would ascribe. 

THE WAR PERIOD. 

West Bend was the central rallying point for the eastern part of Washington County dur- 
ing the war period, and its history during those years shows the intense feeling of loyalty and 
patriotism that pervaded the community. The surface show of discontent that at one time pre- 
vailed is insignificant when compared with the deep and abiding current that swept through 
the county from the beginning to the end. The record below is creditable alike to West Bend 
and the surrounding towns of Barton, Kewaskum. Farmington and Trenton, whose soldiers 
helped to swell the ranks of the West Bend companies. The credit to these adjoining towns 
equally is accorded to them although it is appropriate and convenient to give the history without 
the mutilation that would occur from an attempt to separate specifically the exact work of the 
various towns allied with West Bend in her patriotic work. 

The first call for a war meeting is published in the Post of April 22, 1861. It reads as 
follows : 

01 I l/.KNS, ti its 00 I ! ! 

A muss meeting of the citizens of West Bend ami vicinity, irrespective nf party, will be held at the court house 
to-morrow evening (Tuesday), at '■'• o'clock I'. M .. to oonaider the state of the country, and make response to t h«- call of 
the President for the maintenance of the Government against traitors in arms, and also to hoist our National Flag 
upon the i "in t Souse 

Parker .v. Brother's Band will be present, and the meeting will be addressed by Hon I.. V. Frisby, P. ••• Thorp 
and others. Let all who love their country respond. 

In pursuance to the foregoing call, a large and enthusiastic Union mass meeting of the citi- 
zens of West Bend, Barton ami vicinity, without distinction of party, and in defiance of a pelting 
rain-storm, was held tit the court house. The Stars and Stripes were unfurled, ami after three 
cheers for the old flag, the meeting was called to order, and Col. Daniel MeHenry chosen Presi- 
dent, and N. S. Gilson, Secretary. Short ami patriotic speeches were made by W. P. Barnes, 
L. F. Frisby, G. H. Klefller. F.O. Thorp and I. N. Frisby. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 401 

The following resolution was offered by the Committee on Resolutions and adopted : 

Whereas, Our Government has been attacked by rebels and traitors, and the Union thereby endangered ; 
therefore, 

Resolved, That our sentiments are, " The Dnion Forever," and, if necessary, our blood and treasure to sustain it. 

G. H. Kleffi.br, 
B. S PlTTER, 

W. P. HoRTON, 

W. P. Barnes, 
L. F. Frisbt. 

After three more cheers for the Star-Spangled Banner, and three more for the Union, the 
meeting adjourned. 

George H. Kleffler, Colonel of the Twenty-third Regiment Wisconsin State Militia, was at 
this time in West Bend forming a volunteer company to be called the " Garibaldi Guards," and 
young men were fast enlisting both in that company and in others that were being formed in 
larger places. Among those who went thus early, we find the names of Oscar Rusco, William 
Lowe, Isaiah Culver, W. W. Aiken, W. W. Denison, William Dutcher and Thomas Farmer. 

THE FIRST WAR COMPANY. 

The Union Guards — A company raised in West Bend, and containing in its ranks some of 
the best blood of that and the adjoining towns, was organized in the latter part of September, 
1861. On September 11, forty members enlisted and were sworn in for the war, among whom 
was Charles D. Waldo, junior editor of the Post. The officers were: John Martin Price, Cap- 
tain ; Thomas Farmer, First Lieutenant ; William G. Norton, Second Lieutenant ; Harlow 
Waller, C. D. Waldo, John B. Jones, F. B. Wheeler, William Nungesser, Sergeants : H. G. 
Newcomb, 0. A. Rusco, James Harris, Daniel J. Sullivan, George T. Wescott, G. R. Holt, 
Christoph Eberhardt, Vinal Norton, Corporals ; W. R. Wescott, Fifer ; Erskine Wescott, 
Drummer; W. H. Gordon, Color Bearer ; J. H. Wright, Wagoner. 

Thursday morning, October 31, the company numbering 109 men, after being presented 
with a splendid silken banner by the ladies, took a solemn oath to support their country under 
all circumstances, and bring back the banner just presented to them unsullied, or die in its de- 
fense. The next morning they took their departure for Madison, and, upon arriving there, went 
into quarters at Camp Randall. The company was assigned to the Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry 
as Company D ; remained in camp until January, 1862, and was then ordered to Weston, Mo. 
On the 15th of February, they went into camp at Leavenworth. Here the regiment was assigned 
to form part of Gen. Lane's Southwest expedition, the troops to concentrate at Fort Scott. • 

In May, 1862, they were re-assigned to Gen. Mitchell's brigade, and ordered to Columbus 
and thence to Humboldt, Tenn., in which vicinity the regiment remained doing duty in guarding: 
railroads, as scouts, etc., through the summer. In October, the regiment was attached to the 
Third Brigade at Bolivar, and remained there until Gen. Grant started on his Vicksburg cam- 
paign. Through the winter of 1862-63, the regiment was marching and counter-marching — 
guarding railroads and skirmishing, but was in no serious battle. In the spring of 1863, the 
Twelfth took part in the operations before Vicksburg; remained in that locality until the sur- 
render of the city, and, in August, went into camp at Natchez. They remained at this place 
the most of the winter of 1863, and, in January, 1864, returned to Vicksburg, where the regi- 
ment was re-organized as a veteran regiment, 520 men having enlisted. In February, 1864, 
they formed a part of Sherman's Meridian expedition. On this trip they marched 416 miles in 
thirty-one days, the Twelfth being highly complimented for its gallantry. On the 13th of March, 
they left for Wisconsin on veteran furlough. April 30, went to Cairo on order of Gen. Sherman 
for re-assembling of veteran regiment ; joined the "Army of the Tennessee " on the 8th of June, 
and became identified with the Atlanta campaign. At Kennesaw Mountain twenty-five men from 
Company D, with the same number from five other companies of the Twelfth Regiment, under 
Capt. Maxon, were detached to dislodge a large force of rebels from a strong position which they 
held. Their success and bravery won commendation from Gen. McPherson and the Division 
and Brigade commanders. 



402 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AM) OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

On the morning of the 20th of July, 1864, the Twelfth and Sixteenth formed the advance of 
the charging column in the attack on the enemy's works on Bald Hill. The Twelfth, in fifteen 
minutes, out of less than 600 men engaged, lost 134 in killed and wounded, and captured more 
small arms than it had men engaged. Four color bearers were shot, and the two flag-staffs were 
shot off. 

On the following day, during the desperate effort of the rebels to retake the captured works, 
Capt. Price, of Company D, was wounded, and in the list of " killed or died of wounds " are the 
names of Corporal Emery B. Smith, Privates Edwin E. Frisby, William Hockman, Mathias 
Lampert, Wellington Stannard, Chris Smith, Nicholas Harris, David M. Waller and Moses 
Whalan, all of Company D. The two latter died at Andersonville. 

From this time until their arrival at Atlanta on the loth of October, the deaths of Henry 
Goldner on August 12, and that of John M. Holt on the 11th of October, are all that are reported 
from Company D. 

In October, Capt. John M. Price was promoted to Major, and on the 19th of December, 
when near Savannah, his life was very sadly and unfortunately brought to a close by a mistake 
of a Union soldier. He was shot as he was walking near the lines between the pickets. 

The company with its regiment proceeded from Savannah to Washington ; was present at 
the grand review ; mustered out at Louisville, and returned to Wisconsin in July, 1865. 

SECOND COMPANY — WASHINGTON COUNTY RIFLK-. 

On Tuesday, the 12th of August, 1862, a war meeting was held in West Bend, which was 
addressed by Hon. Matt H. Carpenter, Hon. Arthur McArthur, Capt. Charles Lehman, 
Moritz Schoeffler and others, calling upon the citizens to respond to the call of the Governor for 
more troops. On Wednesday, the 12th, a meeting was held in the court house at 7 o'clock in 
the evening, F. 0. Thorp, Esq., presiding, and Paul A. Weil acting as Secretary. 

After addresses from Messrs. L. F. Frisby, Eugene S. Turner, of Ozaukee County, and 
Judge Mann, $460 was subscribed for the benefit of the Washington County Rifles, a company 
being raised at the time by Jacob E. Mann, Esq., editor of the West Bend Post. Twenty-one 
persons enlisted at the close of the meeting. The company was organized with the following 
list of officers: Captain, Jacob E. Mann; First Lieutenant, Jacob Heipp ; Second Lieutenant. 
Charles Ottilie ; Sergeants, John Crowley, John Horn, John Kemmel, Phillip Illian, Henry 
Blenker : Corporals, John Schultz, Jacob Wagner, Carl Karsten, H. Guenther, George Koehler. 
A. H. Cassell, John Guenther, A. Rusho. 

The company was assigned to the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Infantry as Company G, and left 
West Bend September 4 for Camp Sigel, Milwaukee. The following greeting appeared in the 
Post of September 13, 1862, showing that loyalty and patriotism was not confined to the soldiers 
of the war : 

" My husband, Jacob E. Mann, and my brother, Charles D. Waldo, editors of this paper, 
having both gone to the war to fight the battles of our country, I have taken the editorial chair 
for the time being, and propose to run this establishment to the best of my ability. I hope our 
kind readers, under such circumstances, will make all due allowance while the paper is in our 
charge. While those who are dear to us are helping to put down this accursed rebellion with 
the weapons of war far away from home, we here will try ami wield the pen for the same pur- 
pose. We will willingly give up the editorial chair when the Union is re-established upon a per- 
manent basis, as we are for the Union as it was, and the Constitution as it is. 

" Cabbie Mann." 

The Twenty-sixth was ordered to report at Washington, an 1 left the State on the 6th of 
October, 1862. It was assigned to the army corps commanded by (Jen. Sigel. and immediately 
put on duty. On the 2d of November they marched to Gainesville, remaining in that vicinity 
until December, when operations for the winter having closed, the regiment went into camp at 
Stafford Court House. While here the company lost by typhoid fever Orderly Crowley, the 
second death in the company, the first being Conrad Mack. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 403 

At the battle of Chancellorsville, on the 2d day of May, 1863, Company G lost its Captain, 
Charles Pizzala, who had succeeded Jacob E. Mann, he having been obliged to resign on 
account of sickness. The list of killed and wounded in this battle shows that the Washington 
County Rifles never "showed the white feather." Besides Capt. Pizzala, there were killed, or 
died of wounds, Corporal Henry Guenther, Privates Jacob Lauerman, Jacob Wieman, George 
W. Rusco, Jacob Dixheimer, Richard Daly, Kilian Schnepf, Joseph Steinmetz, John Schmidt, 
John C. Vetter and Franz Zieldorf. Company G was in the fight at Gettysburg July 1, enter- 
ing the field with thirty-two men, and coming off with only seven uninjured. Besides these, 
there were eight men on picket, giving a total of fifteen men in the company fit for duty. Cor- 
porals George Keohler, Fritz Zieldorf and John Pitger, and Privates Ferdinand Fritz and 
Julius Jenslon were killed or mortally wounded. 

The regiment was transferred to the army in Tennessee, and was engaged in the brilliant 
action at Mission Ridge. On the 29th of November, marched to Knoxville, a peculiarly hard 
march, " the weather being cold, the country rough, the roads muddy, l'ations short, shoes worn 
out and clothing scanty." 

On the 15th of May, the regiment having been transferred to the Twentieth Army Corps 
for the Atlanta campaign, took part in the battle of Resaca. Company G lost Privates P. Stof- 
fell and Albert Wolf. In the battles near Dallas, Corporal Robert H. Templeton and Privates 
Emerson L. Smith and George Dillenbach were killed. The conduct of the Twenty-sixth Regi- 
ment in the battle of Peach Tree Creek is thus spoken of by Col. Wood, of the Third Brigade, 
in his official report : 

" Where all behaved well, it may be regarded as invidious to call attention to individuals, 
yet it seems to me I cannot discharge my duty in this report without pointing out for especial 
commendation the conduct of the Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and its brave 
and able commander. The position of this regiment in the line was such that the brunt of the 
enemy's attack fell upon it. The brave, skillful and determined manner in which it met this 
attack, rolled back the onset, pressed forward in a counter charge and drove back the enemy, 
could not be excelled by the troops in this or any other army, and is worthy of the highest 
commendation and praise." Nicholas Vollmar, First Lieutenant of Company G, was mortally 
wounded in this battle. 

On the 15th of November, with its regiment, the company moved forward with Gen. Sher- 
man in his march to the sea ; was at Washington at the grand review ; arrived at Milwaukee on 
the 17th of June, where it was given a grand reception and banquet; marched to Camp Wash- 
burn, and was there discharged and paid off on the 29th of June, 1865. 

Carl Karsten, who was the Orderly Sergeant of the company, and was with it during its 
whole term of service, kindly furnishes the following information concerning the members of the 
company from the town of West Bend : 

Captain — Jacob E. Mann, resigned December 8, 1862. 

First Lieutenant — Jacob Heipp, resigned December 4, 1862. 

Sergeants — John Horn, discharged April 10, 1863; John Remmel. 

Corporals — Jacob Wagner, discharged February 14, 1863; Carl Karsten, promoted to First Lieutenant. 

Wagoner — Joseph Steinmetz, killed at Chancellorsville. 

1'rivates — Henry Banten, discharged June 8, 1863; John Cary, promoted to Corporal; Jacob Dixheimer, 
killed; Richard Daily, killed ; Christian Frenz, wounded; Charles Frenz, wounded and discharged ; John Rilling, 
discharged February 11, 1863; George W. Rusco, killed ; Peter Ruplinger, wounded ; Peter Stoffel, killed ; Emer- 
son Smith, taken prisoner ; afterward killed ; John Schmidt, killed. 

Mr. Karsten was promoted to a First Lieutenancy, and commanded his company at the 
battle of Burnt Hickory. Out of twenty-two men, all then left fit for duty, they lost that day : 
killed, 3 ; wounded, 4 ; missing, 1. Other information furnished by him of members of the 
company from other towns will appear in the several town histories. 

THE WOMEN'S WORK. 

The ladies of West Bend were not behind their sisters all over the country in their exer- 
tions and sacrifices for the benefit of the soldiers. Fairs and festivals were held, aid societies 



404 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

organized, hospitals supplied with nurses, and every means that woman's sympathy could devise, 
and skill and ingenuity or self-sacrifice carry out, was resorted to before the weary, waiting days 
were over, and in all this work, the women of this little village bore their part. 
March 7, 1863, the Post says: 

The net proceeds of the Ladies' Festival amounts to $80.50. Soldiers' families who arc in need of aid can 
apply to the undersigned committee: 

Mil*. Pail A. Weil, Mrs. .1 LCOB E. Mann, 

Mks. C U. Miller, Mrs. i'iiarles Maykr, 

Mii James Voli.mar, Mr. 11. II. Price. 

Mrs. .1. Potter, Treasurer. 

On February 11, 1864, a Ladies' Aid Society was organized, and the following officers 
elected: Mrs. John Potter, Jr., President; Mrs. Charles Mayer, Mrs. Jacob E. Mann, Vice 
Presidents; Miss Ella McHenry, Secretary; Mrs. Albert Semler, Treasurer; Mrs. Charles 
Jl. Miller, Mrs. Beckel, Mrs. I. N. Frisby, Mrs. F. 0. Thorp, Mrs. Paul A. Weil, committee on 
cutting ; Mrs. Barney Potter, Mrs. F. Everly, Mrs. L. F. Frisby, Mrs. Hurlburt, Miss D. 
Irish, committee on packing. 

The society, through its Secretary, made its appeal to the farmers for vegetables, particu- 
larly potatoes, those being, at the time, especially needed. It also solicited aid in money and 
clothing from the citizens of West Bend and the adjacent villages, and soon was able to send a 
well-filled box to the "boys in blue." 

The last meeting of the society was held on Saturday June 28, 1865, nearly two years 
after its formation. It contributed its full share toward relieving the wants of soldiers' families, 
and its later efforts were directed toward raising funds for the Soldiers' Home, since erected in 
Milwaukee. At the Fair held in Milwaukee fir the benefit of this undertaking, West Bend 
was worthily represented by Mrs. Miller, Miss Ella McHenry and Miss Hattie Wightman. 
An agricultural wreath which Mrs. Miller contributed was said to be the most beautiful speci- 
men of the kind on exhibition. The total amount paid into the Soldiers' Home Fair treasury 
from Washington County was $339.77. Of this, $85 was donated in cash by the West Bend 
Ladies' Aid Society, and the remainder received from the sale of goods by the West Bend and 
Hartford Societies at the Washington County table in the Fair building. 

WEST BENI> VI I. LACE IN lSSl. 

The village has a population of about one thousand three hundred. It is three-fourths 
German, the remaining quarter being largely American. Of the German population, over half 
are of American birth or came to the county in early childhood. Tt has seven churches, two 
school edifices, a court house and at Schlitz Grove a large assembly hall capable of seating 
siiii people; it has five general stores, two ding stores, a book store, two printing offices, two 
weekly newspapers, a bank, live hotels, three furniture shops, one jeweler's shop, several dealers 
in clothing, boots and shoes, hardware, millinery, agricultural implements, and other sp icial 
branches of trade are well represented. There are two elevators for the shipping of grain, one 
grist-mill, a foundry and machine-shop, a stave factory, two breweries, a lumber-yard and other 
industries that will be more specially mentioned. 

The older buildings, which are of wood, are being rapidly displaced by brick structures. 
The brick are of the cream color peculiar to Milwaukee, and have come into such general use 
for buildings as to already give to the village the cream-colored complexion of that city. 

There are two weekly newspapers now published in the village, the West Rend Dem >crat 
and the West Bend Times, both of which have more special mention in the history of the county 

at large. 

Tin- Deuttcher Beobachter, published in Fond du l;ac, in the German language, has a good 
circulation in We-! Bend and other pans of Washington County, among the German popula- 
tion. Mr. Carl A. Bruederle is the business manager and local editor at Wesl Bend, where 
lie has an office. 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



405 



SCHOOLS. 

The schools of the village rank equal to those of any village of its size in the State. 
They are graded into five departments — first and second primary, first and second intermediate 
and high school. The high school is under the charge of a male teacher, the four lower grades 
being taught by females. The total amount expended for school purposes for 1880, was 
$1,927,03. The total amount raised for 1881 is $2,217.91. By the school census for 1880, 
the whole number of scholars reported was 394. The common-school attendance is but a little 
more than half that number, as many are being educated in the flourishing Catholic school in 
the village. The latest report will show the condition of the schools at the close of the spring 
terra of 1881, it being for the month of May. It is as follows : 



„. . . , First Second 

High School. Intermediate intermediate. 



Number of pupils registered 27 

Numher of cases of tardiness 30 

Time lost by tardiness (hours) 7 

Number of pupils paying tuition 4 

Average daily attendance ' 22 

Whole number of days' attendance 442 

Whole number of days' absence 77 

Per cent of attendance j 91 

Number of visitors ' 1 



34 



25 
571 
109 

80 



30 

13 
3 

23 
462 
108 

76 
4 




Second 
Primary. 



Total. 



41 

68 
13 

33 
654 
119 

81 
2 



198 

147 

25 

4 

131 

2,386i 

575J 

81 

7 



CHURCHES. 

There are six churches in the village. Many of the meoibers reside in the firming country 
outside the village, and in the adjacent towns. The Baptist and Methodist membership is largely 
made up from the rural population. The records are not accessible, and the reports are neces- 
sarily incomplete. 

Six churches are of the following denominations : One Catholic, one Lutheran, one German 
Methodist, one Baptist, one Methodist, one Episcopalian. Such special information as was at- 
tainble is given below : 

The Catholic Church. — Catholics began to come in in 1847-48, and had services occasion- 
ally at private houses, performed by missionary priests, with an occasional service by such min- 
isters as were sent to them by Bishop Henni, of Milwaukee. In 1849, there were some twelve 
to fifteen families in the towns, and the permanent establishment of the church was effected 
through the commencement of a church edifice. It was quite modest in its pretensions as to 
size and expense, being but 24x34 feet in size, and calculated to cost when finished $1,000. It 
was begun in 1849, but not finished till 1853. It was located on Lots 11 and 12, in Block 11, 
on the village plat. The congregation worshipped in this church till 1867, increasing in 
strength and numbers. 

The new church was begun in 1866, and finished for occupancy in 1867. It is a large 
brick structure, and when the spire (not yet completed) is added, will be the most conspicuous 
and ornamental edifice in the village. Its cost will be not far from $14,000. It was conse- 
crated October 20, 1867. On that day Cecilia Kirchner was christened — the first baptism sol- 
emnized in the new church. 

The old church was appropriated to further use as a parish school, for which it was occupied 
till 1879, when it was removed from its site to give place to the fine brick school building, which 
was completed in 1880. It is still in existence, owned by John Knippel, and is used as a store- 
house and granary. 

The new school building is a two-story brick structure, 36x50 feet in size, with a side 
addition for the dwelling of the Sisters of Notre Dame having charge of the school, 28x30 feet 
in size. 



406 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

The congregation now embraces 100 families, and the pupils of the school number eighty 
to one hundred. The officiating priest, prior to 1869, was Rev. John Rundle; since then, Rev. 
M. Renchengruber. 

The German Evangelical Lutheran Society was started by a few of the earliest German 
settlers of West Bend and Trenton. Among the first members were Carl D. Wilke, Carl, 
Fritz and Wilhelm Schroeder, the Schroeder family, Ludwig Ottmarand H. Treviranus. Subse- 
quently new-comers were added to the society, among whom were Carl Karsten, F. Kahl. W. 
Schmidt, Job Premlia, W. Hildebrand, Fried Braumann, Joachim Nieman, John Althaus, Hen 
Voss, Fr. W. Mueller, F. Resting and others. Rev. Heis was the first Pastor, and remained in 
charge of the society till 1853. At that time the society divided, and the members from the 
town of Trenton built themselves a block church on Ottmar's farm, where they still continue to 
worship. The West Bend portion of the society continued to worship in the schoolhouse of 
District No. 2, till the church was built in 1864. November 16, 1858, the church was incor 
porated as the "German Evangelical Lutheran St. Johannes' Society, of the unaltered Augsburg 
Confession," Rev. II. Roell, President; Wilhelm Schmidt, Secretary. In 1859, the society 
joined the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Wisconsin and other States. 

The Pastors have been : Rev. Heis, till 1853 ; Rev. Oswald, of West Bend, till the fall of 
1855 ; Rev. Koshler, of Addison, till spring of 1858 ; Rev. H. Roell, who took up his residence in 
West Bend, where he remained till December, 1863. He was succeeded by Rev. G. Vorberg, 
who, on December 15, 1864, dedicated the new brick church, in which the society have ever 
since worshiped. 

The charge of Rev. Vorberg embraced in addition to the West Bend society, the Emanuel's 
Church, at Trenton ; St. Johannes', at Newberg, and a church in Farmington. He was sue 
ceeded by Rev. Earl Gauzewitz, in December, 1865, who remained in charge till March, 1872, 
when he was dismissed at his own request. June 31, 1872, Rev. Ernst Mayerhoff, the present 
minister, was called to the pastorate of the societies of West Bend, Newberg and Trenton. He 
was installed August 11, 1872. 

A parochial school was established in August, 1872, and the schoolhouse was built in Sep- 
tember, 1872. H. Denninger is the present teacher, and the scholars number about one 
hundred. 

The church bell was dedicated September 1, 1872. The present membership of the West 
Bend society is 126, and the three societies above named, under the charge of the present 
pastor, embraces 572 souls, admissible to the Holy Supper of our Lord. 

Episcopal Church (St. James'). — The church is a mission church connected with the Mil- 
waukee Diocese. The chapel .vas built in 1870. The first officiating clergyman was Rev. 
Wilkinson. He was succeeded by Rev. E. R. Ward, who held occasional services till 1880. 
Services are now held at irregular intervals by Rev. Dr. Ashley, of Milwaukee. The church is 
small, embracing not over a dozen families. 

St. Muttlrias' Church (Catholic) is outside the village, but in the town of West Bend. It is 
on St-r-t i< >n 1* It was built of logs in lsl'.l. The first Pastor was Rev. Father Baeter. A 
new church was built on the site in 1867, in which the first services were held by Father Rehrl, 
who died September 3, 1881. The first members of the church were Nicholas Holrith, 
Matthias Weber, John Fox, Valentine Gonring, Nicholas Miller, Michael Deutsch, John Boden. 
Nicholas Paelne, Nic Brown, John Wilkomm and Schemenhauer. 

SOCIETIES, ETC. 

West Bend Linhje, .1., F. ,('• A. M., No. 1S8. — The first preliminary meeting was held July 
4, 1862, of which Joseph Fischbein was Chairman, and Chauncy Gray, Secretary. The peti- 
tioners for the establishment of a lodge at West Bend were Fred O. Thorpe, 0. D. Norton, 
Chauncy Gray, David Bullen, S. II. Bois, Jason Swett, T. E. Vandercook, A. W. Coe, Joseph 
Fischbein. nnd George Elliott. L. F. Frisbv ami John C. Mann also signed the petition after 
the meeting hnd adjourned. The following were recommended as the first officers : Albert V 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 407 

Coe, W. M. ; Joseph Fischbein, S. W. ; Chauncy Gray, J. W. Dispensation was granted 
August 21, 1862, and the lodge instituted September 12, 1862, by Grand Lecturer M. L. 
Young. The charter bears date June 10, 1863, and the first officers were : A. W. Coe, W. M. ; 
Joseph Fischbein, S. W. ; Chauncy Gray, J. W. ; F. 0. Thorp, Treasurer ; G. Elliott, Secre- 
tary ; L. F. Frisby, S. D. ; D. Bu'llen, J. D. ; N. Reynolds, Tiler. 

Present officers (1881) are: R. S. Rusco, W. M. ; Charles Silberzahn, S. W. ; Morgan 
M. Gage, J. W. ; Fred Wolfrum, Treasurer; G. A. Kuechenmeister, Secretary ; W. M. Johnson, 
S. D. ; . J. D. ; Jacob E. Young, Tiler. 

West Bend Turnverein. — The first meeting for organization was held in West Bend; May 
27, 1858. The meeting organized with Joseph Hernitz, President; Robert George, Secretary. 
The organization was perfected June 6, 1858. 

The first officers were: First Speaker, Adolph Horstman ; First Turn wart, John Schmidt ; 
Secretary, H. Senft ; Treasurer, 0. George ; Steward, W. Peters. It was known as the Turn- 
verein of West Bend and Barton. 

The present officers (1881) are: First Speaker, Ernst Franckenberg ; Second Speaker, 
John Eckstein; First Secretary, William Ehrhardt ; Second Secretary, Arthur Franckenberg: 
Treasurer, John Schlitz ; Stewart, Bernhardt Sturm ; First Turnwart, Adolph Harms ; Second 
Turnwart, Charles Keller. The present membership, active and honorary, numbers forty-one. 
The meetings are held in Schlitz's Hall. 

Germania Lodge, No. J^6, D. 0. Harugari. — Organized July 17, 1880. First officers 
were: William Franckenberg, O. B. ; Jacob Young, U. B. ; Jacob Heipp, Secretary; Joe 
Zettel, Treasurer ; John Eckstein, J. W. : August Bastian, A. W. Present officers are : S. 
Keller, 0. B. ; Gustav Trescher, U. B. ; John Eckstein, Secretary; Joe Zettel, Treasurer; 
August Bastian, J. W. ; Ch. Hoppe, A. W. 

* / The I. 0. of 0. F. have a lodge, but the records were not accessible for an extended 
sketch. 

BANDS. 

There are two music bands in the village, both well drilled and in constant practice as out- 
door brass bands and orchestral for dances and in-door assemblies. 

Luckow's Band is the oldest in the county, and was organized in 1861 by August Luc- 
kow, who is still the leader. The band is now organized as follows. August Luckow, Leader, 
E flat clarionet and first violin ; Oscar Seller, E flat alto posthorn and second violin ; Ferdi- 
nand Kadiz, trombone; Emil Seliger, first E flat alto; Emil Lummer, first B flat cornet; John 
Hirschboeck, A clarionet and snare drum ; Frank Brown, tuber bass ; Wenzel Brown, drum, 
cymbals and double bass. 

G-eier's Band. — This excellent band has been organized some seven years. It is made up 
of Mr. Oeier, Sr., two sons, and the best talent that can be procured to render it a first-class 
band. The Geier family are all thoroughly educated musicians, having had long practice and 
tuition under Christ Bach, of Milwaukee, and other eminent musicians. 

INDUSTRIES AND TRADES. 

The West Bend Brewery, S. F. Mayer & Co., proprietors, was built in 1848 by B. 
Goetter, who conducted the business about two years and then leased it to Christopher 
Eckstein, and soon after sold to Stephen and Charles Mayer, who carried on the business, 
enlarging and extending it during the remainder of their lives; Stephen Mayer died in 
1867. Under Charles Mayer's management, the brewery was rebuilt and enlarged in 1868, 
and managed by him till the time of his death, which occurred in August, 1871. In the next 
four years, the business was conducted in the interest of the heirs, and, in 1875, an arrange- 
ment was made by which business was re-organized under the present management of S. F. 
Mayer & Co. At this writing, the brewery is 200x40 feet in size, having a yearly capacity of 
3,500 barrels of beer. A 24-horse-power engine is used, and employment given to seven men ; 



408 HISTORY OP WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES 

a new double kiln, 30x22 feet, with new growing floors and storing rooms, 28x52 feet, have been 
added. 

The Eagle Brewery. — Adam Kuehlthau, proprietor, was erected by Christopher 
Eckstein about 1856. The business was conducted by him till 1860, when he sold to 
Adolph Arzbacher, who ran it till 1875, when he leased it to Kuehlthau & Jahnsen. This firm 
carried on the business till 1880, when the property was bought by its present proprietor. The 
building covers an area of 120x60 feet, partly two and a half stories high, and part one story. 
In 1880, a new engine of ten horse-power was put in operation, the boiler capacity being 
equal to double that of the engine. Six men are employed, and 2,000 barrels of beer are manu- 
factured per year. 

The foundry business was first started by Louis Lucas in 1859. He had previously, 
from 1852 to 1859, been engaged in business at West Bend as a tin-plate worker and copper- 
smith. At that time he built the West Bend Foundry, on River street, near the lower bridge, 
where he carried on the business till 1873, when he sold to Jacob Young, who conducted the 
business in company with John Kunz and other partners till 1878. At that time. Charles Sil- 
berzahn becime his partner. The present firm is Silberzahn & Young. The scope of business 
has lieen enlarged, and embraces all departments of iron, lathe and machine work required in 
the repair of agricultural machinery. 

The West Bend Starr Fartory was first started by Michael Ruplinger June 1, 1878. Dur- 
ing the first year it cut soojIOt) staves. The next year, up to August 31, it had cut 
1,200,000 staves. At this time it was consumed by fire, entailing a loss to Mr. Ruplinger of 
$5,500. He commenced rebuilding in October, 1879, and finished the new structure in December 
of that year. The new factory was 30x50 feet in size, fitted with a fifteen-horse-power engine, 
and gives employment to seven workmen. Its production for the year ending January 1, 1881, 
was 1,500 000 staves. Mr. Ruplinger still remains the sole proprietor. 

The Bank of West Hind is the only hanking institution in the county. It was first 
started in the fall of 1*07, with a capital of $25,000. Its principal stockholders were James 
Vollmar, Christopher Eckstein, R. R. Price, C. H. Miller, Albert Semler, Charles Broich, B. 
Goetter and James Garbade. Until 1869, it was managed by Charles II. Miller, who was Cash- 
ier, Christopher Eckstein being the President. In 1869. Maxon Hirsch became the sole pro- 
prietor of the bank by purchase. He sold to the present proprietor, Ernst von Francken- 
berg, in 1*75. 

West Bend Marble Works are owned and carried on by P. W. Harnea. He commenced 
the business in 1*75. It now extends through the States of Wisconsin. Michigan and Iowa, 
ft embraces all kinds of marble and other stone ornamental work for cemeteries and building 
purposes. 

The Grain Elevators. — The first elevator was built in 1*74 by Franckenberg & Karsten, 
who shipped the first grain by railroad from West Bend. The annual amount of their ship- 
ments is 100,000 to 125,0011 bushels. The second was built by B. Goetter the same year, who 
handles annually from 150.(10(1 to 200,000 bushels of grain. 

Manufactories. — V. J. Kohout established his business in l s 72. He manufactures 
annually 200,000 cigars; Seliger \ Luckow established in 1875. They employ four hand-. 
and produce 150,000 cigars annually. 

The old grist mill now owned by Mann Brothers, of Milwaukee, still does a custom busi- 
ness. John Eckstein is the present lessee. 

The lumber business is represented by Alexander McDonald, who has an extensive lumber 
yard under the direction of" Mr. .1. Vetch. 

PLACES "I ItESORT. 

West Bend Sehuetzen Park was established by the West Bend Schuetzenverein in June, 
1868. It is situated west of the central part of the village. It embraces five acres, and is 
-haded by a beautiful grove. It remained the property of the " verein " till October 28, 1876, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 409 

■when Mr. C. F. Hoppe, and his sister, Mrs. Sophia Richter, purchased the property and fitted 
it up as a summer garden in the spring of 1877. There is a dancing hall 60x72 feet in size ; 
also a bowling alley, dining hall and band stands. It is a popular summer resort, as is shown by 
the receipts for July 4 and 5, 1881, which amounted to $900. 

Schlitz Grove is the popular resort of the town and county, and is a favorite point for 
excursionists from Milwaukee, Fond du Lac, and other large places along the line of the Chi- 
cago & North- Western Railway. It is situated on the east bank of Milwaukee River, just where 
the sharp bend occurs, the south boundary being on the banks of the river. It consists of a 
magnificent grove of sixty-five acres of forest trees of the natural growth. The building covers 
an area of 100x200 feet, and embraces under one roof a large hall, 58x75 feet, with twenty- 
five feet stage, dressing rooms, stage scenery, turners' apparatus, and all other conveniences for 
popular assemblies, dancing, and theatrical representations. It has also a dining-room, billiard- 
room, bar-room, and all else required by the guests of a first-class restaurant. In the grove are 
band stands, tables, seats, swings, turners' bars, and the best facilities for outdoor summer 
enjoyment. The cost of the building, furniture and fixtures was $20,000. Mr. Schlitz offers 
land within the boundaries of the Park at moderate rates to sojourners who desire to erect sum- 
mer cottages. 

fc THE BAR. 

West Bend being the seat of justice of the county, has had a larger representation of law- 
yers than any other village in the county, and mention of them embraces all the leading mem- 
bers of the Washington County bar outside the town of Hartford. The following sketch is 
drawn from the memory of one of the oldest members : 

Ira Spencer practiced in West Bend in 1849. He left in 1850, before the county was 
divided. 

L. F. Frisby came in 1850 and is still in practice, and is the oldest member of the Wash- 
ington County bar. 

B. O. Thorp and John Shelley came in 1853-54, and opened a law office under the name 
of Thorp & Shelley. Mr. Shelley is still a resident, having served as County Judge for twenty- 
four years. 

John E. Mann came in 1853 and entered into partnership with L. F. Frisby. The firm 
continued till 1859, at which time Mr. Mann was elected as Circuit Judge. He is now a resi- 
dent of Milwaukee, where he is serving his second term as Judge of Milwaukee County. 

I. N. Frisby was admitted to practice in 1853, and is still an honored member of the Wash- 
ington County bar and a resident of West Bend. 

N. W. Tuppei\ a promising young lawyer, came from Sheboygan in 1855. He was asso- 
ciated with I. N. Frisby till 1859, when he moved to Illinois. He entered the army during the 
earlier years of the rebellion and was killed in the service. 

Ansel Tupper, brother of the above, was admitted to the bar in 1859-60. He left the 
State with his brother, and was also killed in the service. 

Gr. Neff came in 1857 or 1858. He remained a few years. 

O. H. Miller came to West Bend from Port Washington in 1853. He was in business sev- 
eral years as Cashier of the hank of West Bend. He was subsequently admitted to the bar, and 
has since been in legal practice in West Bend. 

Patrick O'Meara came in 1870-71, and for ten years was associated with Mr. Miller in 
the law business. He has been District Attorney since 1875. 

Paul A. Weil studied law and was admitted in 1859-60. He has been a law partner of 
L. F. Frisby since that time. 

Col. N. S. Gilson entered the office of L. F. Frisby as a law student in April, 1860, where 
he remained till the fall of 1861, at which time he enlisted as a private and entered the service. 
He served as Judge Advocate, was promoted to a First Adjutancy ; then appointed Lieutenant 
Colonel of the Fifteenth United States Colored Infantry; was breveted Colonel; and finally left 
the service in 1866. He finished his law studies at the Albany Law School. He commenced 



410 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

practice, after graduating, at Fond du Lac. He is now County Judge, and served in the State 
Legislature of 1880-81. 

Henry J. Weil and H. H. Blanchard practiced from 1867 to 1871. 

George H. Kleffler was admitted to practice in 1865. He is still a resident of the village. 

S. S. Barney studied with Frisby & Weil, and was admitted in 1872. He became a mem- 
ber of that firm, where he remained several years. He is now the senior member of the firm of 
Barney & Kuechenmeister, West Bend. 

Frank Gcil&on, another student in the office of Frisby & Weil, was admitted in 1872. 

Richard D. Salter, now a practicing attorney at Colby, Marathon Co., Wis., studied law 
with Frisby & Weil, and was admitted to the bar in 1879. 

Paul M. Weil, now of the law firm of Van Wyke & Weil, was also a student with Frisby 
& Weil, and was admitted in the spring of 1879. 

G. A. Kuechenmeister was admitted in the fall of 1879, and is now associated with S. S. 
Barney. 

James Kenealy was admitted in 1879, and now practices in the town of Erin. 

P. U. Schmidt, Jr., is at present the youngest member of the bar. He completed his 
studies in the office of Frisby & Weil, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1881. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The village was the scene of the closing act in the De Bar tragedy, in August, 1855, an 
account of which appears in the history of Washington County. No other startling crime is 
found in the annals of the village. 

The most destructive fires have been : The burning of the Washington House, which oc- 
curred January 1, 1864. It was rebuilt the same year by Mr. Goetter, and was re-opened 
with a ball and other festivities on the 15th of October. 

The burning of the woolen-mill occurred December 10, 1869. Mr. Charles Heberlein was 
drowned the following day in the mill-race of the factory just burned. 

The most serious conflagration that ever visited the village occurred on Saturday. August 
l<i. 1879. It was first discovered at 1 o'clock in the morning, breaking out of both the front ami 
rear of Peter Detuncq's furniture-shop. It had at the time of its discovery made such headway 
that it could not be subdued before the block was consumed. The buildings burned, including those 
in the rear of the street front, were eleven in number. Very little of their contents was saved. 
The principal losers were: Peter Detuncq's store and stock, valued at §3,000; G. S. Foster, 
building, $2,000 ; John Findorf, building and saloon fixtures, $2,000 ; Nic Immell, buildings 
and stock of furniture, $2,800 ; John Jungbluth, building, $3,000 ; .John Althaus, building, 
$2,500; John Goet/., building, $300; and A. C. Fuge, barn and contents, $100. The block 
burned, on the west side of River street, has since been nearly rebuilt, the last structure erected 
on the site being the new brick store of Franckenberg & Karsten. The origin of the fire was 
never satisfactorily ascertained. 

The great freshet of 1881, caused by the sudden melting of the unprecedented accumula- 
tion of snow, was the most devastating that has ever occurred. The river became suddenly 
swollen, and swept out every dam on the river between Young America and Grafton, as well as 
the upper bridge at West Bend and the bridge at Barton. It is here recorded as the most 
serious freshet since the settlement of the country. 

THE town in 1881. 
Exclusive of the village, the population of the town, according to the census of 1880, was 
855. The town is dotted with farmhouses and covered with farms in a high state of cultivation. 
Nearly every farm has a reservation of growing timber upon it. The total area of woodland in 
the township is 2, '.'Oil acres. The principal agricultural products for 1SSO, were in amount and 
variety as follows : Wheat, 28,000 bushels; corn, 22,000 ; oats, 26,000 ; barley, 13,000 ; rye, 
3,600; potatoes, 7,500; apples, 10,000; butter, 21,000 pounds; cheese, 7,000. In grain, 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 411 

4,600 acres were sown. There are 135 acres of apple-orchards containing 4,260 trees in bear- 
ing. The farmers are enlarging the dairy and stock business from year to year. In 1880, 452 
milch cows were reported. Excellent roads run through every section, and peace and plenty 
abound. 

The town officers for 1881, were: Supervisors, Francis Ganzel, Chairman, Joseph Bauer 
Peter Holrith ; Town Clerk, Stephen Lang ; Treasurer, Michael Deutch ; Assessor, John 
Witteman. 

The Lucas Mineral Springs are located on the northwest quarter of Section 22. The cura- 
tive properties of these springs have been known from the earliest settlement of the town. The 
springs have been recently opened for the convenience of visitors. There are six in all, within 
an area of thirty feet. Four are inclosed in a single coping. The other two are separately in- 
closed. The volume of water discharged is 2,000 gallons per hour, and the flow is unvarying. 
The pressure is sufficient to raise the water fifteen feet above the ground level. The spring is lo- 
cated in the most picturesque portion of the town, being three-fourths of a mile north from Silver 
Lake, and one and one-half miles east from Cedar Lake. The analysis made by Prof. Gustav 
Bode, of Milwaukee, shows the mineral constituents of the waters to be identical with the far- 
famed medicinal waters of Waukesha. 

Jacob's Well is owned by Jacob Engmann. It lies one mile west of the court house on 
Section 1 5. It is a mineral spring — one of a group numbering a dozen or more within an area 
of four acres. It has been resorted to by inhabitants of the town, for its curative qualities, since 
1849. The analysis made February 26, 1878, by Prof. Bode, of Milwaukee, shows : 

Chloride of sodium 0.1597 

Sulphate of soda 7618 

Bicarbonate of soda 1.3679 

Bicarbonate of lime 9.6399 

Bicarbonate of magnesia 6.0026 

Bicarbonate of iron 0.0245 

Alumina 0.0127 

Silica 0.7372 

The water is entirely pure and free from organic matter. The quantity of salts it contains as well as the kind, 
and the manner in which they are combined, is precisely the same as the well-known Waukesha water, and the same 
favorable results may be expected from its use as a medical agent. Signed, Gustavus Bome. 

One gallon United States measure contains the above. There are two large bath-houses 
fitted up at considerable expense, and a full knowledge of the various springs, varying in their 
quality, will eventuate in making it one of the most popular invalid resorts in the State. 

There is a brick-yard in the town, owned and run by P. W. Schmidt, on Section 26. He 
established the business in 1874. He manufactures building brick, well brick, tiles and scour- 
ing brick — 300.000 per year. 

Hoppe's saw-mill, on Silver Creek, Section 15, was built by Frederick Hoppe in 1850. It 
was rebuilt, in 1867, by his son Charles, who still owns and runs it. It is now furnished with 
modern circular saws, and has a capacity of 5,000 feet per day. The flowage of his pond is about 
fifty acres. 

Kohlsdorf s Mills. — In 1873, J. R. Kohlsdorf purchased the mill privilege known as 
"Young's Saw-mill; " a year after commenced work, and in the spring of 1876, completed his 
large flouring-mill. A new dam was built to replace the one carried away by the spring freshet 
of 1873, and also a fine bridge. The foundation of the mill — of stone, laid on piling covered 
with planks — cost about §2,000. The building, without the basement, is three stories and a loft ; 
the machinery is the best that could be procured from the establishment of E. P. Allis & Co., 
Milwaukee. It has four run of stones, and cost, with machinery, $25,000 It is located one 
mile east of the village. 

An attempt was made in the spring of 1880 to establish the culture of cranberries by 
Louis Lucas, who, at that time, prepared the ground and started the first vines. He has at 
present two acres of vigorous vines, and the enterprise promises to add another valuable source 
of agricultural income to those already existing in the town. 



412 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZACKEE COUNTIES. 

Much of the farm property of the town is insured in the West Bend, Polk and Richfield 
Farmers' Mutual Town Insurance Company. It comprises the farm risks in the towns of Rich- 
field, Polk, Hartford, Trenton and West Bend. It was organized January 6, 1880. The officers 
were : John Kessel, President ; Henry T. Thoma, Secretary ; John George Lofey, Treasurer, 
and C. F. Leins and Charles Thoma, who completed the Board of Directors. The officers at 
present (1881), remain unchanged. Amount of property insured January 1, 1881, was $860,- 
133. Losses during the year 1880, $79. 



TOWN OF HARTFORD. 

The town of Hartford was known and described under the Government survey as Town 10, 
Range 18 east. It is the second town in the western range of townships in Washington County 
going north, and is bounded on the north by the town of Addison, east by Polk, south by Erin, 
and west by the town of Rubicon in Dodge County. It is well watered by numerous small 
creeks and springs. The Rubicon River, a tributary of Rock River, has its source in the town, 
and runs through it from east to west, furnishing a most excellent and reliable water-power at 
the village. Pike Lake, the second largest sheet of water in the county, lies a little east of the 
center of the town, on Sections 23, 22, 27 and 26. Its area is nearly one square mile, and is 
heart shaped, which gave it its Indian name, " Nokum," signifying "heart,'' in the Indian 
tongue. 

The town was in a state of nature, covered with a growth of hardwood timber on the uplands, 
and impenetrable thickets of cedar and tamarack along the margins of the streams that wound 
between the hills. It lies mostly west of the range of hills, which makes the water- shed of the 
county, and the hills are only of sufficient size to distinguish the country from the rolling prairie 
that opens out a few miles to the west of the town. 

The first white man who came into the township with the apparent intention of remaining 
was Jehial Case. The records do not show any entry of land made by him. He squatted near 
Section 12, where Timothy Hall found him in his shanty on his arrival in the summer of 1843. 
When he came in is unknown. He was a Canadian. He left his squatter's claim in the fall of 
1843 or winter of 1844. lie sold his improvements, which consisted of a small clearing, and 
the first shanty ever built in the town, to a Mr. Scheitz, who came in lS44-4f>. 

The first actual settler who took up Government land and helped to build the town was 
Timothy Hall. There is a record of an entry of lti" acres on Section 12, made by IIa.ll, August 
2, 1842. This may be a clerical error, as he did not come in till the middle of July, 1843, at 
which time he astonished Jehial Case, the Canadian squatter, by putting in an appearance with 
his wife and all his worldly goods. He came in with an ox team from Milwaukee, settled on 
Section 12, where he built him a cabin, the second built in the town, and began in earnest 
the life ofa pioneer. The house was long kept as a tavern by Mr. Hall, it being the favorite 
stopping-place of travelers on the old Fond du Lac road, known as the Half Way House. For 
six months after Case left, Mr. Hall and family were the only residents of the town. 

He was the first permanent settler in the present county of Washington, outside the towns 
of Germantown and Richfield, with the possible exception of Alfred Orindorf, who settled in the 
town of Addison about that time. Mr. Hall, for many years, was one of the leading citizens, 
not only of his town but the county. He built on the site of his first rude tavern, the best way- 
Bide inn on the Fond du Lac road. He took an active interest in public affairs. Was the first 
Justice of the Peace, the first Postmaster, and for many years bis name appeared as a member of 
the County Board. Within a few years he removed to Spring Lake, where he now resides. He 
was one of the energetic men of early times, and may well be designated as one of the fathers 
of the town. 

The next year alter Halls advent, prospectors were numerous, and at the close of 1844, 
some thirty entries were made, although not over fifteen families had made permanent settle- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 413 

ments. In 1846-47-48, the lands were generally taken up and the work of hewing farms out 
of the forest was begun on nearly every section of desirable land in the township. 

Nic Simon, the first German settler, still living in Hartford, came in on a prospecting expe- 
dition in September, 1843. He, in company with John Theil, came in from Prairieville, now 
Waukesha, went round Pike Lake, where there was an Indian encampment of Pottawatomies, 
and on the trip discovered the water-power at the site of the present village. Theil took a claim 
on the east part of Section 11. Simon returned to Prairieville and induced the Rossman broth- 
ers, James and Charles, to come up and see the valuable water-power he had found. He piloted 
them to the falls in the summer of 1844. They were shrewd, practical men, and immediately 
bought the 40 acres about the rapids, built a dam in the fall of that year, and had a saw-mill 
running early in 1845. Charles Rossman joined his brothers in 1846, and built the first grist- 
mill, on the site of the present mill. It had three runs of stones, and did a thriving and pros- 
perous business in the way of toll grinding for a large region roundabout. The Rossmans, with 
their guide, who also remained and settled on an adjoining ''forty," were the founders of the 
village. Simon felled the first tree and built the first log house in the village, on what, years 
after, came to be known as Sumner street. 

The same year that the Rossmans completed their grist-mill, Hiram H. Wheelock left 
Oconomowoc, where he had been engaged in lumber business and manufacturing furniture, and 
came in as a permanent settler. This was in April, 1816. He, at that time, started the first 
store. It was of very modest dimensions, 12x18 feet in size, built of siding, on the site of the 
present brick store of Wheelock, Dennison & Co. Wheelock kept a general supply store, suited 
to the wants of the incoming settlers, and did a flourishing business, which soon outgrew the 
capacity of the store. The next year, 1847, Reuben S. Kneeland became a partner with Whee- 
lock. The little store was moved onto an adjoining lot and occupied by Isaac Allen, as a shoe- 
maker's shop, and Wheelock & Kneeland built what was at the time the best and largest 
store in the county. It was 20x40 feet in size. Here the firm did a heavy and prosperous 
business for nine years. Meantime, Ira Wheelock and Nathan Parker, young clerks, had be- 
come members of the firm. In connection with the business, they started a manufactory of 
pearlash, near the old saw-mill, which proved an unexpected and welcome source of income to 
the settlers, who made from the wood ashes from their immense clearing fires, large quantities 
of crude potash, known as black salts, which was purchased by the firm and refined for market. 
Many of the farmers made their first payments on their lands from this source of income. The 
first profitable crop to the pioneers was from the ashes of the forests they subdued. The busi- 
ness for many years was a very important and profitable one. The annual products of the 
"ashery " for 1853, was 170 tons, worth some $150 per ton, which, as resources of the town, might 
be counted as a net profit. The further history of this first and most important mercantile 
establishment will appear in another part of this sketch, and is further traced in the personal 
biographies of the members of the firm, several of whom are still living in the town. 

Thus the village, under the enterprise of these early workers, grew and thrived apace with 
the surrounding country, and was the central point of trade for many of the adjoining towns. 
From 1847, to the present time, it has been the most important trade center within a radius of 
thirty miles. 

Among the early settlers in the town who came in prior to its incorporation in 1846, were 
Joel F. Wilson, John Barney, John Rumrill, Christopher Truax, Ralph Freeman, Isaac Max- 
field, Chester Ewers, Warren Sargent, John D. Morey, Henry Washburn, John G. Chapman, E. 
O. Johnson, Calvin S. Wilson, Francis Willmuth and C. Smith. 

The settlement was thickest in the northeast part of the town, on and about Section 12, 
and the center of population was nearer there than at the village in 1846. 

As giving fuller information of the very earliest settlers of the town, the following extract 
from a letter which appeared in the Washington County Republican of March 16, 1881, signed 
by "A Settler of 1845" — Mr. Bissell — will be found interesting to the reader: 

I first saw the village of Hartford in the spring of 1845, coming in by the south road. After a walk of 
twenty-five miles, just at sundown we came out into a broad chopping of some two or three acres, extending along 



414 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

the west »ide of the present Main street, from the corner mentioned, to the river. .lust north of the present brick 
hotel and nearly opposite Wheeloek, Denison & Co.'s store, stood one log house, occupied by E. (). Johnson, who 
gladly fed and piloted land-lookers, for a consideration. After a few months, he put on more style, built a small 
addition, got a bottle of whisky, painted " Noster House" on a small board witli iron ore, nailed it to a tree in front 
of the house, and thus commenced the hotel busine^s in Hartford, lie use 1 to infirm those of us not so well edu- 
cated that he had studied Latin, and that " noster" meant " o tr." At the time just spoken of, the frame of the 
saw-mill was up: not a stroke had been done toward putting the machinery in place, or on the dam. There was a 
small house by the river, nearly opposite the parsonage, where the man who had put up the frame of the saw-mill 
had stayed, but no family had occupied it. On the lot way out in the woods, now owned by J. C. Dennison, Ralph 
Freeman had put up the body of a house, but no one had yet lived in it. 

In the southwest part of the town were the families of Julius Shepherd, John Kumri'l and John Graham, both 
of the latter families living in one house, and Henry Winters and Thompson Harper in another. These families came 
in the fall of 1841, by way of Milwaukee and Neosho road, leaving that road at or near Cherry Hill. 

Going east from the mill, the first house was John Brasier's, on the bank of the lake. He could have been 
there but a short time, and made or bought little furniture, for, in coming from Milwaukee, and getting belated, I 
stopped with them overnight, they taking down the outer and only door for a supper-table. On the east side of the lake 
was Fred Seeker, an old bach, liviug in an Indian bark wigwam, and ju^t south of him were two sailors, also old baches, 
but they stayed but a short time. About one mile further east was the family of John Mowry, and a little north 
of him his brother-in-law, Churchill, on the farm so long, and perhaps yet, owned by Christopher Smith. North of 
him and well toward the north side of the town, were the families of Deacon Chapman, Chris Truix and Cornelius 
Qilson. 1 am not sure whether Chester Ewer, Isaac Maxfield and the l'ulfords, were here then or not ; if not they 
came very soon afterward. Nicholas Simon had selected his farm but had not eommenoed work on it. These fam- 
ilies embraced all, or nearly all, here at that time. In the northwest quarter of the town, not a settler had yet 
located. Wagons had come in as far as the mill, or Rossman's Mili, as it was called, but no wagon hail crossed the 
river. I drove the first wagon across, turning down the hill nearly where the Mill House stood so long, and perhaps 
does yet, and cro-sing about halfway down between the grist-mill and the fool of the tail-race. This was not a good 
crossing, and another was opened just below the saw-mill, which was used until the first bridge was built !>y Almon 
ffaahburn, for $25. The first road was the old Milwaukee and Fond du Lac road, which orossed the northeast coi- 
ner of the towD. The next was the Territorial road, from Grafton, Ozaukee County, to Hustis Rapids, now 11"- 
tisford, in Dodge County, both being large and important points, in future prospects, being the present road through 
the village east and west. 

Well remembered among the older settlers, now deceased, was Joel Wilson, a biographical 
sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this book. 

Another highly respected yet unassuming citizen was John Barney, who was born August 
31, 1808, in Berkshire County, Mass., and removed with his parents while in infancy to Jeffer- 
son County, N. Y. He came to the Territory of Wisconsin in 1842, and settled on a farm near 
Prairieville (now Waukesha) with his family, then consisting of a wife and one child. lie re- 
moved from thereto Hartford in October, 1845, where he resided till the time or his death, which 
occurred April 16, 1865. During his residence in Hartford, he won the warmest regard of his 
neighbors and friends by his genial and generous disposition and tin' unqualified respect of the 
community by his uprightness and integrity. He was the first Town Clerk and the set I 
Chairman of the Town Board; he served as Justice of the Peace for several years, and held 
other offices of trust and honor. Mr. Barney was twice married ; his first wife, Adeline (Knox 
Barney, died January 17, 1856; his second wife was Miss Mary Horning. He bail four 
children by his first marriage — William R. Barney, who enlisted as a private, served through 
two terms of enlistment and returned as a Captain, and died in Madia in February, 1875, of dis- 
ease contracted in the army ; John .1. Barney, who enlisted in Company I, Twenty-ninth Wis- 
consin Infantry, and was killed at Champion Hills, Miss.. May 16, 1*63; Samuel S. Barney, 
now a leading lawyer in West Bend, and Cora Barney, the wifeof C. L. Powers, editor of the 
Weal Bend Timet. 

One son by his second marriage, Frank L. Barney, still lives in Hartford. 

Among the settlers of 1846 was the man having the largest family, Michael Bohan, a jolly 
son of the Emerald Isle, who came in with five sons and four daughters. He died in 1864, and 
the family have emigrated Still further west to Minnesota, till except two. sons, who have been 
leading citizens of Washington County, and tin' still within the boundaries of the old county. 
John the oldest Bon, taught school in Morton .as early a- 1847, and in Erin in 1848 and 1849; he was 
afterward County Clerk of the old county for many years, and is now living at Port Washing- 
ton, the editor of the Ozaukei County Advertiser. Michael, a younger son, taught school in 
Hartford as early as IV".:',. and has served twelve years as Clerk of the County Board ; he is the 
present editor of the West Bend Democrat. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 417 

THE TOWN INCORPORATED. 

The town was incorporated by act of the Legislature, January 21, 1846, under the name of 
Wayne. Benton was the name selected by the inhabitants, but, as there was already a town of 
that name in the State, Wright, in honor of Hon. Silas Wright, was substituted. The name 
was not popular, and, in February, 1847, it was changed to Hartford. 

THE FIRST TOWN MEETING. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of E. 0. Johnson, April, 1846. John G. 
Chapman was the Chairman of the meeting, and John Barney, Clerk. The following town 
officers were elected : • 

Supervisors, Joel F. Wilson, Chairman, John Rumrill and John D. Morey ; Town Clerk, 
John Barney ; Town Treasurer, Calvin S. Wilson ; Collector, Ralph Freeman ; Assessors, John 
Graham, Almond Washburn ; Commissioners of Highways, Henry Washburn, Chester Ewer ; 
School Commissioners, E. 0. Johnson, N. J. Churchill, J. D. Morey ; Justices of the Peace, 
Timothy Hall and J. G. Chapman. 

The highest number of votes cast was 42. The vote cast for or against a State govern- 
ment was 35 in favor to 3 opposed. The vote on establishing the county seat was 41 for the 
County Farm and 1 for Port Washington. The compensation for services of town officers was 
fixed at $1 per day. The amount at first raised for schools was one-half of 1 per cent on the 
valuation, but, at a later stage of the proceedings, the matter was reconsidered and the school 
tax was reduced to one quarter of 1 percent. No poll list is extant of this first meeting. The 
persons voting at the first fall election, which occurred in November, 1846, shows the number 
of voters who availed themselves of the right of suffrage at that early day. The list was as 
follows : 

0. P. Griswold, S. Burdick, D. Alton, T. Maxfield, H. J. Atwood, E. Burdick, E. 0. 
Johnson, D. M. Helmer, W. Sargeant, E. R. Nelson, C. Favour, R. Freeman, J. Graham, J. 
F. Wilson, J. Rumrill, N. Simon, A. Washburn, T. Harper, N. J. Graves, E. Root, H. H. 
Wheelock, C. Kellogg, II Washburn, C. Ewer, H. Nichols, H. Winters, L. Alten— 27. 

The above was not a full vote, as the names of Barney Hall, and many others known to 
have been citizens of the town, do not appear. 

The number of votes polled at the spring town meetings of several years succeeding the 
town organization shows the rapidity with which the town was settled; they were — 1846, 42 
votes; 1847, 123; 1848, 110; 1849, 198; 1850, 206. 

The war record of Hartford was that of every vigorous and loyal town in the State. As 
there was no paper published in the village during those years, it is impossible to give the de- 
tails of the labor performed or the sacrifices made. The town raised for war purposes, during 
the years of the war, $41,887.50, and kept her quota full. The names of 107 soldiers from 
the town are enrolled in the books of the Adjutant General of the State, as having done personal 
service in the army. The list is given in the county history under its appropriate head. The 
town furnished many officers who served with distinction. The officers' names, with time of serv- 
ice, dates of promotion, regiment and company, appear also in the county history. There was 
an efficient Ladies' Aid Society, which appears as one of the most constant and reliable auxil- 
iaries of the Milwaukee society all through the war, and till the funds were secured by the great 
Soldiers' Fair of 1865, in which, with a sister society from West Bend, it took an honorable and 
worthy interest. The two societies organized and conducted the Washington County depart- 
ment of the exhibition, the results of their joint efforts being nearly $400. 

Among the sojourners in the town who are no longer there, but who were once prominent 
citizens, were : Dr. Peck, deceased ; A. M. Thompson, from 18o0 to 1856, now on the editorial 
staff of the Chicago Euening Journal; Gustav Streckwald, now a prosperous merchant in Mil- 
waukee ; Warren Gee, enjoying an ample fortune at Spring Lake, Mich.; Judge Hopewell 
Coxe, deceased, of whom a biography is published elsewhere in this work. 



418 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

MISCELLANEOUS MEMORANDA. 

The first white child born in the town is believed to have been a daughter of a Mr. William 
Phillips, who died in infancy. 

The first white boy was William, son of John D. Graham, born April 1, 1845. He died 
when four years of age. 

The first child born in Hartford, now living, was S. S. Barney. Esq., now a practicing 
attorney in West Bend. He was born January 31, 1846. 

The first deaths were those of two children of William Phillips, who were sick with scarlet 
fever when he arrived, died a few days after, and were buried in the woods on the lot now owned 
and occupied by R. S. Kneeland. 

The first shoemaker was Isaac Allen. His shop was built of tamarack poles, and stood 
back of Wheelock's store. He afterward took up better quarters in the first store, which was 
removed to make room for a larger one. 

The first blacksmith was William Wyley. 

The first doctor had no diploma. His name was Nichols, concerning whom, Mr. Bissell, 
an old settler, tells the story of the first lawsuit: He was not a bad kind of a man, had a fair 
education, but no diploma. Popularly, he iiad the reputation of being a little love cracked, and 
of course was the butt of jokes among those who liked that kind of sport. An anecdote will 
show the passion of some of that time, for fun, as well as show the elasticity of the law, as 
administered sometimes in a new country : Ezra Burdick hired a wagon of George Rossman, 
to go into civilization, and Dr. Nichols engaged Burdick to bring in for him four bushels of 
potatoes. Burdick broke the wagon on the trip, and Rossman sued Dr. Nichols for the damages 
and got judgment. It is but just to Rossman to say that after he and his friends had had all 
the fun they could at the Doctor's expense, he did not try to collect the judgment. Dr. Nichols 
sold to Drs. Conant & Peck, who were the first regular physicians. 

The first town road was begun by Julius Shepherd, lie, assisted by Roswell Madison and 
Jefferson Kenny, worked on it twenty-one days at §1 per day. 

The first sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Frazer. a Presbyterian minister from Port 
Washington. Among the other very early preachers were Revs. Griffin and Matthews, Bap- 
tists ; Father Miller, a Congregationalism from the town of Lisbon ; Elder Palmer, Congrega- 
tionalism from Merton, and S. W. Martin, believed to have been the first Methodist preacher. 

The first schoolhouse was built of logs on the corner near where Johnson's drug store now 
stands. 

The first teacher was Richard Rumrill, who taught in the fall and winter of 1846-47. 
Miss Griswold kept the summer school of 1847, and Gad Root taught the following winter. 

The first district school, outside the village, was taught in District No. 4 by Miss Augusta 
Howe, afterward Mrs. Gould. 

The first post office was at Hull's Tavern on the Fond du Lac road, and was called the 
Rubicon Post Office. It was established in 1X47. Timothy Hall was the first Postmaster. 
Prior to the establishment of the office, the letters for the town were sent to the Prairieville 
(Waukesha) office, and brought up as often as anybody happened down that way. With the 
change came some confusion in the minds of outside correspondents, as the following super- 
scription on one of the early letters bears witness. It read as follows: " Prairie- 
ville, Milwaukee Co., Town 10. Range 18, Rubicon Post Office." 

HARTFOBD VILLAGE IN 1881. 
The village contains not far from 1,500 inhabitants, and is still included in the town cor- 
poration, never having been incorporated as a village, although having at present the largest 
village population in the county. It is beautifully situated in the valley of the Rubicon, ami 
oo the slopes of the adjoining hills. The St. Paul Railroad passes through the village. It was 
completed to that point in September, 1855. It has now six churches, two schoolhouses, a 



HISTORY OF AVASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 419 

turn-halle, four general stores, four hotels, one hardware store, one printing office, and newspa- 
per, the Washington County Republican, a circulating library; also, one photographer, two 
jewelers, two druggists, five blacksmiths, two bakers, four physicians, a dentist, four lawyers, 
and three Justices of the Peace. All other trades, professions and avocations that go to make 
up a first-class village are represented. 

Among the manufacturing and kindred industries are a flouring mill, a plow and cultivator 
manufactory, a stave factory, two saw-mills, a tannery, a brewery, a glove factory, an estab- 
lishment for the manufacture of bee hives and other apiarian supplies, three carriage shops, a 
cigar manufactory, a large furniture shop, a coffin and furniture factory with store attached, 
marble manufactory, a sugar manufactory, and a soda water manufactory. There are also two 
livery stables, two grain elevators, and two lumber-yards. 

Among members of the Washington County bar, who have lived, or now live, in Hartford, 
those most widely known have been: 

George C. Williams, who came to Hartford in 1847 and 1848. He served a term as 
County Judge, and was, for a time, associated with Judge Hopewell Coxe. He subsequently 
removed to Wabasha, where he died. 

Hopewell Coxe, one of the oldest members of the old Washington County bar spent the 
last years of his life in Hartford. 

H. W. Sawyer, County Judge elect of Washington County, has been a resident of Hart- 
ford for some ten or twelve years. 

Other members of the bar, residents of Hartford, are noted in the biographical department 
of this work. 

CHURCHES. 

First Congregational Church of Hartford was organized December 19, 1847, by Rev. 
Norman Miller, of Lisbon, Waukesha County, Wis., with the following-named ten mem- 
bers : Cyrus Bissell, Amanda Bissell, Lewis B. Stowe, Laura W. Stowe, Fidelia F. Musgrove, 
Russell S. Kneeland, Electa Kneeland, William R. Coates, George C. Williams, Mary A. Wil- 
cox. Of this number, R. S. Kneeland is the only one now a member of the church. Three 
others are still living. Since its organization, eighty-four have united by letter and one hundred 
and twenty-nine on profession of their faith in Christ. The church now numbers seventy- five 
resident members. Rev. Norman Miller, after organizing the church, remained as Pastor two 
years. Since 1849, the ministers have been: Rev. Mr. Wilcox, six months, in 1850 and 1S51 : 
Rev. Israel C. Holmes, three years, 1852 to 1855; Rev. Anson Clark, eleven years. 1856 to 
1867; Rev. G. W. Wainwright, one year, 1867 to 1868; Rev. S. B. Demorest, one year, 1869 
to 1870; Rev. E. B. French, one year, 1871 to 1872; Rev. A. Scofield, seven years, 1873 to 
1880 ; Rev. R. S. Cross, from November, 1830, to the present time. 

The First Congregational society was organized under the statute in November, 1853, and, 
in the same year, the church edifice was erected — a frame structure 32x50 feet. In August, 
1874, the church was rebuilt. It is now cased in brick, and the internal arrangement entirely 
changed. There are ninety-seven scholars connected with the Sabbath school. 

Evangelical Association of (Jerman Methodists. — The class was organized in 1856, with 
Nicholas Hosig as Exhorter, and Anton Fischback, Class-leader. The church was built in 1858. 
Mr. Fischback died in 1863. This association is part of a large circuit comprising Erin. Her- 
man (Dodge Co.), Neosho (Dodge). Clyman (Dodge) and Hobert, (Dodge). All these towns 
have a church except Neosho. There is a parsonage in Hartford, and twenty-two fami- 
lies residing in Hartford and vicinity are connected with the society. The Sunday school aver- 
ages fifty scholars. Rev. Jacob Schneller and Rev. August Siewert have been resident minis- 
ters. 

The 3Iethodist Episcopalians have a church in the village — Rev. Mr. Robinson present 
Pastor. 

The. first church in Hartford was built by the Universalists, and afterward sold to the 
Lutherans. 



420 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

The Baptists also built a church, which has since been converted into a printing office. 

Evangelical Lutheran Freidans. — Among the first names connected with this congregation, 
which was organized about 1862, are the following : Albert Hacket, August Werner and Louis 
Laubenstein. The first Trustees were Christian Haas, Fred Lamp, John Foss, Fritz Abort, 
Fritz Dering. The first minister was Albert Obitz. The church edifice was built in 18G3, at a 
cost of $1,500. Subsequent improvements have been made to the amount of $1,000. The 
present minister is Rev. E. Probst. The church numbers sixty members, with the following- 
Darned Trustees: Henry Unglaub, President ; Peter Heipp, Deacon ; Ernst Mueller, Treasurer ; 
Charles Jeker, Assistant Deacon ; Fred Ulrich, Secretary. 

Catholic Church. — The first movement toward erecting a Catholic Church edifice in Hart- 
ford was made about 1858 by the two brothers, Simon and Casper Dorn. Messrs. Dorn offered 
to give §400 each toward the project, provided the other Catholics in the vicinity, numbering 
about twentv-two. would raise $1,000. Thev failed to do this, and the undertaking on that 
basis was given up. Next, A. B. Thomson proposed to give an acre of land on condition 
that the people should build a church thereon. After the deed was made to the Bishop, the 
title to the land was discovered to be defective in consequence of a railroad mortgage resting 
upon it. This project was, in turn, abandoned after the timber for the building had been placed 
on the ground. Finally, Mr. Simon Dorn, nothing daunted by the previous failures, gave a lot 
situated on the Mayville road, just west of the present church — with his brother made the frame 
— had it brought to the site, and the church was built. The old church cost about $4,000. 
Rev. Mr. Theisenrieter was the first officiating priest. 

Rev. Peter Schwaiger was the first resident priest, in 18(34. After three years he was 
succeeded by Rev. John Stephen Muench, who had charge of the church four and a half years. 
During his pastorate the new church property was purchased — two acres of land and a residence. 
Father J. A. Marshall was next in succession, remaining six months. In October, 1872. the 
church fell into the charge of Rev. Michael Wenker, who sold the old church property in 1875 
to H. Weisslider for $500. 

St. Kilians, the new Catholic Church, was built the following year at a cost of $10,000. 
There is a school in connection with the church with about fifty scholars. The church numbers 
nearly seventy families. 

In 1856, Rev. Joseph Reindl held Catholic services in the house of Adam Dingle, in Hart- 
ford, Among the earliest names belonging to the sect are William Hecke, Barney Hecke, S. 
Bently, Nicholas Schwartz, — Strawmeir, Nicholas Simon, Patrick Reilley. James Dempsey, 
Thomas Donovan, Thomas and Cornelius Foote and Patrick Hayes. 

SOCIETIES. 

Hartford Lodge, No. 120, A., F. $A. M.. was instituted by dispensation, July 2 >. l^.V.t. 
the following officers officiating: G. Mi, L. M. Tracy; W. M.,' Charles S. Hussey; S. W.. 
J. D. Wheelock ; J. \V., Luzern Frost. August 15, 1850, Robert Freeman was initiated, he 
being the first new member or the lodge. A charter was granted June 12, 1800. The first 
offieersof the chartered lodge were : Charles S. Hussey. W. M.; J. 1). Wheelock, S. W.; Luzern 
Frost, J. W.; John II. Rick, Treasurer; Thomas Skelton, Secretary; Benjamin French, S. D.; 
John Rumrill, J. D.; Thomas Chapman, T. Charter members were : Charles S. Hussey, J. D. 

Wl luck. Luzom Frost, Thomas Skelton, John II. Rice, Benjamin French. John Rumrill. 

Thomas Chapman, Simon Kahn, Francis Wilmot, Ethan Maxon. In June. 1880, the lodge had 
forty members. The following are the present officers: W. M., J. P. Gould; S. W., W. W. 
Pierce; J. W., A. Higley (since dimitted) ; Secretary. Prank I'. Wilmot ; S. 1).. It. Freeman: 
J. D., R. D. Gould: Stewards. M. F. Williams and John Arthur; Tiler, E. L. Zimmerman; 
Treasurer, W. C. Curphy. The lodge has a hall, 12x20 feet, with the necessary furniture and 
fixtures. 

Hartford Temple of WoUor, No. 84, was instituted December 21, L876, by G. C. T. J. A. 
Wartrous, of Fond du Lac. The following were its first officers : W. C. T., J. M. Le Count ; 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 421 

W. V. T., H. A. Forbes; P. W. C. T., A. E. Chase; W. It., William George; W. A. R., 
L. V. Nanscawen ; W. F. R., Charles Smith ; W. C, J. H. Nanscawen ; W. T., A. P. Dean ; 
W. U., A. M. Stacy; W. A. U., C. E. Wheelock ; W. G., M. Leos; W. S., M. Trench. 
First Board of Trustees: E. F. Burclick, H. T. Adams, G. W. Root. The present officers (1881) 
are : W. C. T., G. W. Root ; W. V. T., W. A. Babcock ; W. R., F. II. Uthmeier ; W. A. R., 
John Arthur; W. F. R., S. M. Seeley ; W. T., Oliver Taylor; W. C, W. S. Cross; W. D. U., 
William McComb; W. U., Isaac Hicks; W. G., John Munn ; W. S., C. Keller. Trustees: 
W. Jackson, W. H. Babcock, Oliver Taylor. The lodge has, at present, nineteen members. 

Hartford Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., No. 127, was instituted July 18, 1867, by Charles C. Cheney, 
G. M., and L. B. Hills, G. S. The lodge received its charter January 16, 1868. Its present 
officers are: N. G., G. W. Root; V. G., George Hess; R. S., Charles Coxe ; P. S., S. M. 
Seeley; T., A. Fry; C, James Goodwin; R. S. N. G., C. Coerper ; L. S., William George; 
R. S. S., A. W. French; L. S. S., D. F. Kniffin ; Warden, Julius Shepherd; Supporters of 
V. G., Eli Mann, R. S., and John Wiley, L. S.; Sitting P. G., Michael Alton; I. G., Edward 
Melcher ; 0. G., John Buckreus. The lodge has forty-four members. 

Fhcenix Lodge, I. 0. G-. T.. No 331. — This lodge, located at Hartford-, was instituted 
June 16, 1875. Its charter was granted at the same time. Theodore D. Kanouse, G. W. C. T., 
and B. F. Parker, G. W. S. Its first officers were : D. R. Amidon, W. C. T.; Miss Eva Knee- 
land, W. V. T.; Henry C. Melcher, W. C; Walter L. Amidon, W. S.; Miss Ida Seeley, 
W. A. S.; William J. Molster, W. F. S.; Miss Mary L. Freeman, W. S.; George Snvder, W. M.; 
Miss Mary Orcutt, W. D. M.; Miss Ada H. Place. W. I. G.; E. B. Zimmerman, W. 0. G.; Miss 
Clara Wheelock, W. R. H. S. ; Miss Christina Hamilton, W. L. H. S. ; Chester W. Turner, 
P. W. C. T. 

The Christian Benevolent Society was organized May 23, 1865, with thirteen members and 
the following officers : President, August Werner ; Vice President, Tranj Lott ; Secretary, 
Albers Hackia ; Second Secretary. Stephen Rody ; Treasurer, Abrain King. The present 
officers are: President, John Hagen ; Vice President, Fred Lamp ; Secretary, William Schwalb ; 
Second Secretary, II. Mueller; Treasurer, Ernst Mueller; Watchman, Fred Menzer. Present 
membership, nineteen. 

Sons of Temperance. — This society was organized May 15, 1873, and disbanded April 4. 

Sons of Hermann, No. SO. — Instituted January 12, 1874, by C. Coerper; has, at present, 
thirty-two members. The first officers were: President, Henry Ihrenberg; Vice President, A. 
Kunz ; Secretary, H. Pantcke ; Permanent Secretary, Stephen Roedy ; Treasurer, John Huels. 
The following are the present officers: President, John Schroeder ; Vice President, Charles 
Dix ; Secretary, Fred Kriesser ; Permanent Secretary, A. Hahn ; Treasurer, Tobias Nehrbass. 

Hartford Turnverein. — This society was organized August 15, 1873. It numbers thirty- 
five members, and was instituted September, 1876, on completion of its hall, the cost of which 
was about Si, 400. The first officers were : Philip Heipp, Speaker ; J. G. Liver, Secretary ; 
C. Coerper, Treasurer; B. Brause, F' rst Turnwart. Present officers: Herman Hildebrandt, 
First Speaker ; P. Westenberger, Secretary ; C. Coerper, Treasurer ; B. Brause, Turnwart. 

Hartford Sehuetzenverein. — This society was organized May, 1874, with the following 
officers : President, Tobias Nehrbass ; Vice President, C. Coerper ; Secretary, Fred Greisser ; 
Treasurer. Adam Fry ; Schuetzenmeister, Stephen Roedy. The society had eighty-five mem- 
bers, with a park ami buildings one mile west of the village. The Schuetzen House was burned 
in 1875, but rebuilt the next season. In 1879, the society disorganized, and by mutual consent 
converted their property to the use of the Turnverein. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

Hartford has two fire companies — the Hook and Ladder Company, and the Washington Fire 
Engine Company. The Hook and Ladder Company was organised January 19, 1863, Charles 
Coerper, Foreman. The company numbered forty-five in 1865, built an engine house, provided 



422 HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON AXD OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

it with all requisite equipments for the company. This arrangement has been maintained ever 
since at the expense of the company, the cost being about $3,000. C. Coerper has been Foreman 
of the company since its organization, in 1863, with the exception of two years; A. Werner is 
FirstAssistant ; Henry Werner, Second Assistant ; John Hollenstein, Secretary ; Aug Kon- 
rad, Treasurer ; Fred Goetz, Chief. 

Washington Fir,' Engine Company, No. 1, was organized October 18, 1878. The engine 
was purchased in February, 1879, at a cost of $1,500 for the whole outfit, including 500 feet of 
two and one-half inch hose. The engine throws two streams — three-fourths to one and one-fourth 
inches. It is from the manufactory of Jeffers & Tenney, Pawtucket, R. I., size No. 2. The 
first officers of the company were: S. M. Seeley, Foreman; Martin Loos, FirstAssistant; 
Fred Prien, Second Assistant ; Charles Coxe, Secretary : H. P. Tormy, Hose Captain; Louis 
F. llolz, Assistant Hose Captain; Fred Hildebrandt, Treasurer. At its organization, the com- 
pany had forty-eight members. The following are the present officers ; S. M. Seeley, Foreman ; 
R. Spooler, First Assistant ; Eugene Courtney, Second Assistant ; Dennis Clifford, Secretary ; 
R. Freeman, Treasurer ; G. N. Hess, Hose Captain ; C. C. Amidon, Assistant. 

An engine-house was built in the summer of 1880 : size, 16x31 feet ; cost, $500. 

MERCANTILE AND MANUFACTURING. 

Ilirihu-il Plmv and Ciilfiratur Factory, Howell $■ Co., Proprietors. — This firm consists of 
E. G. Itowell, S. M. Seeley, A. D. Rowell and J. Ross Rice. The business was started on a 
small scale, in 1862, by L. F. Rowell and S. M. Seeley, under the firm name of Rowell & Co., 
which name has been retained through all the different partnerships that have existed since, some 
one of the Rowell family having always been a member of the firm. In 1866, when Mr. Rice 
became a partner, the annual products of the factory were only $1,700 ; the power employed 
was a two-horse tread power. In 1867, an eight-horse power engine was substituted, and, by 
1869, the business had increased to $8,6(10 ; in 1874, to SI 1,200. In 1877, a thirty-horse 
power engine, with a boiler capable of supplying a fifty-horse power, was substituted for the first, 
and. in 1878, the products were increased to $15,0(111 ; for the year ending May. 1881, the busi- 
ness amounted to $28,000. The usual working force is sixteen men. All styles of plows, cul- 
tivators and corn tools used in the Northwest are manufactured. About one thousand plows and 
two thousand cultivators, besides a large number of other tools were turned out the past year. 
In addition to this, a general foundry, machine and repairing business is done. Among the 
various kinds of cultivators made by the concern are the " Horse-Hoe and Cultivator," double 
and single shovel, and " Five-tooth Cultivator." So popular are the corn tools of this manufact- 
ure thai, without [soliciting any trade, the hocse is in receipt of more orders than it can fill, 
though constantly increasing the capacity of the works. 

Wheelock, Denison <f Co., dealers in general merchandise. This is the oldest house of 
the kind in Hartford, and one of the heaviest and most important in the county. The business 
was started in April, 1846, by 1 1 nam II. Wheelock, in a little store 12.xls feet. In a 
short time, Mr, Wheelock formed a partnership with R. S. Kneeland and Ira II. Wheelock, 
under the firm name of Wheelock, Kneeland <& Co. In 1856, Mr. Kneeland with- 
drew from the firm, and, in 1*57. J. ('. Denison was admitted as a partner, since which 
tune the firm has been Wheelock, Denison & Co. This house has done an annual business of 
^70,000 in merchandise, besides buying and selling 100,000 bushels of grain. In March, 1863, 
Dwight Jackson \\n^ admitted as a member of the firm, and in 1878, H. H. Wheelock 
withdrew, leaving the firm composed of Ira II. Wheelock, John C. Denison and Dwight Jack- 
son the present members. They have a corner brick store, 30 feet front by 86 feet deep, with a 
large tailoring establishment in the second story. They carry a general stock of dry goods, 
clothing, groceries and provisions, boots and shoes, and hardware and farming tools. Average 
stock, $20,000. 

Sinrk ,y Liver, dealers is general merchandise. The casual visitor is surprised at the 
magnitude and completeness of this establishment. The store has a frontage of fifty-six feet and 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 423 

a depth of seventy feet. It is a double store, with the office in the center, commanding a view 
of the whole floor. On one side is a full stock of dry goods, hats and caps, boots and shoes — 
everything pertaining to that line of business, while in the rear is a large supply of groceries 
and provisions. The other side of the store is filled with stoves, iron and tinware, shelf hard- 
ware, etc. The firm makes a specialty of gravel roofing and tin job work. The establishment 
reflects credit on the enterprise of its proprietors and is one of which Hartford should feel proud. 
The partnership, composed of Adam Stark and John G. Liver, was formed May 10, 1880. The 
store was completed and occupied August 1, 1880. 

Hartford Stave Factory. — This business was established in 1864, by Wells & Co., who car- 
ried it on for ten years — until 1874. At that time, H. Smith, Martin Medbury and S. H. Sea- 
man became proprietors, under the firm name of H. Smith & Co. Mr. Smith has always man- 
aged the business, his two partners residing in Milwaukee. They have sometimes employed as 
many as forty men, but at present have twelve employes. They use a forty-horse power engine 
— capacity. 1,000 barrels per day. 

RUBICON HYDRAULIC COMPANY. 

The water-power so early developed by the Rossmans is one of the finest in the county. 
It is now under the control of the Rubicon Hydraulic Company, organized and chartered in 
1866. It is comprised of all the mill owners on the stream. The dam has been build sufficient- 
ly high and strong to flow a considerable pond for immediate use, and Pike Lake is dammed at 
its outlet so as to form an immense and never-failing reservoir for use during the dry season, 
when the water is drawn from the lake as required. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The population of Hartford in 1880, including the village, was 2,707, according to the 
census of that year. The official returns for the same year give the average amount of crops 
raised in the town as follows: Raised on 7,499 acres of cultivated land, 71,000 bushels of 
wheat; 48,000 of corn ; 38,000 of oats ; 11,000 of barley ; 3,000 of rye, and 11,000 of potatoes. 
There were in the town 2,370 acres of growing timber, 198 acres of apple orchard, 6,570 fruit 
bearing trees and 682 milch cows; 46,000 pounds of butter and 18,000 pounds of cheese were 
made. 

Following is a list of the present town officers: 

Supervisors, John Schroeder, Jr., Nic Geehl, Sr., J. Dopp ; Town Clerk, A. Hahn; 
Assessor, John Buchreus: Treasurer. J. H. Simon. 

There were two post offices in the town in 1881 — St. Lawrence, Section 2, and Hartford. 



TOWN OF POLK. 

The town of Polk is designated by the Government survey as Town 10, Range 19 east. It 
is bounded on the north by the town of West Bend, east by Jackson, south by Richfield, west 
by Erin. The land is broken by small drift hills throughout. The growth of timber on the 
highlands is of hardwood — oak, maple, hickory and beach; while the lowlands along the 
Cedar Creek have occasional patches of tamarack and cedar. Cedar Creek having its source in 
Cedar Lake, West Bend, comes into the town on Section 3, and runs southeasterly, through 
Sections 10, 15, 14, 13 and 24. It is a rapid stream, and affords abundant and frequent water 
power, having no less than five dams within a distance of as many miles. The stream, having 
its source in the spring-fed lake, which is utilized as a reservoir, proves one of the safest 
and most reliable in the State, the superabundant waters of springs being held secure in the 
lake till required in the dry season. This power is now under the control of the Cedar- 
burg Hydraulic Company, made up of the various mill-owners in the towns along the course 



424 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON" ANT) OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

of the stream. The land is admirably adapted to farming and grazing, and the town rank> 
as one of the best among the thirteen of the county. 

The first man who permanently settled in the town is stated by Timothy Hall, the 
first permanent settler of Hartford, to be William Williamson. Mr. Hall came in July, 
1843 He says: "I found at that time William Williamson five miles from me toward Mil- 
waukee, who was the first settler in what is now the town of Polk. In November following, 
came Dinsmore W. Maxon, who settled on Cedar Creek, where he still resides." Mr. Hall is 
essentially correct. The records from the land office show that James Williamson entered his 
land, forty acres, on Section 27, August 7, 1843, and the date of the first entry to Dinsmore 
W. Maxon was December 7, 1844, forty acres on Section 15, to which he added another forty 
acres on the same section, March 27, 1845. 

Mr. Maxon was, at that time of his settlement, a young surveyor. He had been settled 
since 1843 in the town of Mequon, and had in his surveys become familial- with ' the whole 
region. He selected his land on Cedar Creek, and its excellent water-power is now utilized by 
him to furnish power for the saw-mill which he still owns. At the time of his settlement. 
Kewaskum, one of the last and noblest chiefs of the Pottawatomies, was his nearest neighbor. 
They got on well and remained firm friends till the old chief died. Mr. Maxon still has his 
home on the old place. 

He was one of the first Supervisors of the town, was for many years a member of the State 
Senate, and is as widely known as a leading man of affairs as any resident of the county, with 
which he has been identified since its earliest days. 

Among other early settlers were John Rix, who took 40 acres on Section 11, April 16. 
1854; Jacob Everlv, 160 acres on Section 12, September 11. 1815; Jesse Wood, 80 acres 
on Section 19, April 24, 1845; John Detling, 160 acres on Section 25, June 3, 1S44, and 80 
acres on Section 26, July 11, 1844. Martin Newcomb, Asa Smith, Silas Wheeler, Jacob Dyre. 
David Freer, James Rolf, Horace Haner, Philip Zepp and Barnet Clow also came in before the 
town was incorporated. 

A large part of the available and valuable land in the town had been entered by non-resi- 
dents prior to 1846, but the actual settlers were sparse till 1847. During that and the two suc- 
ceeding years, the lands went generally into the hands of actual settlers, and the town may be 
said to have been fairly settled in 1848-49-50. 

The largest purchaser of Government land who settled in the town was B. Schleisinger Weil. 
In December, 1845, he purchased in the name of Jules Schleisinger, his son. and Eliza Adelaide 
Weil, his wife, large tracts of land in Section 5, 477 acres; Section 6, 408 acres; Section 7. 
378 acres; Section 8, 160 acres, and in Section 18, 527 acres. These immense purchases 
made him the proprietor of the best portion of the northwest quarter of the town. On Section 
18, he platted the present village of Schleisingerville, built a large store and dwelling, still 
standing on the corner of Main and Franklin streets, and started a thriving center of trade, of 
which further accounts will be given in the sketch of the village. 

The town was incorporated under the name of Polk, by act of the Legislature. January 21. 

NIK FIBST Town MEETING. 

I'he first town meeting was held April 7, 1846. No record of the meeting was preserved. 
The proceedings are gathered from the minutes of the first meeting of the Board of Supervisors, 
which occurred May 5, 1846. From them it appears that the first Supervisors were D. W. Max- 
on, Jr., Chairman. Silas Wheeler and John Detling. The Treasurer, Jacob Everly. presented 
his bond which was approved. John Rix was appointed Town Clerk, in place of Charles B. 
Covender, Town Clerk elect, who had removed from the town. Andrew Dunn was appointed 
School Commissioner, to fill the vacancy occasioned by Covender's removal. John Rix was al- 
lowed S]. ,D for nut of house and lights furnished the town meeting. This establishes the place 
of meeting at John Rix's house. Nelson Darling was also appointed a School Commissioner. 

The tavern licenses granted by the Supervisors in 1846 were to the following persons: 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 425 

Jacob Bervind, who lived on Section 26; Peter Brenner, Section 25; Julius Schleisinger, on 
Cedar Lake; Nicholas Guth, Section 28; Emanuel Mann, Section 35. 

The first list of voters preserved is that of the November election of 1846. At that meet- 
ing the following persons voted: Andrew W. Smith, Barnet Clow, David Jenner, Mathiaa Fink, 
Jacob Everly. Francis Everly, Frederick Everly, David Freer, Balthazer Loganheimer, Emanuel 
Mann, John H. Wright, Patrick McConville, Martin Newcomb, William Cook, James Rolfe, 
Horace Haner, Asa Smith, Silas Wheeler, John Detling, John Rix, D. W. Maxon. Total, 21. 

The changes for the past thirty years have been uneventful and mark only the improve- 
ment and advancement which have come to the honest and thriftv people who have subdued the 
forest and made it the happy abode of peace and plenty. 

One event only turned the energy and thought of the people outside the borders of the quiet 
town. The war period witnessed there the uprising in defense of the nation, common alike to 
all the agricultural communities of the State. The town raised for war purposes $3,278. The 
rolls of the State at Madison contain the names of thirty -six soldiers from Polk who did per- 
sonal service in the Union army. They appear in the war history of the county at large else- 
where in this work. 

The present town shows every evidence of the highest state of prosperity that can bless a 
peaceful and civilized people. 

The town is divided into ten whole and joint school districts, has ten sehoolhouses, costing 
$8,600 and employs fourteen teachers. The scholars number 680. The amount of money paid 
for schools in 1880 was $2,913. 

Along the course of Cedar Creek are several water-powers partially improved. D. W. 
Maxon has a saw-mill on Section 15, at which point is Cedar Creek Post Office, sometimes desig- 
nated as Maxonville. A mile further down is the saw-mill and grist-mill owned by John Rix 
& Co. Further down is another dam on which August Patzer built a woolen factory in 1866. 
He and his son ran it for some years, when he became embarrassed and sold out to Hilgen & 
Wittenberg, of Cedarburg, who, in connection with Mr. Towle, and subsequently alone, carried 
on the business till 1880, when the machinery was taken out and removed to Grafton. The 
buildings only remain, and the power is idle. Still further down, in Section 13. is another grist- 
mill, built in 1853, by Andrew Reiter, now owned by Henry Pfennig. Three-fourths of a mile 
down is still another grist-mill, built early in the fifties by a Mr. Nauth. It was burned in the 
spring of 1862, and rebuilt by Ehlers & Egbert. It has two runs of stones for flour, and a feed 
mill, and is now owned by Fred Rothenmeir. 

MAYFIELD. 

Between the two last-named grist-mills stands the quaint and sleepy-looking little hamlet of 
Mayfield. This village has now a post office, a store, a blacksmith's shop, a hotel and a grist-mill. 
The store is kept by George F. Fleischman, one of the platters of the village, who does a 
fair local business with the farmers of the vicinity. The following early history of the village 
is substantially as given by him. George F. Fleischman came to the site of the village, on the 
southwest quarter of Section 13, in 1851. It was then owned by Andrew Reiderer, who had a 
saw-mill on the creek near by. In the spring of 1852, he, with the assistance of Fleischman, 
platted the village, laid out and named the streets, and named the village Mayfield, in remem- 
brance of his native town in Switzerland — Maienfelden, which signifies Mayfield in the Swiss 
tongue. It had a struggle to perpetuate its name. Joseph Katz came in and opened a store in 
company with Jacob Pfeil, and many of the townsmen persisted in calling the place Katzbach 
(Katz's Creek), much to the grief of the gentle-minded Swiss founder of the village. The post 
office is named Mayfield, but many of the farmers go to Katzbach to trade to this day. The 
store of Katz & Pfeil, with the mill, a shoemaker named John Metz, and a blacksmith whose 
name is not remembered, made the nucleus for quite a thriving hamlet for some years. The 
store is now occupied hv John Koch as a tavern. The first post office was established in 



426 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON .VXD OZ.U'KEK COl'NTIES 

L859. Tlie first Postmaster was John Toedly. The mail was brought from Cedar Creek weekly. 
It now arrives daily from Riceville station, the nearest point of railroad connection, one mile 
east, in the town of Jackson. Since the completion of the North- Western Railroad through Jack- 
son, the trade has gone largely to Riceville and the little village has fallen into the sear and 
yellow leaf. Washington street. River street and Main street are by no means crowded, and 
only bring up suggestions of departed greatness. 



SCULEISINGERVILLE VILLAGE. 

In an early part of this sketch mention was made of the founding of the village of Schleis- 
ingerville by B. Schleisinger Weil, in 1845—46. Through the energy of Mr. Weil, the village 
soon became the center of trade for a large number of adjoining towns. Weil himself kept a 
full assortment of goods adapted to the wants of the country trade, and established a market for 
everything offered for sale. Other branches of trade and manufacture were started. There 
were shoemakers, blacksmiths, a wagon-maker, a hotel, a tannery. The tannery was built by 
George Ippel and Thomas Jenner. who did a fair business and established a good local hide mar- 
ket. It has not been run for the past fifteen years. The old buildings and unused vats are 
still standing. Later, Weil built a distillery, which was run by him and his associates in busi- 
ness till he left the place about 1869. Since then it has been put by its present owners to 
other uses. Through the exertions and iniiuence of Mr. Weil, the route of the old La Crosse 
Railroad, now a section of the Milwaukee & St. Paul, was located so as to pass through his 
village, and the occasion of its completion to that place was celebrated with great rejoicings 
August 23, 1855. A large party of excursionists came out from Milwaukee : among those 
present were: Stoddard Judd, President of the road; Judge Larabee; James B. Cross, Mayor of 
Milwaukee: Maurice Schoeffler anil Harrison Ludington. The party, on the approach of the 
train, was saluted by salvos of artillery, and most royally entertained during the day by Mr. 
Weil, who fed ami feasted the whole party in the upper rooms of the hotel. Such a season of 
eating, drinking and toasting has seldom been indulged in at the expense of one individual. The 
party tarried over late and were left by the return train, only to renew the blow-out till late in 
the evening, when another engine arrived and. doubtless to the relief of Mr. Weil, transported 
his overflowing and boisterous guests to Milwaukee. Mr. Weil remained in the village he had 
built till 185SM50, at which time he removed t<> Cedar Lake, then to West Bend. He now re 
-nil - in Milwaukee. 

Soon after the completion of the railroad to Schleisingerville, another man of rare business 
tact and energy came to the village and commenced business — Lehman Kosenheimer. He 
came from Addison, where he had been living for several years, in lS.">fi, opened a store and, in 
connection with it, carried on a large trade in cattle, grain and oilier farm products. He rapidly 
enlarged the business of the already thriving village. The trade of nearly all the adjoining and 
neighboring tow as centered at his store. He had six sons, five of whom became merchants under 
his tuition and are still doing business in the county — lolin. Max ai'.d Joseph, at Schleisinger- 
ville. and Moritz and Adolph at Kewaskiiin. and Norway, Michigan. The business has all 
grown out. of the house established by Lehman Kosenheimer, at Schleisingerville so many years 
ago, is carried on at the different points jointly by the live brothers 

Roseiiheimer built a larger store, to accommodate his constantly increasing business, on the 
site still occupied by his sous. It was two stories in height and 38x50 feet in size. It was 
doubled in size in l s ii7. The business continued with uninterrupted success till the death of 
Mr. Kosenheimer. which occurred September 21, 1878. A more complete biographical sketch 
of him appears elsewhere in this volume. 

The business still continues under the charge of Kosenheimer 's suns, and has increased 
from year to year. In addition to the large store, they have a grain elevator, through which 
they ghip 250,000 bushels of grain annually, and large warehouses for the storage of agricult- 



HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 427 

ural implements and goods. They have also a large stone stable, 45x110 feet, for the con- 
venience of their country customers who come from long distances to find a market at their 
place. 

The trade of the village has by no means been confined to the house of Rosenheimer. 
John Pick, Sr., formerly did a large mercantile and grain business. He died in 1874. His 
two sons continued the business two years after their father's death, at the expiration of which 
time they removed to West Bend. 

At present there are two general stores in the village — one kept by the Rosenheimer 
Bros., the other by J. G. Keidel & Co. Both firms have elevators, and their aggregate ship- 
ments of grain for 1880 amounted to 300,000 bushels. There are besides, two taverns, two 
schoolhouses, and three churches. The ordinary vocations of a well-appointed country village, 
such as shoemaking, blaeksmithing, carriage-making, etc., are all fully represented. 

The Catholic Church was built in 1862. It has a school connected with it. 

The first Lutheran Church was built about the year 1863. Is was burned and rebuilt in 
1866. The society is now made up of Lutherans and Evangelical Methodists. 

The Lutherans built another church alone in 1872. 

Formerly, a fine steam flouring mill was built at Schleisingerville, and run by Kahn 
Brothers. It was burned May 1, 1861. Its destruction was a severe loss to the place, as well 
as the proprietors. It cost $45,000, on which there was the slight insurance of $8,000. 

The village was incorporated in 1869. The first village meeting was held April 6, 1869. 
The first officers elected were : Moderator, John Klingler ; Inspectors of Election, Herman 
Perlewitz. John Brosius; Clerks, Jacob Oehrling and R. Toll. 

The first town board was as follows : President. Jokn Pick; Trustees, L. Rosenheimer, 
John Theil, I. G. Meyer, John Ehbit ; Clerk, Jacob Oehrling; Treasurer, William H. Hasketh ; 
Assessor, John Brosius ; Justice of the Peace, John C. Toll : Marshal, Nic Theisen. At this 
meeting there was raised, for contingent expenses, $40 ; schools, $50 ; poor fund, $10. The 
present year, 1881, there was raised $350 for schools, and $250 for other village expenses. 

The present village officers are: Trustees, John Rosenheimer (President), G. Menger, 
Jac Mergenthaler, Chris Rosche, Ed Herman ; Assessor, Jac Schantz ; Treasurer, Augus 
Zilsdorf ; Clerk, Jac Schantz (elected to serve of the unexpired term of Clerk elect, C. Pfeifer, 
removed from the village) ; Marshal, Nic Theisen. 

The secret and charitable societies are represented by the Turners and Odd Fellows. 

The Schleisingerville Turnverein was organized October 5. 1877. Its first officers were: 
First Speaker, Charles Pfeifer ; Second Speaker, David Rosenheimer ; First Turnwart, Fred. 
Roeber ; Second Turnwart, Adam Grohs ; Secretary, Adam Stark ; Treasurer, John Rosen- 
heimer ; First Steward, Charles Roth ; Second Steward, Nic Miller ; Cashier, John Leins. 

The present officers are: First Speaker, Joseph Rosenheimer; Second Speaker, Jacob 
Schantz; First Turnwart, Myer Rosenheimer; Treasurer, John Rosenheimer; Secretary, Will- 
iam Cruse ; First Steward, Jacob Springer ; Cashier, Peter Wild. 

The society is in good financial condition. It rents the Odd Fellows hall, and holds its 
meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. The present membership numbers twenty. 

TIw Good Samaritan Lodge, No. 1J/.S, 1. O. O. F., was organized in 1868. It owns a 
commodious hall, built in 1877. 

The town of Polk contained in 1880, according to the census of that year, 2,060 inhab- 
itants. 

It raised, from 7,882 acres of cultivated land, 45,000 bushels of wheat, 31,000 of corn, 
46,000 of oats, 18,000 of barley, 7,500 of rye and 16,000 of potatoes. It had 3,911 acres of 
growing timber, 238 acres of apple orchards with 7,240 trees bearing fruit, and 781 milch 
cows; 35,000 pounds of butter were made. 

The following is the list of town officers for 1881 : Supervisors, John Koch (Chairman), 
John Lau, John Keller; Town Clerk, C. F. Leins; Assessor, Lorenz Girth, Jr.; Treasurer, 
Peter Weber. 



428 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

There were four post offices in the town in 1881 — Ackerville, on Section 28 ; Cedar 
Creek, on Section 10 ; Mayfield, on Section 13, and Schleisingerville. 

TOWN OF FARMIN.GTON. 

This town originally formed a part of the large territory included in the present towns of 
West Bend, Barton, Trenton, Kewaskum and Farmington. then known as the town of West 
Bend. On the 11th day of February, 1847, that portion of the town situated in Town 12 
north, of Range 20 east, was, by act of Legislature, set off and constituted a new town under 
the name of Clarence (in honor of Clarence, son of Jonathan Danforth), and a year later, on 
the 11th of March. 1848, this name was changed to Farmington. 

Farmington, situated in the northern tier of towns in the county, has for its boundaries the 
town of Scott, Sheboygan Comity, on the north; Fredonia on the east, Trenton on the south, 
and Kewaskum and Barton on the west. It is one of the finest farming towns in the county 
its fertile fields, abundant harvests, and substantial stone farmhouses ami barns, bearing conclu- 
sive evidence to the thrift and industry of the tillers of the soil. With the numerous manu- 
factories immediately connected with the dairy interests of the town, and the various industries 
that are rapidly springing up and flourishing, a prosperous future seems assured. The surface 
of the country is gently undulating — just enough timber being left to supply the needs of the 
inhabitants and add to the beauty of the scenery. It is watered by the northern branch of the 
Milwaukee River, and a few small tributaries, by Schwin Lake in the south. Lake 12 in the 
north, and a smaller lake or pond on the property of C. W. Detmering. 

It contains two villages, Boltonville and Fillmore, Boltonville being situated in the north- 
ern part of the town, and Fillmore in the eastern, near the center from north to south. 

The earliest settlers in the town who entered land, were Amasa P. Curtis, who entered 
eighty acres on Section 31, October 14, 1845 ; Elijah Westover, 160 acres on the same section, 
the same day, and William Smith, who entered 160 acres on Section 30, November 22, 1845. 
These three are all the entries that are recorded for the year 1845. Valuable land had been 
secured by speculators at a much earlier date than this, and some of the actual settlers may 
have procured their land from them. Jonathan F. and Sylvester Danforth took up their land 
in May. L846; Morgan Wescott in June, 1846; the Manleys in AuguBt, L846; Peter Schwin, 
September. IMil; Charles P. Prichard, November, 1846. Besides these, there must be men- 
tinned among the " Fathers of the town " — those who lived and reared their families in Farming- 
ton, and by their enterprise and industry gave it an impetus in the right direction — William 
Stewart, the Riley brothers, Matthew, William, Thomas and Edward. Thomas Bailey. J. La 
Craft, Samuel Wescott. Harlow Bolton, Asa Ramsey, C. W. Detmering and Jacob Myers. To 
these men and their descendants, the town is indebted for a large share of its business prosperity. 

A Look BACK iM'n CLARENCE. 

About two months after the new town was christened, April 6, 1847, the citizens held their 
first town meeting at the house of Thomas Bailey. The following officers were elected : 
Supervisors, George Manley, Chairman, Jeremiah Ferguson, James Harris; Assessors, Stephen 
Wescott. Franklin Farrar, Jacob Meyers; Town Clerk. Benjamin F. Buck ; 8chool Commis- 
sioners, James B. Williams, James Harris, Patrick Laughlin : Highway Commissioners, A. P. 
Curtis. William Ranger, John McClean; Collector. Morgan Wescott; Justices of Peace. 
Thomas Amy, O. D. Norton, Conrad Haggy; Constables. George l'orter, George Ramsey. John 
La Craft; Fence Viewers. Phil Cobbler. Sidney Smith. John Sacket; Treasurer. Samuel Wes- 
cott; Sealer of Weights and Measures. John Scott. 

Fifteen dollars were voted for the support of common schools. 

The I'll. .wing town committee of five were elected : Jonathan F. Danforth, Benjamin F. 
Buck. 0. D. Norton, S. II. Smith. John Sackett. 

The Town Clerk qualified by being sworn by Ira Spencer, Notary Public. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 429 

CLARENCE POLL LIST OF APRIL 6, 1847. 

Victor Charroun, George W. Green, John Sackett, George Manley, Jacob Meyers, John 
Scott, William Ranger, 0. D. Norton, George Porter, Jeremiah Ferguson, Morgan Wescott, 
Benjamin F. Buck, James B. Williams, James Harris, Patrick Laughlin, Nathaniel Pardridge, 
George Ramsey, Jonathan F. Danforth, Thomas Amy, Joseph Lampert, Conrad Haggy, John 
La Craft, Phillip Cobbler, Samuel Wescott, John McClean, Thomas Bailey, Franklin Farrar, 
Sylvester Danforth, Francis Guilford, William Riley, Sidney B. Smith. Total, 31. 

At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors, held at the Town Clerk's office April 20, 1847, 
the first bill was allowed, after a resolution to purchase books and stationery had been adopted. 
The bill amounted to $15.37, and was to be paid by the October next following the meeting, 
and, in case of default, interest at 12 per cent was to be allowed, instead of 8. 

The town was divided into ten road districts; No. 1 is described as follows: "Road 
District No. 1 shall include the whole of Section 1, east half of Section 2, east half of Section 
11, northeast quarter Section 14, north half of Section 13, and the whole of Section 12 in 
conclusion." 

An Overseer of Highwaj's in Districts Nos. 1 and 8 was appointed : Cornelius. 

The first highway was laid out as follows : " A road three rods wide, to run from the north- 
west corner of Sections 21 and 26, Town 12, Range 20, thence south on the section line 
between Sections 26 and 27, 34 and 35 on the town line." Recorded July 3, 1847. 

The Board of Supervisors held a meeting August 21, 1847, and it was 

Resolved, That $300 be raised to defray town expenses. 

October 2, 1847, a special meeting of electors was held. 

Resolved, to pay $2.85 for expense of house that year; also, that §200 should be raised fur the purpose of build- 
ing a bridge across the Milwaukee River. 

November 2, 1847, another special meeting was held to undo the work of the former 
special ; the following resolution was adopted : 

Resolved, That as a town recently settled, and very recently organized, and suffering all the inconveniences 
consequent to a new town and a new country, and, whereas, most of the taxable inhabitants have little or no means 
beyond what is actually necessary lor their support, the present year, we, therefore, by this resolve, make null and 
void any previous vote for raising a tax for building in this town the present year, and hereby form this resolution; 
that no tax shall be laid in the town this present year for any such purpose ; also, resolved, that the sum of $300 
should be raised for defraying the expenses of the town the present year. 

Thirty-three votes were cast. 

During the year that the town retained the name of Clarence, the people were not idle ; 
although most of them had " little or no means, beyond what was actually necessary to their 
support," their first school was started and kept open summer and winter. The schoolhouse was 
of logs, situated near the east quarter-post of Section 19. It was built in the fall of 1847. Mrs. 
Asa Varney taught the first winter, Miss Ann Smith the next summer, succeeded the following 
winter by W. R. Wescott, then a youth of eighteen years, who continued to " teach the young 
idea" in Farmington for nine successive winters. The school was known in the old days as 
the '"Washington Union School," now as the "Ramsey District No. 9." Old settlers "disa- 
gree, some claiming that the first school was taught by one of the Danforth family. 

Sylvester Danforth threw open the door of his log house for religious services in the fall 
of 1847. This first service was conducted by Rev. Mr. Halstead, Methodist. This denomi- 
nation also organized a church at about this time — the first church in the town. 

Of the very early settlers, there are now living William Stewart, Patrick Laughlin, Thomas 
Riley, William Riley, Edward Riley, Willet R. Wescott, Philip McKee, J. Kenney, Philip 
Schneider, D. D. Smith, Asa Varney, Peter Schwin and Harlow Ballou. 

The Catholics built the first church edifice in the town — St. Peter's — on Section 34. 

The first saw-mill was built by Delos Wescott, on Stony Creek, near the center of Section 
8. It is now destroyed. 



430 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

Dr. Sylvester Danforth was the earliest physician of Farmington, he being in the county 
early in 1846. 

Ann Riley, daughter of Matthew R. Riley, born September 13, 1845, is said to be the first 
white child born in the town. 

The first couple married in this town were Joseph Horten and Miss Ann Smith, daughter 
of D. D. Smith, in the winter of 1848-40. At the same house, on the same evening, Robert 
McKelvey was married to Ann Recton. A. D. Norton, Justice, officiated in both cases. 

The first post office was kept by Jonathan Danforth at his house, on the southeast corner of 
Section 17. It was established in 1848, and called " Clarence Post Office." 

Mr. Riley built the first frame house in town, and Jonathan Danforth the first block house ; 
D. D. Smith the first brick house and first frame barn. 

Among the old pioneers who came to Clarence in 1847 was a Mr. Bloom, an American. 
His sole " stock in trade " was his hands, his son, an ax, and an auger. He didn't bury his 
talents in any napkin — everything he owned was put to account. With his ax he felled the 
trees from ten acres in a year, and in return received forty acres of standing timber. His son 
cleared ten acres for a pair of oxen. The next year they cleared thirty acres of their own, and 
in the fall of 1848, had about 300 bushels of wheat. They sold out the following year for §1,100. 

When the toil and danger attending the settlement of a new country is over, and the peo- 
ple are easily and safely gathering in the harvest of plenty which succeeds, they can hardly 
realize that an unbroken forest means anything more than a delightful resort for a day's picnic, 
with all the modern accessories of luxury and convenience, and are very apt to regard a- some- 
what mythical the stories that the '"old folks" tell of early times and struggles. The following 
relation somewhat illustrates what a Wisconsin forest really was when the first sturdy pioneers 
dared to make it their home. 

In the spring of 1847. there lived a German with his family — a wife and infant child — in 
the northern part of the town of Fredonia, on Section 3. The little clearing had been made by 
their own hands, ami their united labor was all they had to depend upon to make for themselves 
a comfortable home in the wilderness. One morning the father and mother went into the forest 
to chop logs, leaving the baby asleep at home. After working awhile, the sound of the hell 
worn by one of the oxen attracted their attention, and the husband proposed thai his wife 
should go and bring them, that they might be in readiness for hauling the lugs. She accordingly 
set out, guided by the sound of the bell. The father worked on and on. The sturdy blows of 
his ax resounded through the forest until the time for his wife to return came and passed, and no 
wife appeared. When he went to his cabin she was not there, only the sobbing baby. The 
nearest neighbor was a long way off, and lie had no idea in which direction to search for his wife. 
When the mother started for the cattle she followed the faint sound of the bell for some distance, 
and then becoming bewildered, wandered farther and farther from her path, until night over- 
took her helplessly groping about, lost in the forest. That night was a long on< — alone, hardly 
knowing which seemed the louder, the cries of the wild beasts close to her ear, or the imagined 
cries of the little one so far from her arms. The next morning she came to the clearing of a 
young man named Mansfield, on Section 7, in the town of Fredonia. She could speak but a 
few words of English, and he could understand no German. With some difficulty she made 
him understand the name of her nearest neighbor, and also thai her home was by a lake. Mr. 
Mansfield concluded the best thing to be done under the circumstances was to guide her to the 
nearest lake he knew, which was in the adjoining town of Scott, on the north, and probably the 
location of her home. Taking food, they set out on their search and reached the lake — wearily 
examined its entire circumference, but found no sign of the clearing, nor even of any Living 
being. Returning, they met a settler wlu> mentioned Schwin's Lake, in the southern part of 
Farmington, and Mr. Mansfield turned Ids Steps in that direction witli poor Fraulem humbly 
following. Night came upon them still in the forest. With daylight, they again plodded on, 
and another weary day, and still another night passed, with no clew to the longod-for home. 
On the third morning, tin- foot sore, ivcarj and almo3t famished pair arrived at Schwin's 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 431 

Lake, and were again disappointed. It was not the place. They turned again northward, and, 
after traveling several miles, came to the clearing of Mr. Beger, who could understand the poor 
woman's story, and who fortunately knew the neighbor (Dan Miller) whose name was the clew 
to her home. Before they reached that home, however, they heard the woods resounding with 
the shouts of men who, with her husband, were in search of the wanderer. The baby, like a 
brave little pioneer, as it was, lived and throve, and was ready to greet the poor, tired mother 
with a smile on her return. 

TOWN MEETINGS IN FARMINGTON. 

Farmington received its new name on the 11th of March, 1848, and its first town meeting 
was held April 5, at the house of Stephen Wescott. The first town officers were : Supervisors, 
George Ramsey (Chairman). Franklin Farrar. Fred Stipp ; Clerk, J. F. Danforth. 

July 18, 1S48, a meeting of the Commissioners of Highways of the town of Farmington 
was held, but the first regular annual town meeting was held April 3, 1849, at which time 
ninety-two votes were cast. The following were the officers elected : Supervisors, George 
Ramsey (Chairman), Harlow Bolton, Franklin Farrar; Clerk, Patrick Laughlin ; Superintend- 
ent of Schools, John La Craft ; Treasurer, John La Craft : Assessor, S. Danforth ; Justices, 
James B. Williams, Stephen Wescott. John La Craft and Charles W. Detmering. 

There is no mention of a town meeting being held at any place, save the house of Stephen 
Wescott, until the spring meeting of 1850, which was at the schoolhouse, District No. 10. 

About chis time the town commenced to grow rapidly ; farms were cleared and school- 
houses built. 

VILLAGE OF BOLTONVILLE. 

In the year 1854, the village of Boltonville, so named in honor of Harlow Bolton, was 
started. This village is situated on Stony Creek, Sections 3, 9 and 10, town of Farmington, 
and is about eight miles from Random Lake Railroad Station (Wisconsin Central), and the same 
distance from Barton, on the Chicago k North-Western Railroad. 

The foundation of the village was laid by Horace Smith, when he built his store on 
Section 9. The water-power was soon improved and utilized by the erection of a saw-mill by 
E. A. Duncan on a small stream tributary to Stony Creek. This mill has since been improved 
by Duncan, Wendel & Co., and is still in operation. At a little later date a grist-mill was 
built on Stony Creek, the germ of the present mill owned by Bolton & Schuler. The mill has 
passed through various business changes, but some member of the Bolton family has always been 
a partner since the firm first founded the business as Bolton, Willis k Varney (Harlow 
Bolton, W. H. Willis and Asa Varney). The firm was in turn, Bolton & Smith, 1860; Bolton k 
Marcellus, 1866, when the mill was rebuilt and enlarged ; and Bolton k Schuler, from 1868 to 
the present time. The mill has three run of stone, the most improved machinery and a capacity 
of twentv-five barrels per day. The Bolton. Store was built in 1858, and now carries a stock of 
about $6,000. 

The village has also two hotels, two wagon-shops, two blacksmith-shops, two shoe-shops, 
one harness-shop, a hardware store, a store for general merchandise, a barber-shop, a cheese 
factory, post office, one church and a graded school. 

The first dwelling-house in Boltonville was built by William H. Willis. 

FILLMORE. 

This village contains two churches, two stores, a hotel, two blacksmith-shops, a wagon- 
shop, a town hall, a graded school, several societies and two cheese factories. 

The largest establishment is that of Braatz k Co., dealers in general merchandise and pro- 
prietors of a cheese factory, hotel, saloon and bowling-alley. 

The manufacture of cheese in Farmington is becoming one of the most important and lucra- 
tive industries of the town, and Braatz k Co. are carrying on the business on a large scale. 



432 rilSTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

The factory was established in 1877, and they manufacture about forty thousand pounds of 
cheese annually. The firm is composed of Henry Braatz and Frank E. Blecha. The store is 
doing-a thriving business, and is deservedly popular. The Fillmore Post Office and also the 
Town Clerk's office are kept in their establishment. 

There are now in the town of Farmington six or more cheese factories. The first was es- 
tablished in 1871, by Daniel Trenam, on Section 17. It is still in operation. 

Second, was the establishment of Braatz & Co., in 1877. 

Third, by Herman Gruhle, on Section 23; capacity, 60,000 pounds. 

Fourth, by Bolton k Schuler, in the village of Boltonville, in the spring of 1881 ; capacity. 
60,000 pounds. 

Fifth, by Woog & Co., same spring, on Section 1 ; capacity, 40,000 pounds. 

Sixth, by William M. Horner, May, 1881, on Section 35 ; capacity, 45,000 pounds. 

The factory of Bolton & Schuler is 22x36 feet, two stories high, and the firm intend to 
nearly double the capacity of the building. They now manufacture 60.000 pounds per year. 

There are two brick-yards and one brewery in the town. 

There are, at present, three post offices in the town of Farmington — Boltonville Post Office, 
George Bolton. Postmaster; Fillmore Post Office, Frank E. Blecha, Postmaster; St. Michael 
Post Office, established in 1877, at the store of Mathias Herriges, on the southwest corner of 
Section 7, M. Herriges, Postmaster. 

The town has twelve school districts, or parts of districts, with eight schoolhouses. costing 
in the aggregate $7,000. There are 691 scholars and 15 teachers ; $2,225 was expended in 
1880 for school purposes. 

CHURCHES. 

German Methodist Church was organized in 1859. Its first meetings were held in the 
Fillmore Schoolhouse, Rev. Jacob Schaefer being the first minister. George Leigel. Gottleib 
Hendel, C. Feckler, Gottleib Gerhardt, Michael Loebe, William Donath and Michael Broide- 
kamp were the first members. A church structure was erected in 1863. About nine families 
are now connected with the society. The present Pastor is Rev. William Myer. 

St. Peter's Catholic Church, on Section 34, is a nice stone church, built in 1861 at a cost 
of $1,600. The society was organized in 1846 with a membership of forty-two. This was the 
first Catholic organization in town. Father Mayer and Father Obermitter were resident priests. 
There are now thirty-four families connected with the church. Father Peter Stupfel being the 
priest at the present time. 

St. John's [Catholic), Section 9. This church was built in 1860. It is of brick, 31x49 
feet in size, and cost $2,000. The Building Committee was Thomas Riley, Thomas Goodman 
and Thomas Calleghan. The society was organized in 1859 by Rev. Patrick Bradley. The 
present priest is Rev. Charles Grobscmidt, who has thirty -seven families under his pastoral care. 
The followiuir are the early members and founders of St. John's Church: Thomas Kilev, 
Mathew itiley. Edward Riley, Patrick Riley, Peter Clark. Patrick Laughlin, Michael Mahon, 
James Kenny, Thomas Dowling, Philip McKee, Conrad Heggy, Jeremiah Maloney, Cornelius 
Enright, Daniel Enright. John Mulvany, Daniel Murphy, .John Murphy, Thomas Mallon, James 
Strong, Joseph Lambiecht, Michael Kanaley, Robert Rice, II. A. Long. 

»SV. Martin's (Herman Lutln-ran) h'i<an</eli<:nl Association of North America. The society 
was organized in 1860. The church edifice was erected two years later. It is of stone, a neat 
Structure, containing a good organ. There are ninety-five members connected with the church. 

Rev. Vorberg was the first Pastor, and Rev. .Julius Frank is tin present. The officers are: 

Trustees, Carl Bhroeder, William Busch; Treasurer, Carl Koenig; Clerk. Carl Wittig; Organ- 
ist, Miss Emma Klessig. The Sunday school has l 1 ' 1 ' scholars, and the following officers : Su- 
perintendent, Carl Wittig; Assistant Superintendent. .Julius Koenig; Secretary. Adolph Gold- 
ammcr ; Bible teacher, Traugott Knoll; Organist, Fmnia Klessig. 

The Frr<'- Will Baptist OJiurch at Boltonville. The society was organized and the church 
edifice erected in 1871. The church building is of brick. 34x50 feet in dimension. There are 






o/(/,c/t, aJ, <ZJan-i'UW L ' 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 435 

twenty regular church members, but people from outside the denomination contributed toward 
the erection of the church. Rev. Mr. Webster is the present Pastor. 

Union Sabbath School (at Boltonville) was organized June, 1881, with Mrs. J. Burgess, Su- 
perintendent. The school has an average attendance of seventy-five. 

SOCIETIES. 

Sons of Hermann was established May 8, 1877. It is designated as Fillmore Lodge, No 33. 
The first officers were : President, F. Beger ; Secretary, Carl Wittig ; Vice President, H. Witt ; 
Treasurer, H. Gruhle. The first members were Herman Gruhle, Jacob Staatz, Henry Wade- 
witz, Herman Friebel, Herman Butter, Max Gruhle, Henry Ricke. The present membership 
(1881) numbers thirty-four. The present officers are : President, Carl Wittig ; Vice President, 
John Klein ; Secretary, John Klessig ; Treasurer, Michael Groschel. Meetings are held in the 
Turn halle every Tuesday evening. 

Farmington Humanitcets Verein was organized November 8, 1857, by Mr. A. W. Demuth, 
of Milwaukee, for social, literary and benevolent purposes. Mr. Demuth was the first President 
of the society ; Fred Huebner was Secretary, and William Klcetsch, Treasurer. The society 
has a library of between 300 and 400 German books, and one of the rules of the society forbids 
books in any other language being added to it. It was incorporated by act of the Legislature 
March 20, 1865. 

I. O. O. F., Kishkaupee Lodge, No. 96. — This lodge was organized at Barton in 1859, and 
removed to Boltonville in 1870, the latter being the more convenient locality for the majority of 
the members. The first officers of the lodge are given in the sketch of Barton. The first officers 
elected after the removal to Boltonville were : N. G., James Washburn ; V. G., Edward GifTord; 
R. S., W. R. Wescott; P. S., F. C. Schuler; Treasurer, George Bolton. The membership 
numbered twenty-seven. The meetings were held in II. Bolton's Hall. 

The Bible Society was organized in 1851, with William Stewart as President, and Willet 
Wescott, Secretary. It has held no meetings since 1877. 

Farmington Cemetery Association was organized about 1854. 

The Farmington Turn-verein was organized May 13, 1862. It was in operation a short 
time, and suspended until July 9, 18(36. Its first officers were: First T. W., II. F. Beger; 
Second T. W.. Ernst Ilarz ; Speaker, Nicholas Young ; Second Speaker, Adam Pritschet ; 
First Secretary, Fred Walther ; Second Secretary, Carl Morgenroth ; Janitor, Jonathan 
Moehrl; Treasurer, Fred Huebner. The society re-organized July 29, 1866, seven of the old 
members being present. Their names as as fodows : Nicholas Young. II. F. Beger, Adam Prit- 
schet, Gustav Chugeld, Fred Tippman, Otto Walter, Fred Weinreich. Twelve new members 
were admitted, and new officers chosen. The hall was built in 1867. Size, 40x60 feet. In 
1877, an addition of 40x32 feet was made. The present membership numbers twenty-six, with 
the following officers: First Speaker, Carl Wittig; First T. W., William Hentle ; First Secre- 
tary, H. F. Beger ; Second Secretary, Max Gruhb 1 ; Treasurer, John Klessig ; II. W., F. 
Weinreich; Librarian, E. Rudolph; Z. W., Henry Ricke. The hall and appurtenances are 
valued at $3,500. 

The population of the town, according to the census of 1880 was 1,670. The official re- 
turns for the past two years are not on file at the office of the County Clerk. During that time, 
the manufacture of cheese has become a leading branch of industry and income in the town. 
The farm products vary but little from those last reported in 1878, which were as follows: 
Wheat, 55,000 bushels ; corn, 39,000 ; oats, 51,000 ; barley, 20,000 ; rye, 87,000 ; potatoes, 
15.000; butter, 54,000 pounds; cheese, 10,000. The latter for the year 1881 will reach 
250,000 pounds. 

The town officers, for 1881, were; Supervisors, F. C. Schuler, Chairman, Charles Board, 
John Geidel ; Town Clerk, Carl Wittig; Treasurer, Paulus Ileul ; Assessor, Ernst Goldammer. 
The post offices in the town, in 1881, were Boltonville, Fillmore and St. Michael's. 



436 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZACKEE COUNTIES. 



TOWN OF KEWASKUM. 

The town of Kewaskum is in the northern tier of towns in the county, and lies between 
Wayne on the west and Farmington on the east. The four northern tiers of sections in Town 
12, Range 19, constitute the present limits of the town. In January. 1846, it became, by act 
of the Legislature, a part of the town of West Bend, which then embraced four townships. In 
1847, Town 12 was set off and became a separate corporation under the name of North Bend. 
A. still further subdivision was made in 1849, by which the town was reduced to its present 
limits and named Kewaskum, in memory of the old Indian chief of that name, who had recently 
died. 

The town is watered by the Milwaukee River and a few tributary streams. The river runs 
in a general southerly direction through the town, dividing the village into two unequal purs. 
the eastern being the larger. The general characteristics of the soil, aspect of the country, etc., 
are similar to the southern sister towns, except that Kewaskum has a dearth of lakes. Other- 
wise the same beautiful farms, gently sloping hills and occasional hamlets are to be met with. 

NORTH BEND MEETINGS. 

The first annual town meeting was held at the house of William P. Barnes, April 6, 1847. 
The following is a copy of the minutes : 

" At the annual town meeting, held at the house of William P. Barnes, in the town of North 
Bend, Washington Co., T. W., April 6, 1847, the friends who were there organized by calling 
Harry N. Strong to the chair, and appointing Joshua Bradley. Clerk. The meeting being called 
to order, the following motions were made and carried in the affirmative : 

" First. That the next annual town meeting is to be held at the house of Ferdinand Dag- 
ling, on Section Number 21. 

" Second. That town officers receive for their services $1 per day where the price is not 
fixed by law. 

•• Third. That the town raise one-eighth of one per cent for the benefit of schools in the 
town. 

'"Fourth. That we, or the town, raise one-eighth of one per cent to be applied to roads in 
the town. 

" Fifth. That Samuel Ladd serve as Overseer of Highways in the town of North Bend 
till others are appointed. 

" Sixth. That we raise $75 to pay officers and to bear the neeo-~ary expenses of the town. 

'• Seventh. That the Supervisors accept no account unless it is itemized, dated and 
sworn to. 

"April 9. 1847. John S. Van Eps, Town Clerk." 

The following is the poll list of town meeting in North Bend, April 6, 1847 : Charles Big- 
gins, Joseph II. Austin. William P. Piarnrs. Samuel Ladd. James Frazer, Samuel Albright, il- 
Bradley, C. Hanni, J. Douglas, J. K. Avery, N. Harris. M. Tulen, .1. Van Vechten, T. Thill, 
M. Rodenkirch, J. Albright, J. R. Wright, H. N. Strong, Joshua M. Bradley, F. Daglin, L. 

Spear. I". Bennington, B. C. Thompson, J. S. Van Eps, William Douglass, Thomas Bliss — 
Total 26. 

The firs! election held in North Bend for the election of Territorial and county officers, t < > 
wit: one Delegate to Congress, one member of the House of Representatives, one Register, 
Clerk and Surveyor — was held September 6, L847, at the house of William 1'. Barnes; Inspect- 
ors, Harvey N. Strong. Jacob T. Van Vechten and Samuel Ladd; Clerk, John S. Van Eps. 
November 2!', 1X47, another election was held at the same place to elect Delegates to the State 
Conventional Madison to form a State Constitution. Those receiving the most votes were 
William II. Lord, Patrick Pentong, Lewis E. Pick. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 437 

FIRST TOWN MEETING OF KEWASKUM. 

The first election of the town of Kewaskum was held at the house of Nathan Wheeler, near 
the village, April 2, 1850 ; Inspectors of Election were J. T. Van Vechten, F. Dagling and 
T. P. Bliss; Clerk, Ansel Moody. The officers elected were: Supervisors, J. T. Van Vechten, 
Chairman, B. Spinharney, H. Iloderkirch ; Town Clerk, Ansel Moody ; Treasurer, D. C. 
Bowen ; Superintendent of Schools, Ansel Moody; Assessors, M. Rodenkirch, D. C. Bowen; 
Justices, D. C. Bowen, P. Rottermand ; Constables, J. P. Harris, H. Backhaus, L. Clark ; 
Sealer of Weights and Measures, J. Williams. 

This election proved illegal, as it was held outside the limits of the new town of Kewaskum, 
and Chairman Van Vechten was denied his seat in the County Board. The blunder was reme- 
died by a special election held within the town limits. 

William P. Barnes and wife were the first settlers in North Bend, Mr. B. living on Section 
35 as early as 1844. 

The first post office was at Section 9, Fond du Lac road, Nathaniel Wheeler, Postmaster. 
The office was established at Kewaskum Village, in 1847, with James Thompson as first Post- 
master. 

The first school was established in 1851 ; L. Clark, Superintendent ; Calista Colvin, teacher. 

VILLAGE OF KEWASKUM. 

In 1852, J. H. Myer built the first log house on the bank of Milwaukee River, in the then 
prospective village of Kewaskum. In the fall of the same year he built a saw-mill, and com- 
menced a grist-mill in 1854, which he finished in 1856. 

The first frame house in the village and in the town was built by Henry P. Eames. It 
was near the river, on the south side of what is now Main street, opposite West Water. It was 
what was called a " story and a half house." The nearest settler was William Pickel, a half 
mile away. 

The first store, built by William Spicer, was a frame building, now called " the old 
store." 

In 1852, F. W. Buchte! started the first blacksmith-shop. 

In the spring of 1854, the first religious society was organized — the Dutch Reformed 
— Rev. M. Davenport, Pastor. There were four attendants at the first meeting. 

The first church edifice was built by the Catholics. 

The first Sunday school was organized in 1855, with Mrs. Eames as Superintendent The- 
school was very successful, and under various Superintendents was maintained until 1879. 

The village haa grown to be the thriving trade center of the surrounding country. The- 
Chicago & North- Western Railway passes through the town and village. The village popula- 
tion at present (1881) exceeds five hundred. In has six hotels — the Eagle, the American 
House, S. Witzig's Hotel, Central Hotel and the Madison House. It has three general stores. 
The largest is owned and run by the Rosenheimer Brothers, Moritz and Adolph, under the 
family firm name of L. Rosenheimer & Sons. They have an elevator and do a large grain shipping 
business in connection with their merchandising. Their annual grain shipments aggregated 
125,000 bushels. The other two stores are run by Henry Backhaus and Charles Lobeisky. 
Both do a thriving business. 

Remmell Bros. & Co. have just completed the most complete establishment for the manufact- 
ure and repair of all kinds of wood and iron work, between Fond du Lac and Milwaukee. 

It embraces a machine-shop, with engine lathe, a planing-mill, a wagon-shop and a black- 
smith's shop. Here carriages and agricultural machinery are manufactured and repaired in the 
best style of mechanical art. The Remmell Brothers are practical workmen of rare merit, and 
possessed of inventive talents of a high order. 

There are also four grain elevators, all doing a grain-shipping business during the* 
season. 



438 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

The flouring-mill, built by Mr Myer in 1852, was enlarged and partially rebuilt in 1878. 
It is now run by Guth & Backhaus. 

The lumber-yard is run by N. Guth & Son. 

There are two schools, a public school, and a parish school connected with the Catholic 
Church. 

The are three churches — the Catholic, built in 1862; the Lutheran, built in 1868; the 
MethoTlist. built in 1866. 

The village has also a hardware store, a stove and tinware establishment, and shoemakers, 
blacksmiths, painters and other artisans, which go to make up the population of a thriving and 
growing village. 

The charitable and secret societies are represented as follows: 

Kewaskum Tumverein, organized June 2, 1878. First officers were: First Speaker, 
Charles Flicheman ; Second Speaker, Peter Heip ; First Turnwart, Frank Brown ; Second 
Turnwart, Adolph Ilosenheimer ; Secretary, Fred Stork ; Assistant Secretary, Nic Marks ; 
Treasurer, Nic Guth: Steward, Henry Backhaus; Trustees, John Stroegel, Pat McLaughlin, 
Mattice Louis. 

The present officers are: First Speaker, Fred Stork; Second Speaker, Valentine Dreher; 
First Turnwart, Lewis Guth ; Secretary, Nic Marks ; Assistant Secretary, Lawrence Guth : 
Treasurer, Charles Kiehn ; Steward, William Fdlbert ; Trustees, Joseph Reramel. Pat Mc 
Laughlin, N. Guth, Sr. Present membership is twenty-eight. Meetings are held the second 
Tuesday of each month. 

Kewaskum Lodge, No. 101. I. 0. 0. F . was instituted February 4, I860. It was first 
started in the English language, then changed to a German lodge. After a few years it ceased 
active work, and lay dormant for several years. February 2, 1876, it was resuscitated, and has 
existed as an American lodge, so far as its work is carried on in the English language, though 
its membership is largely made up of Germans. The present officers are : II. J. Ebenreiter, 
N. G.; L. A. Clark, V. G.; C. P. Mooers, R. S.; Charles Mdler, P. S.: N. Guth, Treasurer. 
The present membership numbers twenty. Meetings are held weekly, on Saturday evenings. 

THE TOWN IN 1881. 

The town is entirely settled, with a population of thrifty farmers. 

It has six whole ami joint school districts, six schoolhouses, worth $0,000. The scholars 
number .547 ; eight teachers are employed. The amount of money expended for school purposes 
in 18SII was $2,013. 

The population of Kewaskum in 1880, according to the census of that year, was 1,469. 

The average amount of crops raised from 5,010 acres of cultivated land, in 1880, was: 
Wheat, 30,000 bushels ; corn, 16,000; oats, 32,000; barley. 16,000; rye, 24,000; potatoes, 
10,000. The number of acres of growing timber was 3,295; of apple orchard 94, with 2,860 
bearing trees. The town had 4'.*7 cows, and made 21,000 pounds of butter. 

The present town officers (1S81 | are: Supervisors, James Carrel (Chairman), Fred Back- 
haus Theo. Schoofs ; Town Clerk, William Koch; Treasurer, Chas. Backhaus; Assessor, Peter 
Fellenz. 

TOWN OF BARTON. 

Newark, the original name of this town, was changed to Barton by order of the County 
Board of Supervisors on the 25th day of November, 1853. 

The town of Newark was formed in 1818 by taking two tiers of sections from the north side 
of West Bend, and two from the south side of North Bend, and organizing them into a town 
containing twenty-two whole and two half sections. 

The village of Barton was originally called Salisbury's Mills, the old saw-mill and grist- 
mill built by Barton Salisbury forming its nucleus. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 439 

Barton Salisbury, on one of his surveying expeditions in the autumn of 1845, first discov- 
ered the fine water-power and other natural advantages of the site, and decided to locate there. 
He immediately put up his log shanty, assisted by Ben Thompson, the Verbeck brothers, and 
M. A. T. Farmer, who came up from the southern part of the township (West Bend), and found 
him " on the ground with ox-team and two men, cutting and hauling logs to erect the first 
shanty." It was near the present dam, on the north side of the river. During the fall and 
winter of 1845-46, other settlers arrived and located, among whom were Charles and Foster 
Buck, James Frazer, John Douglas, Martin Foster, Rev. Bela Wilcox, W. P. Barnes, and the 
Danforth family, Mrs. Danforth being the first white woman that lived in Salisbury. These 
settlers were soon followed by other members of the Frazer family. Peter, who came with his 
mother and sisters in 1846, established a mercantile business in 1847, which he still carries on. 
The buzz of the saw-mill built by Mr. Salisbury was heard before the spring of 1846 ; the large 
grist-mill erected by the same energetic laborer for Edward and William Caldwell, was finished 
in 1847, and the embryo village seemed to be fairly started. Early in 1846, a store, which 
served the double purpose of store and dwelling, was started by William and Edward Caldwell 
on the ground where the Catholic Church now stands. Mr. Caldwell had to draw his supplies 
for the store from Milwaukee, and, on his way home from that place with his "fall goods," he 
found Moses Wiel building the first store at West Bend. Mr. Caldwell's store by this time was 
having a "rush of business." 

THE FIRST TOWN MEETING. 

The first town meeting was called at the house of Martin Foster, in the village of Newark- 
October 16, 1848. John K. Avery was chosen Moderator, and Samuel H. Alcot, Clerk- 
Those present then adjourned to the schoolhouse, where the meeting was held. 

(The school house was the log shanty built by Barton Salisbury, and converted to its 
present uses when he built his frame house in 1846. A coffee-pot was used at this meeting for 
a ballot-box). 

The whole number of votes cast was thirty-seven. The officers elected were : Supervisors, 
Noah Reynolds, John R. Avery, Peter Frazer ; Town Clerk, Harlow L. Cramton ; Treasurer, 
Abel Walker ; Commissioners of Highways, Jacob Albright, John H. Pickle, James H. St. 
John ; Justices of Peace, Samuel H. Alcot, Samuel Ladd ; Commissioners of Schools. Alonzo 
Curtis, Harlow Cramton, George W. McCarty : Constables, G. W. McCarty and Sylvester 
Rowe; Sealers of Weights and Measures, Charles E. Eliot and Daniel Bastin ; Fence 
Viewers, Samuel H. Alcot, Henry Totten and Noah P. Reynolds. 

OLD TIMES AND THINGS. 

The first school in the village was taught by Rev. Bela Wilcox, in the schoolhouse where 
the above-mentioned meeting was held. Mr. Wilcox was an educated man, and when he visited 
the first School Commissioner for a certificate, Mr. Young simply said, " Elder Wilcox, have the 
kindness to draw up the certificate ; we will sign it." 

The first post office, in 1847 (then Salisbury Mills Post Office), was also kept by Rev. 
Bela Wilcox. The mail was brought on foot from the Meeker Post Office, at or near Cedar 
Creek, by William Ellis, in a mail bag made of W. P. Barnes' vest pocket ; hence called " vest- 
pocket mail." In 1852, through the persevering energy of John R. Taylor, a post office was 
established at Barton (then Newark), and Mr. Taylor appointed Postmaster. 

The first sermon preached was by Rev. Mr. Traine in the schoolhouse. 

The first Presbyterian meeting was at the house of Peter Frazer, when a society was organ- 
ized by Rev. Mr. Elliot, of Milwaukee. Among those present at this meeting were Peter 
Frazer and Mr. and Mrs. William Wightman, three old settlers who are still living. Mr. 
Elliot was Pastor of the church for a number of years, sometimes preaching in the saw-mill. 
The society built a church edifice in 1853. 

The first tavern in Barton was kept by Martin Foster in a small, wooden building near 
Father Rehrl's place. 



440 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

The first Assessors were Walter Demmon and Mr. Barnes, and the whole amount of prop- 
erty in what is now Trenton, West Bend, Barton, Farmington and Kewaskum at that time was 
valued at $3,700. 

The first mass was said in Barton by Father Rehrl December 25, 1857. The corner-stone 
of the Catholic Church was laid on Wednesday, September 30, 1857. The ceremonies were con- 
ducted by John Martin Henni, Bishop of the State, assisted by the Revs. Barstow, Bradlev and 
Rehrl. In a cavity cut in the corner-stone were deposited several coins bearing the date of 
1857, also the name of the President of the United States, Governor of the State, ami the Jus- 
tices of the Peace of the town of Barton. The church was finished the following year (1858). 
It is a handsome brick edifice; the auditorium, 36 by 56 feet, addition for altar, vestry, etc., 19 
by 20 feet. It was furnished with bells in May, 18G0. There are at present connected with 
the Barton congregation one hundred and thirty families. The school connected with the 
church has one hundred scholars. The convent, founded by Father Rehrl, was established as 
the Order of the Sisters of St. Agnes. From the small beginning at the little village of Bar- 
ton the orler has increased, been acknowledged by the Pope, and is now known throughout the 
world, this being the mother house, although the house at Fond du Lac is now the head of the 
order. Full particulars of the life and labors of Father Rehrl are given in his biography. 

The population of Barton in 1855, ten years after its settlement, was 1,095, of whom 445 
were of foreign birth. It was connected with the railroad before 1857' by daily mail and stage 
route; contained an American and German hotel, three large stores and numerous workshops. 
A commodious Presbyterian Church was built in 1853. The new bridge across the Milwaukee 
River was completed in 1857. 

In the old days, before Washington and Ozaukee Counties dissolved partnership, the old 
settlers used to find the "Old Schoolhouse " at Barton a magnet that attracted the lovers of fun 
from all over old Washington County. One evening, a meeting was held there by some of the 
jovial spirits of the county, and a sort of sovereigns' Legislature was formed. Hank Totten was 
elected Governor and Reuben Rusco Secretary of State. "Governor" Totten issued his pro- 
clamation, duly attested by "Secretary " Rusco, calling a meeting of the Legislature, the towns 
in the county to have a representative on the basis that the counties of the State had in the 
legal body. " Governor" Totten, on the assembling of his hosts, discovered that his " Secretary " 
was absent. Young Rosebrook, who had been elected door-keeper, was armed with a summons 
from I lis Excellency to proceed at once to bring in the recalcitrant illicer. lie found him and 
another individual playing "seven-up" in the woods, using a big stump for a table, lie 
handed t lie summons to Rusco, who immediately obeyed the majesty of the law. The delibera- 
tions of the pioneer legislature were decidedly rich. No subject, neither State or National, was 
too large or too small to be made the butt of fun, and when Mr. Bl lir, who claimed lie repre- 
sented " The district east of Ozaukee " — Lake Michigan — got up and eloquently appealed for 
equal rights for the fishes in all cases, the members adjourned to give them a chance, and claimed 
their advocate ought to be soaked in cider in honor of his constituents. 

SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES. 

The schools of Barton have not beei glected. From the time that Elder Wilcox made 

out his own certificate, with the full approval of the Commissioner, good teachers have found 
sufficient encouragement to establish select schools in the village. On August 2, 1858, a high 
school was opened. W. (). Wendall, Principal, with a normal class, ••for the instruction of those 
who design to teach, whether members of the school or not. (Mass thoroughly drilled both in 
the practice and theory of teaching." This instruction involved the whole principle of the 
modern normal school. 

On August I. ls»;i, :i select school was start.- 1 by Misses F. M. and II. A. Wighlmaii, 
daughters of William Wightman, of West Bend. These young la lies were accomplished 

teachers, having fitted themselves expressly for that vocation. Miss Frances had I n a teacher 

at the Female Seminary in Knoxville, Tenti., during the preceding year. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 441 

In August, 1862, a select school was opened in Barton by William H. Barnes, a young 
Appleton student. Since these early days, the village schools have been cared for as in other 
places of its size. The principal schoolhouse is of brick. There are 175 scholars in the district, 
a large proportion of whom attend the Catholic school. 

THE CHURCHES. 

The village of Barton now contains two churches — the Presbyterian and Catholic. 

The Presbyterian, before mentioned as having been built in 1853, had for its Pastor, when 
dedicated, Rev. Mr. French, who remained six years in that capacity. His successors have 
been Rev. Messrs. Lord, Tanner, Smith, Boyd, Hysen and J. D. Gehring. At present the 
church is without a pastor. 

The Baptists and Methodists of Barton have generally connected themselves with the 
West Bend churches. 

The Catholic Church has been previously noticed. 

SOCIETIES. 

Nonpariel Lodge, No. 100, I. 0. G. T. — This lodge was organized November 2, 1858, with 
thirteen members. The first officers were: William T. Gray, W. C. T.; Miss Emily Nichols, 
W. V. T.; S. S. Fuller, W. S.; Miss Myra B. Degolyer, W. T.; A. Ives, W. F. S.; L. B. Root, 
W. M.; Mrs. Mary Pitcher, W. I. G.; H. G. Hurlbert, W. 0. G.; Miss M. J. Fuller, W. R. II. S.; 
Miss Lizzie Brown, W. L. H. S.; B. S. Potter, P. W. C. T. 

The present hall was built in the fall of 1875, costing nearly $1,000. The present mem- 
bership is sixteen. The lodge has never suspended its meetings since its organization ; has 
initiated nearly one thousand five hundred members, many of whom are scattered over the 
Western States, and are earnest workers for prohibition and the order of Good Templars. At 
St. Edwards, Neb., eighty of the chartered members of the lodge were formerly members of the 
"Nonpariel." Some of its officers have been elected to the State Senate, and all are to-day 
good, industrious citizens. 

The following are the names of the present officers: Wisly Manaser, W. C. T.; Mrs. Maggie 
Taylor, W. V. T.; C. F. Taylor, W. R. S.; N. E. Woodford, W. F. S.; J. R. Taylor, W. T.; 
Mrs. Erailv Tagler, W. C; W. S. Davis, P. W. C. T.; C. Kauffung, W. M. C; H. H. Taylor, 
W. I. G.; Charles Taylor, Jr., W. 0. G.; II. H. Taylor. L. D. 

Kishcaupee Lodge, No. 96, I. 0. 0. F., was first instituted in Barton, in the year 1869. 
After running several years it divided, and, about 1872, the lodge was removed to Boltonville. 
Some of the members retained their fellowship in the Boltonville lodge. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The new iron bridge, already contracted for, to cross the Milwaukee River at this place, is 
to be built in one span of 115 feet. It is to be of iron, with stone abutment. The cost will be 
$5,150, and, when finished, it will be the best bridge on the river north of Milwaukee. 

Barton, during the war, sent to the front some excellent soldiers. Among them, deserving 
of special mention, was Capt. J. Martin Price, who lost his life in the service. The roll at 
Madison shows the names of forty-four soldiers from the town who did personal and gallant serv- 
ice. The names appear in the war history of the county at large. Of the seven soldiers who 
joined the Washington County Rifles, Company G, Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, Carl 
Karsten, himself an honored member, gives the following report : Corporal George Koehler. 
wounded while bearing colors at Gettysburg ; Private William Simon, discharged January 5. 
1863; Private John Saaler, discharged March. 1863; Private Killian Schnepf, killed in battle; 
Private Peter Schnomenberg. died ; Private Fred Walker, no report, probably returned ; Private 
William Wehl, no report, probably returned. 

The Barton Mills, owned by It. R. Price, were burned in 1865, and rebuilt by the same gentle- 
man who ran them until 1877, when the property passed, by Sheriff's sale, into the possession 



442 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

of Abbot Lawran, and was again sold, in October, 1878, to the present proprietors, Huntington 
& Koch. 

Since Bela Wilcox, the Postmasters of Barton have been John R. Taylor, John Reis9e, 
Maxon Ilirsch, Sebastian Koenig, John Reisse and Peter Frazer, who was appointed by Presi- 
dent Grant in 1868, and has held the office twelve years, being the present incumbent. 

The railroad was finished to the place in 1872. There are at present three taverns, several 
stores, a grist-mill and various other industries in the village, but, since the advent of the rail- 
road, local trade has fallen off, and the only flourishing business apparent is the flouring mill. 
When the water-power is more fully utilized, busy times will come again. 

YOUNG. AMERICA. 

This little village, situated in the town of Barton about a mile north of the village, on the 
Milwaukee River, received its first business impetus from the energy and enterprise of Messrs. 
Cook & Elliott. 

A dam and saw-mill were built at the place, in 1851, by Morris Wait — the mill fitted with 
all (then) modern appliances — run three hours, and burned to the ground. 

In 1856, Messrs. Cook & Elliott erected a large flouring-mill on the same site. On Sep- 
tember 19, 1856, this mill, lacking yet a few days of completion, was also entirely destroyed by 
fire. It was a deplorable loss. Twelve mechanics lost their tool chests with contents, worth 
about $2,000, their only means of support. The tot;il loss was §8,000 : insurance, §4,000. 
Cook & Elliott immediately commenced rebuilding, and, on August 10, 1857, had a new mill 
finished. This was of brick, three stories high, two run of stone, and capable of turning out 150 
barrels of extra superfine flour per day. There was also a brick cooper-shop connected with 
the mill, in running order at the same date, and a bridge across the river in process of erection. 
The mill was purchased some time during 1857, by David and A. W. Coe, who ran it success- 
fully for a number or years. "Young America Flour " commanded a high price in Milwaukee, 
all. except what was used for home consumption, being sold in that market. Just before the 
win-. Messrs. Coe sold the mill to W. P. Horton, who, after running it a short time, sold again to 
Fred Hart, of .Milwaukee, It was next sold at Sheriff's sale, and bid in by Mr. Trumpft, 
Cashier of Second Ward Hank. Milwaukee. It was sold by the bank to Peter Eoffman, and on 
his death, the establishment being insolvent, was again sold at Sheriff's sale, and bid in by the 
Germantown Fire Insurance Company, Bold to Phillip Kraetsch, and finally leased by him to 
Paul Sladkey, an energetic young miller, who is at the present time running it successfully. 
During the time that the Messrs. Coe were running the Young America Mill, they had also a 
store in successful operation. They were young and energetic ; their store was well filial with 
desirable goods, and the village saw its palmiest days during their residence there. The store 
started by Messrs. Coe lias been owned for the last eleven years by Martin Gayhart. and is still 
kept by him. Mr. Gayhart is also Postmaster. 

The Young America Hotel is kept by P. C. Schmidt. 

The latest official returns give the agricultural products of the town as follows: Wheat, 

86,1 bushels; corn, 31,000; oats, 17,000; barley, 7,600; rye, 3,000 ; potatoes, 7,800 ; 

butter. 25,(1(10 pounds; cheese, 15,000 pounds. 

The annual acreage of grain fields amount to 5,300 acres. The apple orchards comprise 
105 acres and 3,050 fruit bearing trees. There are 2,436 acres of growing timber in the town. 
The number of milch cows is upward of seven bundled. 

The presenl town officers (1881) are: Supervisors, Martin Gayhart, Chairman, Joseph 
Berend, Nicholaus Weber; Town Clerk, Michael Kiseumann ; Assessor, Joseph Ilolehouse; 
Treasurer, Henry Saueressig. 

The population by the latest Federal census (1S80) is 1,287. 

There were two post olliees in the town in l^Sl — Barton and Yoim<_ r America. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 443 



TOWN OF TRENTON. 

The town of Trenton is designated on the Government survey as Town 11, Range 20 east. 
It is six miles square, and is bounded as follows : North, by Farmington ; east, by »Saukville, 
in Ozaukee County ; south, by Jackson ; west, by West Bend and Barton. The surface of land 
is broken into small hills throughout. It was originally covered with a dense growth of hard- 
wood timber. The Milwaukee River runs through it in a tortuous course, from west to east. 
It enters the town on the section line between Sections 7 and 18, and winds through Sections 
18, 17, 16, 15, 11 and 12. At Newburg, on Section 12, it furnishes an excellent water-power. 
The lands were early spied by speculators, and, as early as 1836, considerable tracts were en- 
tered by them along the river, and especially near the site of the present village of Newburg, 
on Section 12. These early entries were made by Michael Antony Guista, Solomon Juneau, 
Charles Hunt, M. C. Johnson. James Duane Doty, Joseph R. Ward and others, none of whom 
ever settled in the town or attempted any improvements. 

The actual settlers began to come in in 1845, and in 1846 the tide of immigration had fairly 
set in. The list of those who took up land, many of whom settled during those two years, is 
given below. Those who entered land in 1845 are designated, all others whose names appear 
made their entries in 1846. The list is as follows: Section 1, Ebenezer H. Keene, Sylvester 
R. Lathrope, Adam Fraie, Jacob Fraie ; Section 2, Levi Grant, Matthias Schmidt, Peter Mul- 
ligan, James Christie and Hiram Marsh ; Section 3, Nicholas Henson, Peter Schwin, Peter 
Wilger ; Section 5, James Stevens and Edward P. Foster ; Section 6, Jonathan Moore, Charles 
G. Newcome, Amasa T. Curtice, Salmon Grover, Bindiah Benber, Andrew Clark, Edmund B. 
Diekerman ; Section 7, Edwin Yeamans, Samuel N. and Amos Verbeck, Charles Ciudius : Sec- 
tion 8, Pat O'Connel, William Harrington, John Harrington, William Ellis; Section 9, Thomas 
Smith, Patrick Smith; Section 11, Joseph Taylor, James Christie; Section 13, Ludwig 
Steirwalt, Daniel Steirwalt ; Section 14, William Lewis, John Simon; Section 19, Amos Ver- 
beck, Philip Verbeck, Joseph Verbeck; Section 20, George Kluber, James Kantwell ; Section 
21, John T. Jenner, J. M. Smith, Peter McDonal, John MeDonal, Samuel Engle. William 
McHenry, Ensign Sprague ; Section 22. John Smith. Samuel Mann, Frederick Schlomilch ; 
Section 23, William Lewis, Eli L. Hurd, John Simon, Jeremiah H. Douglass; Section 24, Lud- 
wig Steirwalt, Alex McCartney ; Section 26, Jeremiah Canty, Pat Cary ; Section 27, Peter 
Nusz (in 1845), Latzer Weise,Pat Cary, Richard Dailey, James Hughes; Section 28, Michael 
Jenner, Herman Mann, Maurice Mogenschein, Stephen Long, Turner Bailey ; Section 29, 
Roderick McKenzie, William McKenzie, James Michaels; Section 30, Ferdinand Nolting 
(1845), Jacob Hill, Thomas Keenan, John Reed, Stephen Irish. Lazarus Sanford, James 
Christie, Francis Maurice ; Section 31, Patrick Keown, Michael Bower. Edwin R. Nelson, 
Thomas Jessup, Moses Young (all in 1845), Lazarus Sanford, Richard T. Young ; Section 32, 
Patrick Keown, Emanuel Mann, Christopher Long (all in 1845), Theron Bullock, Phil Wagner, 
Herman Mann ; Section 33, Thomas McCormack, Andrew Byrns, Edward Divin, Adaniah L. 
Halster, John C. Petzold, Stephen Long, Edward Boderie, George C. Butler ; Section 34, Fred 
Firstenberger (1845), Edward Divin, Thomas Cheasty, William Armstrong, David Templeton, 
Theron Bullock; Section 35, James Johnson, Alex. Johnson, William Armstrong, David 
Templeton ; Section 36, Owen Fay, Charles Conaty. 

In 1847-48, the remaining available farming lands of the town were generally taken up. 
The only village in the town, Newberg, on Section 12, in the northeast part of the township, 
was started by Barton Salisbury, in the winter of 1847-48, when, having decided to locate at 
that point and develope the water-power, he hired a man named Watson, to build him a log 
house at that point. The house was afterward occupied by Mr. Frisby and family in 1849. He 
was the father of I. N. and L. F. Frisby, both now practicing attorneys at West Bend. Mr. 
Salisbury came in himself in 1848, built the first dam at that point, erected a saw-mill and 
grist-mill, started an ashery for the manufacture of pearlash from the crude potash fur- 



444 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

nished by the pioneers from the ashes made in clearing their lands, and fairly started a thriving 
village. Two nephews of Salisbury came in with him — Sillwell and Salisbury. They showed 
the enterprise of their uncle, and erected several of the early buildings. They built the first 
hotel building, now the "Webster House." At the raising of this building, Barton Salisbury, 
the most energetic and enterprising man that had appeared in the county, accidentally lost his 
life. His death was an irreparable loss to the infant village. He had, after several moves, de- 
cided upon it has his future home, and had he lived would have made it the leading village in the 
fast settling county. He was cut off in the prime of his early manhood, being only thirty-six 
years of age at the time of his death. The village has for many years remained nearly station- 
ary, being only the center of a limited local trade. Its nearest railroad connection is at West 
Bend, six miles distant. The old mill still stands and does a fair custom business. 

THE FIRST TOWN MEETING. 

The town was incorporated March 11, 1848, and on April 4, 1848, the first town meeting 
was held at the house of John Smith. 

The first town officers were: Supervisors, John A. Douglass, Chairman, Rueben Salisbury, 
Turner Bailey; Town Clerk, Frederick Balch ; Treasurer. Eli L. Hard; Assessors, Amos 
Verbeck, Theron Bullock, George W. Alay ; Justices of the Peace, Frederick Leson, James H. 
Watson; Highway Purveyors, David Templeton, Moses Young, Sr., Partrick Keoun : School 
Commissioners, Lazarn Sanford, Amhust D. Tenant, Comfert B. Waller ; Collector. Henry A. 
Douglass; Constables, Fred Batch, Henry A. Douglass. Horace Bradley; Fence Viewers, 
John Smith. A. J. Ilolstead, James II. Watson; Sealer of Weights and Measures, John A. 
Douglass. James II. Watson was Moderator and John A. Douglass Clerk of the meeting. At 
this meeting appropriations were made as follows : For highways, $50 ; for support of the 
poor, $25 ; for town expenses, 82(Ml ; for schools, "the full limit the law allows." The salary 
of the Town Clerk was fixed at $25 per year, and it was voted to raise a special highway tax of 
five days' work or $5 in money on every eighty acres of land, and two days work for a poll 
tax. 

The poll list of this town meeting was not preserved. At the first general election held in 
the town, in November, 1848, the list of voters was as follows : 

■ I. I). MoDoland, William M. Cheny, Michael -Tenner, Henry Dunham. Edward Dutton, 
Peter McDonald, Comfort B. Waller, Patrick Cowan, Thomas Casey, David Templeton, Thomas 
McConner, A. G. Ilolstead, F. A. Boot, Jefferson Newcotnb, David Xewcomb. James Emery, 
Jacob Loon, Christopher Filchove, Godfrey Loon, Jonas Scene. David Shaver. William C. 
Starkin, John Stowan, Richard Daily. James Johnson, Anthony Hartford, Amherst D. Tenant, 
• lames Watson, Lemuel Shafer, Jacob Goldsmith. Samuel lioldsmith. Cregory Lame, David 
Dudley, John Smith, F. W. Knotting, Henry A. Douglass. Andrew Byrnes, Tinner Baily, 
La/.arus Sanford, Peter Ness, Alexander MeCarty. Roswcll Babcock, Moses Xoung, John II. 
Douglass, Amo, Verbeehan, William Butler. Edward Butler, Jeremiah (.'.infield. Samuel Dow- 
land, Hi chard Collins, Edward Buckley, Philip Verbeck. Asa Stephens, Eli Hurd. Joseph 
Weisse : total number of votes polled, 5 s - 

During the war, Trenton did her patriotic part. In addition to raising SO, 337 for war pur- 
poses, a roll of sixty-nine soldiers appears in the archives of the State, who did personal service. 
The town furnished eighteen for one company — the Washington County Rifles, Company 0, 
Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Of these, Carl Karstcn. long the Orderly of the 
company, furnishes the following creditable record: 

Sergeant 3 ley, died January 5, I 

\ n i li • . ii ■■ l: liarged May *-'s, 1 86 ■ 

Privates — Bdw«rd Abbot, discharged Ootober I. 1862 ; Martin Abbot, wounded; Fred Diskler, wounded and 
missing; George Emnes, wounded ; Andrew Fullerton, wounded and afterward promoted i" Captain : Fred Steirwald ; 

Daniel Steirwald ; Ja - Sbattui > l March 12, 1868; Robert Templeton, killed; Jacob Weimer, killed; 

Peter Walker, wounded ; Joachim w ie lerman, wounded ; John Walker, promoted t" Corporal ; Michael Foung 'lis- 
eharged May 16, 1868; Mr Foung, killed ; Franj Zellsdorf, killed. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 445 

The town is now covered with finely cultivated farms, and ranks as one of the best in the 
county. Stock-raising and dairying is becoming a leading business in addition to the raising of 
cereals which is still the leading pursuit. The population is now seven-eighths German by birth 
or immediate descent. There are two German churches in the town — one Catholic, and one Lu- 
theran 

The schools are in excellent condition. There are eight joint districts and four whole dis- 
tricts in the town, taught by three male, and twelve female teachers. The amount of money ex- 
pended for schools, in 1880, was $2,093. 

The industries, other than agricultural, are centerel mostly at Newburg, where there is a 
grist-mill, saw-mill, two stores, two hotels, and a cheese factory. Other mechanical pursuits are 
represented at that point — blacksmithing, shoe-making, carriage-making, painting, etc. Further 
mention of them will be found in the biographical sketches of citizens now actively engaged in 
business. 

There is a cheese factory on the western border of the town, situated on Section 30. It was 
built in 1878, by F. W. Schroeder, who still owns it. Its capacity is 60,000 pounds of cheese 
per season. The milk is furnished alike by the farmers of Trenton and West Bend. The pro- 
prietor is a resident of West Bend, and his factory, though located in Trenton, is known as the 
West Bend Cheese Factory. 

The population of the town, as enumerated by the census of 1880, was 1,868. 

The average crops, as gathered from the latest official returns, are : Wheat, 58,000 bushels; 
corn, 39,000 ; oats, 49,000 ; barley, 14,000 ; rye, 14,000 ; potatoes, 16,000. The dairy prod- 
ucts were: Butter, 45,000 pounds; cheese, 4,000. Number of acres under cultivation for the 
above crops, was 7,686. There are 4,552 acres of growing timber in the town, and 166 acres 
of orchard, with 6,458 bearing trees. The milch cows number 917. 

The town officers for 1881, were: Supervisors, Peter Lochen, Chairman ; Ignatz Prusch- 
inger. Chris Hemmi ; Town Clerk, Henry Seivers ; Assessor, John Buyon ; Treasurer, Theo- 
dore Ritterbusch : Justice of the Peace, Nick Schwin ; Constables, Martin Fichter, Frank 
Kreuter. 

There were two post officers in the town in 18S1 — Myra (Section 15) and Newburg. 
Henry Seives is the present Postmaster at Newburg. 



TOWN OF JACKSON. 

The town of Jackson, designated by the Governmental survey as Town 10, Range 20 east, 
■was incorporated under its present name by act of Legislature January 21, 1846. It is one of 
the inner towns of the county, contains thirty-six square miles, and is bounded as follows : 
North, by the town of Trenton ; east by Cedarburg ; south by Germantown, and west by Polk. 
It is watered by Cedar Creek and the numerous small streams running into it. The creek 
enters the town on Section 19, winds in an easterly direction across it, and leaves on Section 12. 

The surface is less broken than in the surrounding towns, and through the middle tiers of 
sections along the course of Cedar Creek is nearly level. The Chicago & North-Western Rail- 
way passes through the town on the western tier of sections, the station being at Riceville, near 
the boundary line between Sections 18 and 19. 

The earliest entries of land were made in 1843: John McDonald and Peter Devereau 
entering eighty acres each, and John Kinney forty acres, in May of that year. In the following 
fall there were thirty-one entries, and before the winter of 1845 — a year before the town was 
incorporated — the number had increased to 149. These entries show that even at that early 
day the value of the land and its availability for business purposes was recognized by those who 
were looking forward to the day when iron rails should glisten along the faintly denned Indian 
trail, and the scanty hoard of grain ground between two stones should be superseded by the yel- 
low harvest fields and the busily toiling mill. As the number of entries on record outnumber 



446 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

the names on the poll list of 1864 three to one, it is safe to infer that much of the land thus 
taken was held for " the good time coming." 

On April 7, 1846, three months after the town was incorporated, the first town meeting was 
held. That it was considered a very important occasion, and created much local excitement, 
may be seen from the fact that there were forty-three votes cast — apparently the entire strength 
of the town — to the comparatively small number of twenty-one at the succeeding November 
election. It was at the time of the famous contest for the location of the county seat, and 
Jackson had "aspirations of its own," as laudable as those of its older and more pretentious 
neighbors. The county farm and buildings appertaining to it was already located within the 
borders of the town, and would it not be well for the county, and well for Jackson to add what 
more was necessary, and make it the location of the county seat also? This question the 
voters of the town of Jackson decided in the affirmative so far as their own votes could decide it, 
as the records of the meeting show. 

FIRST TOWN MEETING. 

" April 7, 1846. Met at the house of L. Topliff. A. Fuller was chosen Chairman. Jacob 
Ingraham, Assistant Chairman, and L. Topliff, Clerk." 

" Voted to elect officers by the uplifted hand." 

" Vote taken on the location of the county seat. Unanimous (forty-three votes) for the 
county farm on Section 2." 

"Voted to pay town officers $1 per day." 

" Voted (hat the following tax shall be raised: For support of common schools, $25 : for 
roads and bridges, $30." 

" The following officers were elected : Supervisors, L. Topliff. Chairman, Thomas Brophy, 
James Fagan ; Town Clerk, Jacob Ingraham ; Highway Commissioners, John Houghman, 
Davis Johnson. Thomas Fagan ; Assessors, Davis Jenner, Thomas Fagan ; Justices of the 
Peace, Asa Fuller, William Vogenitz; Town Treasurer, L. Topliff; Constable and Collect or. 
W. McKensie; Constable on south side of Cedar Creek, Thomas Fagan; School Commis- 
sioners, William Vogenitz, Thomas Brophy. Asa Fuller: Fence Viewers, .Matthias Burns. 
Joseph Fullerton; Pathmasters, Asa Fuller,' mirth part of the town; Matthias Hums, south 
side of Cedar Creek ; Jacob Ingraham, east part of the town ; Mr. Schowalter and John Cray- 
son at large." 

•■ Adjourned to the center of the town on the first Tuesday of April next." 

"A special meeting was held .May 30, 1846, at the Town Clerk's office, and Matthew 
Byrnes was elected Highway Commissioner in place of John Hoffman, who proved not to lie a 
legal voter." 

"There were present : u this meeting Jacob Ingraham. Thomas Brophy, Asa Fuller, Will 
iam Vogenitz, John Tomay, Florence Sullivan. William McCensey, Matthew Byrnes, David 
•li nner and Phillip Buck." 

"By full vote of the above, the salary of the Town Clerk was fixed at $20 per year, and 
$75 was raised for town purposes and S_'."> for schools." 

Dhomas Fagan, who was one of the first Highway Commissioners, one of the first Asses- 
sors, and the first Constable of the town on the south side of Cedar Creek is still living on Sec- 
tion 25. 

The following is the poll-list of November, 1846: Joseph Fullerton, John Tomay, Matthew 
Byrnes. Patrick Byrnes, .lames Hallow, Christopher Mallon, Patrick Mallon, Samuel Scho- 
walter, John Osborn, William Vogenitz, Thomas Fagan, Thomas Brophy, Sylvester Harper, 
Libbeua Topliff, Ethan Mazon, Asa Fuller. Andrew Sigley. Gotthell Zeimer, Franz Basseman, 
Frederich Heidke, Frederich Bublitz, John Hoffman, Jr., John Hoffman, Sr., Peter Hoffman. 
Total. 21. 

The oldest living settlers in Jackson, after Thomas Fagan above mentioned, are: John 
Hussey, now living on Section 24; Dennis O'Connel, on Section 12: James Clearken, on Sec- 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 447 

tion 12 ; William Dowly, on Section 24 ; Ludwig Nicholas, on Section 24 ; August Schneider, 
on Section 24 ; Charles Ehlke, on Section 23, and Charles Lehram, on Section 25. 

A large proportion of the inhabitants of Jackson are German Lutherans — there being five 
churches of that denomination, to one Methodist and one Catholic. The oldest church in the 
town built about thirty years ago on Section 34, is Lutheran, also those on Sections 33, 2, 31 
and 18. The Methodist Church is on Section 3, and the Catholic (St. Mary's) on Section 2. 

There are three American families in the town, and twenty Irish ; the remainder are Ger- 
man or of German descent. The town being almost exclusively agricultural, there is no promi- 
nent village which forms a center of trade, but at different points there are two small hamlets 
«ach attracting the local trade immediately around it. 

On Section 24, is Jackson Post Office, John G. Frank, Postmaster; also a store, kept by the 
same gentleman. 

Kirchhayn Post Office, on Section 35, is the center of a little cluster of buildings, compris- 
ing a store, a wagon-shop, shoemaker's shop, blacksmith's shop and the dwellings of the villagers. 
L. M. Koehn is the proprietor of the store, and the Postmaster. 

Riceville, the larger and more important of the hamlets, bids fair to become at no very dis- 
tant day a central point for the trade of the town. In 1848, Franz Reis, then a young man 
of twenty-seven, and only a year from his native Germany, pre-empted a homestead in Jackson 
at the point now called Riceville. With no capital save his own energy and resolution, he grad- 
ually added one broad field to another until he possessed 400 acres of the best land in the coun- 
try, all in the highest state of cultivation. When the air-line railroad was projected, Mr. Reis 
with his usual sagacity perceiving the immense benefit that would accrue to his property, and 
the neighborhood, if the station could be located where it now stands, made a present to the cor- 
poration of the ground. When the road was opened, desiring still farther to promote his own 
and the interests of his children, he built an elevator and started a store — the germinal points of 
the prosperous little village of to-day. The elevator and railroad-store are now run by Frank 
Reis. Another elevator is built near the first and owned by John G. Frank, who is also pro- 
prietor of the new store. There are two blacksmith-shops, one carpenter's shop, a hardware store, 
"wagon-shop and a number of neat stone dwellings. William II. Froehlich is Postmaster, the 
office being kept in the store of Mr. Frank. 

The toTvn of Jackson is apportioned into ten school districts. There are eight schoolhouses, 
costing, in the aggregate, $5,100. Ten teachers are employed, and the scholars number 766. 
The money expended for schools, in 1880, according to the official report, amounted to $1,975. 

WAR RECORD. 

The record of the town during the war is a creditable one. There was raised for war pur- 
poses by tax, $5,503 ; by private subscription, $6,620 ; and to aid the families of soldiers, 
$1,000. Total, $13,213. 

The rolls at Madison contain the names of thirty-two soldiers from Jackson, who did per- 
sonal service, and whose names appear in the war history of the country at large. Carl Karsten, 
of West Bend, gives the following report of the fate of ten soldiers from Jackson, who served 
with him in the "Washington County Rifles," Company G, Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer 
Infantry : 

Corporal Alfred Cassel, died March 25, 1863. 

Privates — Henry Allen, taken prisoner ; Fred Eickharst, wounded ; Charles Hafeman, wounded ; Peter Kuhl, 
missing; Jacoh Laneman, missing; William Hughes, wounded ; George W. Jones, promoted to Adjutant; Julius Jewl- 
son, missing ; Mathias Zulger, killed. 

Among the officers from Jackson, who served during the war, were : Second Lieutenant 
Herman Rohn of the Forty-fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and Second Lieutenant Victor 
E. Rohn of the same regiment. 

The average crops of the town, as gathered from the latest official returns, are as follows : 
Wheat, 73,000 bushels ; corn, 24,000 ; oats, 53,000 ; barley, 25,000 ; rye, 9,400 ; potatoes, 



44- HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

18,000. This crop was raised on 7.530 acres. There are 0,916 acres of growing timber; 1,064 
milch cows, and there were made, in 1880, 58,000 pounds of butter. 

The town officers, for 1881, were: Supervisors, Herman Koepke, Chairman, John Jaeger, 
Albert Woldt ; Town Clerk, John G. Frank ; Treasurer, Jacob Klump ; Assessor, Frederick 
Schmall ; Justice of the Peace, John G. Frank ; Constables, Peter Gumm, Patrick Fagan. The 
population, in 1880, according to the census of that year, was. 1,764. 

TOWN OF WAYNE. 

The township is, in the Government survey, described as Town 12, Range 18. It is the 
northwestern town in Washington County. The natural growth was of hard wood. The land 
is a rich clay loam, with occasional tracts of sandy soil, and is excellent for the production 
of all grain crops that can be matured in this latitude. The Rock River, which has its source 
near the foot of Cedar Lake in Polk, runs through the southwestern part of the town in a 
northwesterly direction. It enters on Section 32, runs through the northeast quarter of Section 
31, the southeast quarter of Section 30, the northwest quarter of Section 29, the west half of 
Section 20, and passing diagonally though Section 18 from the southeast to the northeast corner, 
enters the adjoining town on the west. All the creeks and streams in the town flow into this 
river, the town lying west of the range of hills that derides waterflow east and west. The sur- 
face is undulating with many sharp drift elevations at different points in the town. 

The earliest settlements were made in 1846. The first Government entry was made June 
8, 1846, eighty acres on Section 31, by Alexander W. Stow. In the fall of that year several 
settlers made entries on Sections 26, 27. 28, 31 and 33. One of the first was Patrick Connolly, 
who settled on Section 33. He was a man of great energy, and took a leading part in the affairs 
of the town. He is still living on the farm he has hewn out of the woods, on the spot he select- 
ed thirty-five years ago. Matthias Thorna, and two intelligent Scotchmen, A. S. McDowell 
and William Kirkland, came in the same year. The year 1847, brought several new-comers, 
among whom was Conrad Schlecher. He entered his land, three forties, on Section 28. Feb- 
ruary 1. 1*47. he brought his wife and two children, Louisa and George, to the spot he had 
chosen for his new home. Here he left them with his wife's brother to commence the farm while 
he returned for a season to Milwaukee to work at his trade of cabinet-making. During these 
early months Mrs. Schlecher, besides caring for her family, assisted in clearing the ground and 
getting in the first crops. On one occasion during these days of hardship she walked nine miles 
to an adjoining town, bought a small sack of flour which she carried home on her head, except 
at one point when a stream was swollen too deep to ford, this she crossed on a fallen tree, on 
her hands and knees pushing her precious load carefully over before her. Through such hard- 
ships did the pioneers come to the comforts which now surround them. Four children have 
been horn to them since their settlement in the town — Jacob, horn January 24. 1850, is believed 
to be the first white child born in the town, still living. The three other children were: Mary, 
now Mrs. Roecker: Elizabeth, now Mis. Guenther; aid Catharine, now Mrs. Guenther. Mr. 
Schlecher is one of the few early settlers still living in the town. lie has held the office of 
Town Clerk continuously since 1N70. 

The town was fairly settled in 1848-49—50. January 21. 1846, it was made a part of the 
town of Addison by act of the Legislature, and so remained for two years. March 11. 1848, it 
was set off and incorporated under the present town name of Wayne. 

Tin: FIRST rows MEETING. 
The first town meeting, although a momentous affair, was, so far as the records show, at- 
tended bj eleven men. It was held at the house of Patrick Connolly, April 1. ls|s. There 
Were hardly citizens enough for the offices, as the following record shows; 

"Voted, Thai A. S. McDowell should he chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Highway 
Surveyor and Justice of the Pea 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 44i> 

" Voted, That Hugh O'Donnell should be Supervisor and Collector." 

" Voted, That Patrick Connelly should be Supervisor, Highway Commissioner and Town 
Clerk." 

"Voted, That Theodore Hoyt should be Assessor for the year." 

" Voted, That Patrick O'Neil should be Overseer of Highways, also Martin Reynolds, 
John Cooper and Matthias Thorna." 

"Voted, That William Kirkland should be Tieasurer and Constable." 

" Voted, That John Cooper, David Gillespie and Martin Reynolds should be School Com- 
missioners." 

It was further voted that the pay of town officers should be fixed at $1 per day ; that $10 
should be raised for the poor, and $75 should be raised for contingent town expenses. The 
last appropriation was not made without an earnest opposition on the part of those who reduce 
the extravagant outlay. It passed after earnest and long discussion by a vote of six to five. 
The names of the six who voted to thus plunge the infant corporation into the vortex of extrava- 
gance were : A. S. McDowell, William Kirkland, John Cooper, Martin Reynolds, Conrad Simon 
and Patrick Connolly. The Clerk failed to record the names of the plucky but vanquished five 
who failed to save the town from the impending financial pressure. 

The town was divided into eight highway districts. 

At the time of this meeting and for three years after the settlers were mostly American and 
Irish. In 1850. Germans began to come in and purchase land of the earlier settlers, and have 
now completely re-occupied the town, seven-eighths of the population being of German birth. 

The history of the town, like that of all agricultural communities, has been uneventful, and 
the transformation of the wilderness into fruitful farms has been so gradual as to leave no start- 
ling events to record. It is the history of the toil of the suffering and silent heroes that ever 
live and die, unwritten and unsung. It is the story of every true life that moves noiselessly on 
to the great ocean of eternity, filling its appointed channel, but never overflowing its banks. It 
is a history that can only be summarized. Between what is and was lies labor performed, pri- 
vations endured, and the present stands as the history of the past. 

With the exception of the war period, nothing has ever occurred within the town to 
stir it to extraordinary effort or activity. During those years it bore its part sturdily in the 
great struggle. The town raised, during the war, $16,825 for war purposes. The State records 
have enrolled the names of thirteen soldiers from the town who did personal services. The list 
appears in the war history of the county at large. 

Carl Karsten, of West Bend, for a long time Orderly Sergeant of the Washington County 
Rifles, Company G, Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, gives the following record of six 
Wayne soldiers who bore their noble part in the battles and campaigns of their regiment: 

Privates, Jacob Knobee, wounded and discharged : Peter Kuhn, killed in battle ; John 
Keller, discharged March 3, 1863; Gottlieb Metzner, wounded; John Maier, wounded; Louis 
Perthold. discharged April 27, 1863. 

Evan R. Jones, for many years United Stated Consul at New Castle, was a resident of 
Wayne at the breaking-out of the war, and enlisted as a private in the Fifth Wisconsin Infantry, 
fought with distinguished bravery till the war was over, winning promotion to a Captaincy dur- 
ing his military career. 

THE TOWN IX 1881. 

It is entirely covered by well tilled and productive farms. There is no railroad passing 
through the town, the nearest point of connection being at Kewaskum. There are two post 
offices at different points, where are small hamlets that serve as local points for trade. 

At Kohlsville Post Office, Section 27, is a good general country store kept by Jacob Hamm, 
who is the Postmaster, two blacksmith-shops, two shoemaker's shops, one wagon-shop, one 
saloon, and a saw-mill built on a small stream, and owned bj Philip Guenther, Jr. 

At Wayne Center, on Section 15, is the post office; a large country store kept by Wendel Petri, 
the Postmaster; two blacksmith- shops, two wagon-shops, two shoe-shops and a saloon. There is also 



450 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

a neat church, built by the German Protestants in 1879. A cheese factory is in process of erection 
by Mr. Petri and his son. Mr. Petri has also one of the finest farms in the town on an adjoin- 
ing section, his residence and farm buildings forming a part of the hamlet above described. 

The town, unlike those adjoining, shows great diversity of religious opinion, those of neariv 
every German sect being represented. There are nine churches, as follows: German Protestant, 
Wayne Center; Lutheran, on Section 2; Baptist, Section 3; Methodist, Section 6; Protestant. 
Section 10; Catholic (St. Bridget's), Section 12; Methodist, Section 25; Lutheran, Section 
23; Protestant, Section 35. The last named is the oldest church in the town; it was started 
as early as 1852. 

There are ten whole and joint school districts in the town, and eight schoolhouses, worth 
§3,300. The number of scholars is 075. and the number of teachers nine. The amount of 
money expended for common schools in 1880 was §1.733. 

The population, as enumerated in the Federal census of 1880, is 1,594. 

The farm products officially reported for 1 880 were as follows : Wheat, 66,000 bushels; 
corn, 52 000; oats, 43,000 ; barley, 18,000; rye, 2,000; potatoes, 15,000; apples, 11,000; 
butter, 70,000 pounds ; 8,405 acres were under cultivation for the above stated yield. There 
are in the town 3,540 acres of growing timber, and 156 acres of apple orchard, with 5,000 fruit- 
bearing trees. 

The town officers for 1881 were: Supervisors, Jacob Lay (Chairman). Philip Guenther, 
Sr., Peter Ruffing; Town Clerk, Conrad Schleischer ; Treasurer, Julius Kantz ; Assessor, 
Nicolaus Marx. 

TOWN OF ADDISON. 

The town of Addison was incorporated by act of Legislature January 21, 1816. At the 
date of its incorporation it included all the territory comprised in Towns 11 and 12, Range 18. 
By subsequent act of Legislature, March Jl, 1848, the territory included in Town 12. Range 
18, was set ofT and incorporated as a distinct and separate town, leaving Town 11, Range 18, to 
constitute the present town of Addison. 

The general characteristics of the surface of the country are similar to those of the adjacent 
towns. The growth of timber is dense, including nearly every hardwood variety on the higher 
ground, while tamarack flourishes in the swamps and marshes. The farms are excellent, the cul- 
tivation of the land being the principal occupation of the people. The town is almost exclusively 
German, there being but one family outside that nationality within its limits. Rock River runs 
in a northwesterly direction through the town, and with its tributary, Limestone Greek, furnishes 
water-power and drainage. Addison is traversed by two old highways — the Dekora road, from 
east to west, and the Fond du Lac, from southeast to northwest. The roads cross each other at 
Addison Center. These are both old Territorial roads, laid out prior to the settlement of the 
town. 

Timothy Hall, the old Hartford pioneer, states, that when he settled in that town in July, 
L843, lie ••found Alfred Orendorfthe only settler in the town of Addison, on the Fond du Lac 
road on Limestone Creek.' The same season, (Trial S. Wordsworth settled twp miles beyond 
Mr. Orendorf, and Mr. Hall assisted him in raising his log house. During that year (1843), 
entries of land were made by Simeon Aaron Andrus, Harmon Ostrander and Jacob and Francis 
Stuesser. In 1841-45, the entries were numerous. 

THE FIRST Town MEETING. 

In 1846, the town being incorporated, the citizens held the first town meeting. The meet- 
ing was hel I ; nt the house of Caleb Spaulding. April 7, l s l'i: Chairman, John Magoon ; Clerk, 
Cliauncy M. Phelps, it was "voted that §50 be raised for contingent expenses, 99 for poor 
fund; that town officers shall be paid §1 per day. and that hogs shall not be free commoner-.' 

The first town officers of Addison were: Supervisors, Chauncy M. Phelps (Chairman), 
John Magoon, Jacob Getz ; Town Clerk, Ira \V. Ilaton ; Assessor, John Magoon; Treasurer, 




St Marys HopE op Health. 

Erin Tp. W/vSrn :-!6ton Co. Wis. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES 453 

Luther B. Phelps ; Constable and Collector, Caleb Spaulding ; Highway Commissioners, John 
Magoon, Luther B. Phelps, Jacob Getz ; Justice of the Peace, Ariel G. Wadsworth ; School 
Commissioners, Chauncy M. Phelps, Hugh Flanigan, Ira W. Heaton ; Constable. Stephen Gray; 
Sealer of Weights and Measures, Luther B. Phelps. 

The town was divided into two road districts. The first road, laid out by the town, was 
"from near the dwelling-house of J. W. Dickerson. running in a northwesterly direction to the 
west boundary of the town, according to survey made by Commissioners." 

The poll list of Addison for November, 1846 (including also the present town of Wayne), 
is given below: P. W. Dodge, Daniel Bliss, Matthias Sones, John Ginter, William Singsing, 
Andrew Hauks, Philip Sorge, Michael Fleets, Christopher Stark, Lewis Grosen, Martin Sorras, 
John Getz, Martin Wolf, Arial S. Wadsworth, Philip Marinash, Henry Wolf, Matthias Smith, 
Jacob Getz, Caleb Spaulding, Stephen Gray, Lehman Rosenheimer, John Derfoos, Nicholas 
Gill, John E. Derfoos, John Craps, John Bake, Theodore Crayraer, Benedict Ceaclepower, 
George Derfoos, William Sokbare, Frederick Cole, Andrew Elhorn, Henry Blink, Joseph Craps, 
Equilin Craps, Q. D. Whitman, Hugh Flanigan, Luther B. Phelps, Ira W. Heaton, Chauncy 
M. Phelps, John Magoon, John Armstrong, Joseph Swap. Total, 44. 

Among those who settled in Addison in 1844 was Lehman Rosenheimer, with his young 
wife. He bought a farm, and carried on a large business as stock dealer and butcher, the latter 
having been his trade in the old country, whence he had just returned after a short visit. He 
remained in Addison until 1856, in the meantime acquiring a large property, and at the date 
mentioned, removed to Schleisingerville, and engaged in trade till the time of his death. 

John Schlegenhaft, one of the earliest settlers in Addison, and the oldest Catholic layman 
still living in the town, came in 1850 and located on Section 4, where he now resides. He 
gives the following information in regard to the early Catholic Church: 

The first mass was said in 1851-52, by Father Bieter, in the old church of St. Peter and 
St. Paul, on Section 6. It was a log building, with very primitive surroundings, but previous 
to the time it was built the people of that religious faith had been obliged to go to the neighbor- 
ing village of Hartford to worship at St. Laurence Church, of which Father Bieter was the offi- 
ciating priest. After the Addison Church was organized, he divided his time between the two. 
The church was rebuilt in 1862-63. There are now connected with it some seventy families. 
There is also a school connected with the church, with sixty or seventy scholars. The school 
building is a new one of brick. 

St. Anthony's Church, also Catholic, is on Section 3. Like its neighbor, it was first built 
of logs in 1856, and as the congregation grew larger and richer, the old church was replaced 
with a better. The new church was built in 1873. It is of stone, 80x40 feet in size, with a 
pipe organ and commodious interior arrangements. Rev. John Decker is the officiating priest. 
The church was dedicated in 1873. There are forty families connected with it, and forty-five 
•scholars attend the church school. 

The town is apportioned into eleven whole and joint districts. There are seven school- 
houses, valued at $6,900. The total number of scholars is 713. Eleven teachers are employed 
in the common schools. The amount of money expended in schools in 18s0 was 1,554. 

Although at the breaking-out of the war Addison was mostly peopled by Germans, having 
none of the traditionary patriotism that springs from a long line of American ancestry, they 
nevertheless showed the more sterling virtue of loyalty to duty, and determination to defend to 
the utmost the country of their adoption. The town raised during the war $25,503 for war 
purposes. The rolls at Madison give the names of thirty-eight soldiers from the town who did 
personal service. The list appears in the history of the county. Carl Karsten, of West 
Bend, furnishes the following creditable report of the Addison soldiers who served with him in 
the Washington County Rifles, Company. G, Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteers : 

Sergeant — Henry Blenker, wounded and discharged. 

Corporals — John Schultz, promoted to Sergeant, wounded; Henry Guenther, killed at Chaneellorville ; John 
H. Guenther, wounded. 



454 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

Privates — Peter Dellenback, wounded; George Dellenback, wounden at Gettysburg, afterward killed: Bern- 
hart Daul, wounded and missing: John Fitting, wounded : Ferd Fritz, killed; Louis Grossharnm, Jacob Heintz, 
wounded; Eugene Hook, wounded: Samuel Johnson, died; Conrad Mack, died: Henry Miller wounded: John 
Ritger, killed : Cyrus \V Shafer, wounded: Charles Schuh. promoted to Corporal : Joseph Schuh. Fred Silsdorf, 
killed: Robert Salter, died ; Albert Story, taken prisoner; George Schuh, wounded; Matthias Strupp, wounded; 
William Seri. wounded ; Andrew Stubanes, wounded; Henry Trensel, promoted to Corporal ; Peter Ulweling. 

The nearest railroad connections with the town are with the Chicago & North- Western Rail- 
way at West Bend and the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway at Hartford. The grain and other 
farm products find a market at these two points. 

There are two saw-mills in the town. The steam mill at Addison Post Office, on Section 
17. was built in 1870 by Mr. Keidel. It is now owned and run by Kuhaupt Bros. The only 
other saw-mill in the town is an old mill located on a small stream on Section 20. It was the 
first mill built in the town, and is now owned by P. Strupp. 

There are several stores. J. C. Kuhlman, Postmaster, at Aurora, Section 3, has a store ; 
also a cheese factory built the present year (1881), the first in the town. Its annual production 
will be 30,000 pounds. 

At Nenno Post Office, on Section 0, is the church of SS. Petor and Paul, and the 
largest store in Addison, kept by M. N. Gehl. 

Between Addison and Nenno, on Section 7, Charles Keidel keeps a store. 

The population of the town in 1880, according to the census of tli ear, was 1,770. 

The average crops of the town, as reported in the official returns of 1880 are: Wheat, 
67,000 bushels ; corn, 51,000 ; oats, 51,000 ; barley. 20,000 ; rye, -'-,000 ; potatoes, 15,000 ; 
apples, 15,000. This amount was raised from 10,04*3 acres of land. The town had 904 milch 
cows, and made 45,000 pounds of butter. There were 4,950 acres of growing timber, 210 
acres of apple orchard, and 7.5 V J0 trees bearing fruit. 

The present town officers (1881) are: Supervisors. William Rusch, Chairman, Leverin 
Esser, Valentine Illian ; Town Clerk, August Schalfer ; Treasurer, John Folger; Assessor, 
Gottlieb Nefzer. 

There were three post offices in the town in 1881 — Aurora, Section 12 ; Addison, Section 
17, and Nenno. Section 7. 

TOWN OF ERIN. 

Erin is the southeastern town in Washington County. It is described in the Government 
survey as Town 9, in Range 18 cast. It is the most picturesque region in the county. There 
are several small lakes in the town : Mud Lake, on Section 6, and Lowe's Lake, on Section 23, 
being the largest. The land in the northern part of the town is broken into undulations, which 
in the southeastern part of the town, become almost mountainous, attaining to the highest altitude 
in the long range of hills stretching in a northeasterly direction across the county, toward the 
Green Bay Peninsula. Southeast of the cluster of miniature mountains, the highest peak of 
which is the celebrated " Holy Hill," St. Mary's, lies a beautiful plat of country so nearly level 
as to be known as Toland's Prairie. 

The early settlers of this town were Irish Catholics. The first to enter land was Michael 
Lynch, who entered the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 35, November 27, 
1841. During the succeeding two years, entries were made on nearly every available section in 
the township, as will be seen in the following list of Government purchases : 

Namr. Section. Acrfs. Date >>w Entiit. 

Thomas Manning 9 160 May 81, L848. 

Jeremiah Stotl 9 s " Ootober 81, i^i 

John MoQuillen 10 mi .Inner,. 1848. 

John <ira.lv 13 in July 16, 1 B I I 

Pal Ryan 13 mi July 28, L848 

Thomas Carroll U B0 May 19, 1848 

James Liah it 80 May 27, I 

John Qninn I "> 80 June 6, 1848. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



455 



Name. Section. 

John Lee 15 

Pat Daley 15 

John Makle 15 

Daniel ( 'ourtnay 17 

Richard Burnett 17 

Jeremiah Conner 17 

John Fitzgerald 17 

James Kavanagh and Timothy McNamara 17 

Dennis McEvoy 10 

William Mountain 20 

Michael O'Connel 20 

Andrew Ryan 20 

Pat Sexton 20 

Pat Welch 20 

Martin Guilford 20 

Dennis McEvoy 20 

Jeremiah Donohue 21 

William Mjuntain, Jr 21 

James Murphy 21 

Bernard McCarville 22 

James Lynch i 22 

John Mullen 22 

lichael Healy 22 

Edmund Russell 22 

Michael O'Healy 22 

Timothy Ahem 24 

Michael and Tim Flynn 24 

John Jacob Lowe 25 

Eleazer Rowley 25 

James Gartland 26 

Thomas Burke 26 

Henry Kuntz 26 

John Kenny 27 

John Baston 27 

Michael Bennet 27 

Jeremiah Hickey 27 

William Courtney 28 

Thomas Fitzgerald..: 28 

Jeremiah Donahue 28 

Patrick Toland 29 

Andrew McCormick 29 

James C. Hayburn 29 

Pat Toland 30 

William Stott 32 

Felix Boyle 32 

Charles Haswell 32 

Charles Lynch 32 

Tim Schiel 32 

Pat Toland 32 

John Lj nch 33 

James Kenealy 33 

William Curtain 33 

John Sullivan 33 

William McGrath 34 

Michael Gallagher 34 

James Brennan 34 

Michael McLaughlin 34 

William Foley 34 

Michael Lynch 35 

Michael Lynch 36 

John Wheelan 35 

Peter Wheelan 35 

Daniel Roberts 36 

J. J. Lowe 36 

John Shields 36 

Martin and Ed Shehan 36 

Peter Schneider 36 

Joseph Roberts 36 



Acres. 


Date of Entrt. 


80 


June 5, 1843. 


40 


June 5, 184J. 


40 


June 5, 1843. 


80 


November 12, 1 842. 


80 


May 22, 1843. 


80 


July 3, 1843. 


80 


July 3, 1843. 


80 


November 9, 1843. 


40 


May 30, 1843. 


80 


November 5, 1842. 


80 


November 5, 1842. 


40 


November 7, 1842. 


40 


November 7, 1842. 


80 


November 10, 1842. 


80 


April 15, 1843. 


40 


May 30, 1843. 


80 


November 5, 1842. 


80 


November 5, 1842. 


160 


November 7, 1842. 


120 


November 14, 1842:. 


80 


November 14, 1842;. 


80 


March 22, 1843. 


40 


January 28, 1843.. 


40 


Augi\ 11, 1843. 


40 


October 27, 1843. 


40 


May It;, 1*42. 


80 


Novembe- "~ 1842. 


560 


Septembei 19, 1842^ 


40 


November 27, 1841. 


80 


November 7, 1842. 


40 


June 9. 1843. 


40 


July 12, 1843. 


160 


September 30, 1842. 


12(1 


November 14, 1842. 


80 


May 22, 1843. 


40 


May 22, 1843. 


200 


November 3, 1842. 


120 


November 3, 1842.. 


40 


December 7, 1842. 


40 


October 1, 1842. " 


160 


October 24, 1842. 


160 


October 24, 1842. 


120 


October 1, 1842. 


80 


October 8, 1842. 


80 


May 19, 1843. 


80 


May 22, 1843. 


80 


August 30, 1843. 


160 


October 9, 1843. 


80 


October 18, 1843. 


80 


October 7, 1842. 


40 


December 27, 1842. 


80 


June 26, 1843. 


40 


June 30, 1843. 


80 


September 24, 1842. 


80 


September 24, 1842. 


40 


September 30, 1842. 


200 


September 30, 1842. 


40 


December 9, 1843. 


40 


November 20, 1841. 


40 


December 30, 1842. 


120 


September 27, 1842. 


80 


September 27, 1842. 


80 


September 3, 1842. 


160 


September 19, 1842.. 


80 


October 3, 1842. 


80 


June 5, 1843. 


80 


July 10, 1843. 


80 


September 13, 1843. 



456 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

The above list comprises the earliest settlers of the town. They were followed in 1844-45 
by a sufficient number of like nationality and religion to take up all the good farming land in the 
township, indeed the town may be said to have been fairly settled a year before Nic Simon piloted 
the Rossmans to the site of Hartford village and cut the first tree. Since the pioneers first pos- 
sessed the land, even to the present day, the nationality and religion has remained essentially 
unchanged, and many of the descendants of these early pioneers .still possess the well-tilled farms 
their fathers bought heavily covered with forest so many years ago. 

The town was incorporated, and took the very fitting name of Erin, January 16, 1846. It 
was named at the suggestion of John Whelan. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of Patrick Toland, April 6, 1846. The 
Chairman was William Dwire. and Thomas Carroll, still living, was Clerk. 

The officers elected were : 

Supervisors, William Dwire, Chairman, Thomas Carroll. John Lynch ; Town Clerk, Thomas 
Fitzgerald; Town Treasurer, John Kenney; Assessors, Michael Healey, William Foley; 
Justices of the Peace, Thomas Carroll, William Paulding ; School Commissioners, Thomas 
Bourke, Timothy McNamara, James Lynch ; Collector, William Sullivan. 

There were seventy-four votes cast at the first town meeting. The names upon the poll 
list were : 

Patrick Toland, John Mullins, William Dwight, James Fitzpatrick, William McGrath, Ed 
Shehan, James Guitland, James Fitzgerald, Thomas Carroll, William Mountin, James Murphy. 
Martin Davy, Dennis Banks, Terrence O'Conner, Jeremiah Donahue, William Sullivan, Pat 
Daly, William Rawley, Edward Pepper, Pat Walsh, John Fitzgerald, Maurice Veale. Bartholo- 
mew Shea, William Paulding, Martin Shehan, Christopher Hayburn, Richard Burnett, James 
Shehan, James Lynch, Thomas Hearney, William Courtney, Baity Eseck, John Whelan, Wil- 
liam Scott, James Cavanach, Jeremiah Hickey, Thomas Bourke, John Sullivan, Timothy Mc- 
Namara, Michael Bennett, William Foley, John Kenney, William Mountin, Thomas Manning, 
Michael Healy, Andrew O'Brien, Pat Hayes, Michael Gallagher, Maurice Kenealy, Felix Call, 
Charles Lynch, Owen Fitzpatrick, Michael Flynn, John Lynch, Bernard McConville, John 
Mickle, Dan Courtney, John Buckley, Jeremiah Conner, John Barclay. William Monoghan, 
Pat Daly, John Stanton. Mark Jones, Edward Russell, Zedock Beaney, Timothy Garvcy, John 
Reiley, Bernard Lynch, Pat Ryan, John Garvey, Daniel O'Connell, William O'Neil, James 
Kenealy. 

The first mass was said by Father Rundig, in Barney Con well's house. He came in from 
Prairieville (Waukesha) on foot. Soon after, the citizens helped to build a log church at Mon- 
cbes, where for some years the people of Erin worshipped. They have now two Catholic churches 
in the town, one a wooden church, built in 1857, on Section 9. near Thompson Post Office; the 
other, a new brick edifice on the summit of St. Mary's Hill, completed in 1881, of which further 
mention will be made. The population is nine-tenths Catholic. The only Protestants in the 
town me Evangelical Germans. They have a small church on Section 1. The society forms 
part of the Hartford circuit of that denomination. 

In politics, Erin was long known as the banner town of the Democracy in Washington 
I ounty. Prior to 1859, there was not a single vote cast for any but a Democrat, when it can 
be claimed as a party test. For twelve years, Erin was a unit for the Democracy. In I860, 
the solid phalanx «.-i< broken for the first time; 182 votes being cast for Douglas, and one for 
Lincoln. In 1863, the Republican ticket received two votes; in 1868, the Republican vote had 
increased to ten ; in 1880. the vote stood 200 Democrat, 59 Republican and 19 Greenback. 
The town has no village within its limits; no mill, no railroad. It is entirely agricultural, and 
boasts most excellent farms in all but the hilly region. 

THE HILLS OK KKIX. 

The range of hills runs through the town in a northeasterly direction. It is not contin- 
uous but broken and disjointed, the different elevations showing separate outlines standing like a 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 457 

row of sugar loaves ranged along the line of view. From whichever direction the hills are 
approached, one tall conical shape towers high above its fellows, and challenges the attention no 
less by its lofty height than by the beauty and symmetry of its outline. It is heavily wooded to 
the very top, on which stands a church looking as if hung in the sky. It is the church of St. 
Mary's Help, and has risen up from the deep forest and towers above the lofty hill, a mirage 
out of the mist of tradition and legend, warmed by the fervid heat of piety and faith. 

THE LEGEND OF ST. MART'S HILL. 

Many years ago a farmer whose home was among the hills, was returning from the neigh- 
boring village of Hartford, late at night. The full moon had just risen, and as he approached 
St. Mary's Hill from the west, it stood in inky blackness between him and the silver eastern 
sky. The outline was as sharply defined as a silhouette, and on the very summit he saw the 
form of a cross and a kneeling figure. He watched the apparition for an hour, when the figure 
slowly arose and disappeared in the black woods of the hillside. Not many mornings after he 
again saw the strange figure on the top of the hill engaged in his devotions. The advent of the 
anchorite soon became generally known in the neighborhood, and his home was discovered in a 
cave which he had dug in a gorge on the east side of the hill. No one disturbed him. His 
only occupation seemed to be his pilgrimages to the hill-top to engage in prayer. He gradually 
grew familiar with the inhabitants, sufficiently to answer their friendly salutations, and occasion- 
ally engaged in religious converse with them. One farmer became his confidant, and to him 
he related the following history : His name was Francois Soubrio. He was born some twenty 
miles from Strasburg, and, being of high birth, was educated for the priesthood. He became 
enamored of a lady near the monastery where he was pursuing his course of study, and finding 
his passion reciprocated, renounced his priestly vows and became openly betrothed. Disgraced 
in the eyes of his family and under the ban of the church, he postponed his marriage, and bid- 
ding farewell for a season to his affianced, he left, till, to use an Americanism, the matter might 
"blow over." At the end of a year, he returned to find his love " fickle as well as fair," and, 
in a frenzy of passion, slew her. He fled to America, landed at Quebec, and became a recluse 
in one of the monasteries of the quaint old city. Here he remained many years, tortured with 
continued remorse for his recreancy to his religious vows and the greater sin that lay even heavier 
on Ins heart. His only surcease from his troubles was in prayer, penance, and delving among 
some old French manuscripts that he had found in some musty corner of his retreat. Among 
them was a written manuscript purporting to be a diary kept by Jacques Marquette during the 
summer and fall of 1673, in which was a detailed account of his memorable voyage with Louis 
Joliet to the Mississippi River, via the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, returning up the Illinois River 
and the western coast of Lake Michigan to Green Bay, from whence they started. His atten- 
tion was particularly drawn to an account of an expedition from a creek, where he had landed 
on his return voyage, a hard day's march west, to a steep and lofty cone-shaped hill which he 
climbed to the summit and thereon erected a rude stone altar, raised a cross, dedicated the spot 
as holy ground forever, in the name of his tutelary saint, Mary, and returning left it towering 
in its solitude. 

Francois felt that his mission, whereby to work out his full atonement, was declared to him. 
He fell on his knees, and vowed to re-discover the holy hill and re-erect the long-ago moldered 
cross upon its summit. From this description of the coast, and a rough map made by Joliet, 
which was with the manuscript, he had little difficulty in locating the spot. He went to Chi- 
cago, where he was arrested in his journey by a serious illness, which left him a confirmed par- 
alytic with only the partial use of his lower limbs. In this crippled condition he at last reached 
the end of his pilgrimage, and late one evening crawled through the thick wood on his knees to 
the summit of the hill, where he spent the remainder of the night in prayer to the holy Saint 
Mary. With the dawn he rose from his knees in all the vigor of his early manhood, his palsy 
gone and health fully restored. 

On the spot where his miraculous cure was wrought, he built a rude chapel, and each day 



458 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

and night, and often twice and thrice, he went up to pay his devotions, so often that the path he 
trod became definitely marked. Along the path he erected crosses at regular intervals, before 
which he knelt as he ascended and descended, doing extreme penance often by making the pil- 
grimage on his bare knees. The people had heard so much of his story as related to his mirac- 
ulous cure, and soon sought relief from their bodily ailments through prayer at the hermit's 
shrine. 

To return to Francois, the hermit. He remained in the vicinity, living in a rude hut 
built out from the mouth of the cave he first inhabited, for seven years, when he disappeared as 
mysteriously as he came. Whether he is dead or alive is not known. There is a rumor that he 
was seen in Chicago after his disappearance and it is told that his apparition is sometimes seen 
in the dusk of evening, kneeling at some of the various crosses along his old path, or gliding in 
and out of the rude chapel where the sacred relics of his early shrine are still preserved. 

On the top of the hill, on the site of the first rude chapel erected by Francois, a fine brick 
church has just been completed (1881) : it is called the Church of St. Mary's Help. It is 
42x90 feet in size, with a spire eighty feet in height. The top of the hill is 824 feet above the 
level of Lake Michigan, and some three hundred feet above the summits of neighboring hills. 
The church is thus the prominent object in the landscape from every view within a radius often 
miles. It is approached by a winding road from the northeast side of the hill. Along the road 
at every turn, is erected a cross — fourteen in all — before which pilgrims can be seen at all hours 
of every day, prostrate in prayer. 

On the left, at the beginning of the ascent, is the gorge where Francois lived and the 
remains of his hut are still to be seen. A parsonage for the officiating priest will soon be 
built on the site of the hermit's cave. 

Half way up the hill, in a rude building not over twelve feet square, is the hermit's altar, 
the cross ami the rude images of the Virgin Mary and the child Jesus, with which he instituted 
bis early shrine and before which, it is firmly believed by a cloud of willing witnesses, that mirac- 
ulous cures have been and are still being wrought. Inside the structure are crutches, bandages, 
trusses, canes and other insignia of suffering and distress, left there by the rejoicing recipients 
of St. Mary's favor. A brass kettle, formerly used by Francois for culinary purposes, hangs on 
the wall and serves as the font. The chapel is daily thronged by worshippers many of whom 
come from long distances. 

The hillsides are still covered with the primeval forest, and an air of grandeur and solem- 
nity pervades the region that makes each comer feel that " the place whereon he stands is holy 
ground." 

The population has changed but little in number for the past twenty years. A few Ger- 
man and Norwegian families have come into the northeastern and southwestern portions of the 
town, yet, with this change, it still remains more generally Irish than any other town in the 
State. 

The principal agricultural products of 1880, were as follows: Wheat. 43,000 bushels; 
corn, 24,000; oats, 35,000; barley, 6,000; rye, 2,000; potatoes, 10,000; apples, 2,000; bat- 
tel-. 21,001) pounds : 3,8r!5 acres were sown to grain ; there were 72 acres of apple orchards, and 
1,118 bearing trees. There are 6,342 acres of growing timber in the town. The number of 
milch cows reported was 432. 

The town officers for 1881 were : Supervisors, Mike Foley, Chairman, John Sullivan, John 
Pick; Town Clerk. Edward O'Neil ; Assessor, Richard Veeal ; Treasurer, Edward Shehan. 

Tin- population of the town, according to the census of 1880, was 1,265, of which seven- 
eiglitlis arc Irish or of Irish descent. 

There were, in 1881, two post offices in the town: Thompson, Section 9, and Toland's Prai- 
rie, Section 1'.'. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 459 



TOWN OF RICHFIELD. 

The town of Richfield was designated in the Governmental survey as Town 9, Range 19 
east. It is one of the southern tier of towns in the county, and is situated between the towns. of 
Erin, bordering it on the west, and Gerraantown on the east. In the northern and eastern part 
it is level. In the southwestern sections the surface of the land is somewhat broken by sharp 
drift hills of gravel. The growth of timber is of the hard wood varieties, with here and there 
in the valleys, along the creeks, patches of tamarack. The soil is a rich clay loam, yielding 
abundant crops of every cereal grown in this latitude. The town is well watered by small 
creeks and streams, the two largest of which are Bark River, which has its source in Section 23, 
runs through Bark Lake, on Sections 26 and 35, and Oconomowoc River, which enters the 
town on Section 4, runs southeasterly, and leaves the township on Section 30. The principal 
bodies of water are Bark Lake, on Section 26 ; Lelliecrap Lake, on Section 25 ; Lake Five, on 
Section 32, and Fries' Lake, on Section 17. 

The first purchase of Governmental land was made by one Samuel Spivey, who entered 
160 acres on Section 36, May, 31, 1841. It does not appear that he ever settled in the town, as 
his name does not appear in the early records, nor is he remembered by the early settlers now 
living. Jacob Snyder made the second purchase, forty acres, on Section 35, July 6, 1841, and 
was the first settler in the town. No other entries were made during that year. In the fall ot 
1842, some fifty entries were made, mostly by actual settlers, and the settlement of the town 
fairly begun. The year 1843 witnessed a large immigration, and nearly half the desirable land 
in the town was occupied, mostly by Germans. The town was quite generally settled in 1844 
and 1845. 

Below is given a list of all purchases of Government land prior to 1841. with dates of pur- 
chase, number of acres, and location. Some of the purchases are known to have been made by 
non-resident speculators, but the list is none the less interesting, as it also contains the names of 
all the early settlers who came in and took up Government land prior to 1844. The list is as 
follows : 

Name. Section. Acres. Date ok Entby. 

Johann Stuesser 1 80 September 14, 1842. 

Francis Jos St uesser 1 80 September 14. 184*2. 

Justus Schneider 1 160 September 'ill, 184".;. 

Johann Gottlieb Ahnert 1 103 December '.I, 1842. 

Nicolaus Adam Pilger 1 104 August 1, 1843. 

Jacob Regenfus and George Regenfus 1 160 November 13, 1843. 

Francis Jos. Stuesser 2 240 September 14, 1842. 

John Kessel, Sr 2 160 October 10, 1842. 

Andreas Heeld 2 101 November 21, 1842. 

Johann Gottlieb Ahnert 2 101 December 9, 1842. 

John Nauth 2 80 August 4, 1843. 

John Kessel 3 80 October 1, 1842. 

Johann Mauer 3 40 September 10, 1849. 

James McMonegee 8 80 May 30, 1843 

Edward Burke 8 80 August 17, 1843. 

Diether Jung 9 40 August 16, 1843. 

Edward Burke 9 40 August 17, 1843. 

John Bauer 9 40 November 1, 1843. 

John Kessel 10 160 October 1, 1842. 

John Mower 10 80 June 13. 1843. 

William Held 10 120 July 7, 1843. 

John George Thoma 10 40 August 3, 1843. 

Frederick Ebeling 10 120 August 16, 1843. 

William Ostrander 11 160 June 20, 1 842. 

John Eimermann 11 240 October 1, 1842. 

Michael Bauer 11 40 November 16,1842. 

Martin Franck 11 40 June 14, 1843. 

Henry Ebling 11 160 September 14, 1843. 

Jacob Schlitz 12 80 November 13, 1843. 



460 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



Name. Section. Acres. 

Ebenezer Jones 12 160 

Christ, >i>li Funk 12 40 

Philip Laubenheimer 11' 120 

John Kessel 12 80 

Gabriel Eudlicb 12 80 

llenrv Hochstein ami Fricdrich Jacob Wun 12 4n 

Friedrioh H.irih 12 40 

Johann Haurich 13 40 

Thonms Hayes 18 80 

•l.ilui McGrath and Patrick Homgou 13 4o 

John McGrath and Patrick Houigon 13 80 

Phillip,) Koch 18 40 

Henry Phillipp Kberhard 13 4u 

Phillipp Schneider 13 40 

Michael Fogarty 13 40 

Christian Kissinger 13 160 

Martiu Franck 14 40 

George Jacob Wambold 14 80 

George Schael'er 14 40 

Jacob Stuesser 14 360 

John Joseph Tilz 14 80 

Auton Keil 14 4(1 

John Dixheiuier 1 •", 80 

Peter Mueller 15 80 

John Joseph Tilz 1"> 80 

Jacob Werner 15 80 

An Kiel l"i 80 

Jacob Schroder 1 ■"> 40 

Nichohius 1. midgutl) 15 80 

Michael Griebeln 1". to 

Theodore Frederick 1"> 4u 

Peter Rrosius l"i 4(1 

Mathew Chapman IT 120 

John Mocklar tin, 1 I nomas Mocklar 17 40 

Henry Lowe 19 Jin 

Henry Lowe 20 320 

Joseph Hourly 20 80 

Jacob Reichard 20 80 

Hugh Flanagan 21 40 

Tli lore Frederick 22 40 

William Coates 24 so 

Lorenzo Dow Fuller 24 40 

Zaohariah R, Fuller 24 40 

Betsey Perry Fuller 24 80 

Charles McCartv 24 80 

James Ball 26 80 

Richard Wroatb 26 B0 

Nioholaue Cuetele 26 80 

James Mr',., vein and Patrick McOovern 26 120 

Patrick Clark 26 I" 

Mioheel Riley 27 80 

Patrick Oark 27 10 

Miohael MoGarrathy 27 80 

Vliohael Redmond... 27 80 

: Dugan 27 40 

Patrick Boyle 29 80 

Clements 29 160 

Martin Clotry 29 B0 

Francis MoKenna 29 80 

Thomas King 29 40 

Johann Lowe 80 160 

Johann Lowe 10 291 

Patrick Flynn 80 80 

Prances McKenne 80 BO 

Biohard (irilliu ::l 120 

Johann Lowe :',1 108 

John Cosgrove 31 80 

Michael Fitzimons 1 120 



Date ox Entuy. 
June 10, 1843. 
September 14. 1842. 
October 1, 1842. 
October 10, 1842. 
June 29, 184 I. 
July 28, 1K42. 
October 23, 1843. 
September 15, 1842. 
November 8, 1842. 
November 14. 1842. 
November 14, 1842. 
July 81, 1843. 
August 1. L848. 
August 9. 1843. 
October 20. 1843. 
November 1 , 1843. 
June 14, 1843. 
August 1. 1843. 
lugusl 9, 1843. 
Oct iber 9, 184C 
October 9, I 1 -)::. 
October 28, 1848. 
July 8, 1843. 
September B, 1843. 
Member '.', 1843. 
Member '.'. 1843. 
October 18, 1843. 
October 18, 1848. 
October 2«. 1843. 
October 28, 1843. 
October 28, 1848. 
October 31. 1843. 
May 22. 1843. 
August 22, 1843. 
September 19, 1842. 

September 19, 1842 
October 17. 1842. 
November 16, 18 12. 
September 1 '■, 1848. 
- - i .■ 28. 1848 
lugusl 80, 1842. 

\pril 7. IH 
May 29, 1848. 
October 2, 1848. 
October 26, 1848. 
September 28, 1843. 

September 28, 1848. 

Noi ber 2, L840. 

October 17. 1842. 
Ootober '-'■. 1848, 
September 19, 1842. 

September 1H, 1842 

September 27. Is 12. 
October 81, 1842. 
I let,, ber 20, 1842 
September 22, 1842. 

September 29, 1842. 
November 1 1. 1842. 

February 16, 1848 
October'l::, 184 

September 19, 1842, 

September 19, 1842. 
September 22, 1842 

March 6, 1848. 
July 6, 1842. 

September 19, 1842. 
September 22, 1842. 
September 22, 1842. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 461 

Name. Sfction. Acres. Date of Entry. 

Patrick Shannon 31 80 September 22, 1842. 

Peter Schneider 31 65 July 10, 1843. 

Francis Maldoon 31 40 August 23, 1843. 

John Donnelley 32 80 August 17, 1842. 

John Mulharan 32 80 September 17, 1842. 

Bernard Mulharan 32 80 September 17, 1842. 

Isaac Webb 33 40 July 11, 1842. 

John Donneley 33 80 August 17, 1842. 

Austin Odell 33 40 September lft, 1842. 

William Odell 33 40 September 22, 1842. 

Michael Redmond 33 80 November 26, 1842. 

John Donneley 33" 40 June 10, 1843. 

Michael Denny 33 -0 October 18,1813. 

James Curry 33 40 October 18, 1843 

Stephen Moriarty 33 40 October 26, 1843. 

Nicola us Nowland 34 80 September 17. 1842. 

William Dunn 34 80 September 19, 1842. 

Michael Shiel 34 40 May 29, 1843. 

Patrick Clark 34 12(1 October 23, 1843. 

Jacob Snjder 35 40 July 6, 1841 

John Campbell 3ft 80 September 22, 1842. 

Lawrence McGeough 35 40 January 14, 1843. 

John Donneley and Peter Smitt 35 40 November 13, 1843. 

Samuel Spivey 36 160 May 31, 1841. 

James McCusker 36 80 September 3, 1842. 

Samuel Edge 36 80 October 16, 1843. 

Of the above list, the following are still residents of the town: Diether Jung, John Bauer, 
John Kessel, John Eimermann, Frederick Ebeling, Thomas Hayes, Patrick Horregan, Patrick 
McGooem. Martin daffy, Johann Lowe, Patrick Flynn, Matthew Chapman, Michael Fitzimons, 
and possibly others. Some who moved away are known to be yet living, but excepting those 
named above, nearly all have done with life's labors, and passed into the land of the hereafter. 

THE FIRST TOWN MEETING. 

The town was incorporated under the name of Richfield, January 21, 1846. There is no 
complete record of the first town meeting. The record concerning it is contained in a series of 
resolutions certified by the Town Clerk, which read as follows : 

Resolved, By the citizens of the town of Richfield, in annual town meeting, held at the house of Zachariah 
Fuller, April 7, 1846 : (First I, that it is our duty and it shall be our aim to practice strict economy in the govern- 
ment and management of our town affairs, and that our motto is, " the greatest good to the greatest number," and 
in order to carry out these principles, therefore, 

Resolved (Second), That the pay and fees of the officers of the town shall be as follows, to wit : Supervisors, 
Commissioners of Highways, Commissioners of Common Schools and Assessors shall receive each $1 a day, and no 
more, for every day necessarily employed on the business of the town, and that the Town Clerk shall receive the like 
sum of Jil per day when the business is such that it can be calculated by the day ; in all other cases he shall receive 
for all necessary writing on town business, six cents per folio, and the committee of investigation shall order that 
the resolution be altered in such manner as to convey the same meaning in a less number of wurds ; they shall make 
such revocation in the charges as they shall deem tit. The Collector shall receive for his services 5 per cent, on all 
money by him paid into the Town Treasurer. The Treasurer shall receive for his services 2 per cent for all money 
received by him, and 1 per cent for all money by him paid out. 

Resolved (Third I, That in all surveys of roads, that, pay shall not be allowed to more than four persons, to wit : 
a Surveyor, two Chainmen and a Marker. 

Resolved (Fourth), That we will raise §80 to pay the expense of the town for the ensuing year. 

In addition to the above $80, $70 more was voted for at special town meeting, held at the house of Philip Laub- 
enheimer. at 1 o'clock, the 6th day of May, 1846. 

Attest: Michael Fogarty, Town Clerk. 

The first town officers, elected at this meeting, although not recorded by the Clerk, are 
ascertained from the records of the earlier sessions of the Board of Supervisors. The first 
meeting was held at the house of Michael Fogarty. The board were all present, and consisted 
of Balthus Mantz, Chairman, William Coates and Isaac Romig. The following business was 
transacted : The bills allowed were : 

Bill of Baltus Mantz, $12.38, for services as Supervisor, Assessor, Commissioner of High- 
ways and Commissioner of Schools. 

* 



462 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

Isaac Itomig, §6 as Commissioner of Highways. 

Joseph Harzacker, $2.63 as School Commissioner and sundry services. 

Patrick Harrigan, §3.7 o as Commissioner of Highways. 

Michael Fogarty, $8.67 as Town Clerk. 

Gustavus Bogk, $9 for overturning his wagon on the Fond du Lac road, and breaking a 
stove and other articles. 

The catastrophe of Bogk, dimly brought from the shadows of the past in the above item, 
gives room for the imagination to picture the trials of the hapless Gustavus. He was, doubtless, 
a new-comer, having his worldly effects all stowed in the wagon which he had the misfortune to 
upset. When he met with the mishap, whether the sky grew blue with the oaths he swore, or 
trembled at his bellowings of despair ; whether he threatened the town with the rigor of the law. 
for the villainous state of the highway, or humbly put in the supplication of a poor unfortunate 
for relief, can never be known. The historian can only record that Gustavus Bogk was the 
first man who upset his wagon in the town of Richfield, and got pay from the authorities for 
breaking his stove. 

The records of a subsequent meeting show that the first Town Treasurer was Zachariah 
Fuller, and Everet Wartz was the first Collector. Joseph Harlacker also served as School 
Commissioner, and Lorenzo D. Fuller as Assessor. 

The oldest church in the town is St. Hubert Church (Catholic). The first church was 
built of logs, on Section 22, in 1845-46. The first priests to say mass were Fathers Meyer. 
Martin Kundig. and Obermueler. In July, 1863, the old church was replaced by the present 
substantial stone structure. Rev. Ferdinand Raess is the present officiating priest. The con- 
gregation now numbers (1881) seventy-five families. 

The St. Augustine Church, also Catholic, was started at an early period, under the care of 
the priests above-named. It was built of logs on Section 18. The old church went into disuse 
many years ago, and a stone church was built on the adjoining Section, No. 7. 

The oldest preserved poll-list of the town is that of the general election held in November, 
1847. It is given as showing the names and number of naturalized citizens residing in the 
town at that time. It is as follows : 

Michael Fogarty, Everet Wartz, Isaac Romig, Jacob Wambolas, Phillip Laubcnheimer, 
John Fluke. Patrick Horrigan, John Kuper, Peter Brown. Joseph Fuss, Christopher Braden, 
John Moore. Theodore Rademacher, Bertram Schwartz, John Dies, William Huber, Jacob 
Witteraberg, Peter Limbough, Peter Weimer, Peter Criel, Leonard Gates, John Kessel, Theo- 
dore Frederick, Martin Falen, John Basil, Theodore Busch, Jacob Kurtz, Jacob Werner, Hubert 
Thomas, Michael Bauer, Herman T. Schultheis, Nicholas Merckel, George Fries, John T. Tilz, 
William Bigler, Frederick Merckel, Amest Hailsburg, Jacob Schroeder, Joseph Weber, John 
Derheimer. Mathias Fuss, Anton Konrad, Baltus Mantz, Thomas Hayes, Jacob Stuesser, John 
Greive, William Weller, John Stuesser, John Boehner, Conrad Cornelius. Anthony Dourgh, 
John Thomas, John T. Fronock, Frederick Ebling, Peter Stoltzer, Francis T. Stuesser, William 
Coats, Christian Suller, John Filaon, Peter Miller, John G. Loffey, Henry Otto, Nicholas 
Weimar, Peter Funk, Nicholas Smith, George Wittmeier, Thomas Martin, Casemer Wittmeier, 
John Martin, Jacob Eberhardt, Peter T. Schultheis, Arthur Donahue, Thomas Martin, Joseph 
Waldor, Peter Share, John Kessel, Jacob Kurtz, Michael Fahey, John Kissinger, William 
Rummens, Martin Claffey. John Mulheron. John Ammerman, Andrew Griesemer, D. Sohel, 
Henry (Doling, Leonard Brucker, Adam Brucker, Jacob Baunlgaertner. Total votes polled, 90. 

During the war, Richfield raised for war purposes, the sum of $5,018.12. The records of 
the State have enrolled the names of thirty-five soldiers from the town, who did personal service 
in the army. Their names appear in the war history of the county at large. 

mi: town in 1881. 
The town is entirely covered with farms under a high state of cultivation. The population 
is three-fourths German, the remaining part being mostly Irish. The Northern Division of the 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 463 

Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway passes through the town, the station being on Section 
12, in the northeast part of the town. 

There are eight churches situated and named as follows : German Methodist, Section 2 ; 
St. Mary's (Catholic). Section 3 ; German Presbyterian, Section 5 ; German Evangelical, Sec- 
tion 11; St. Augustine (Catholic), Section 7; St. Hubert (Catholic), Section 22; German 
Methodist, Section 2(3 ; Colombia Church (Catholic), Section 33. 

The town is divided into eleven whole and joint school districts. It has seven school- 
houses, costing $6,300. The number of scholars is 683, and the number of teachers is nine. 
The amount of money expended for school purposes in 1880 was $1,996. The industries of 
the town are largely agricultural. The trade of the town centers at the 

VILLAGE OF RICHFIELD. 

This hamlet is clustered about the railroad station, and does, in addition to the local trade' 
a considerable business in the shipping of grain. 

The first settler and first owner of the site of the village (on Section 12) was Philip Lau- 
benheimer. He was a native of Hesse Darmstadt, where he was born March 23, 1803. He 
came to Wisconsin in 1842, and settled immediately on the present site of the village. His 
family, consisting of a wife and seven children, with himself, spent the first two weeks encamped 
under a tree near where he afterward built his house. His wife and one child died in a few 
weeks after his arrival, and were the first whites buried in the town. The remaining children — 
Elizabeth, Clara, Gertrude, Philip, Fred and Peter are believed to be still living, though not 
residents of the town. 

Mr. Laubenheimer built on his claim through which the old Fond du Lac road passed, a 
block-house, which served as a dwelling, a tavern, and where he kept a very primitive stock of 
goods, consisting of pins, coffee and sugar. He added to his house from time to time, and it 
became the grand place of rendezvous for all the German immigrants who came into seek lands. 
The old Laubenheimer tavern is still standing, and is of historic interest as it was the first Ger- 
man tavern, saloon and store within the present limits of Washington County. When the rail- 
road was laid out in 1855, he gave the company the depot grounds, and thus secured its present 
location, and held the center of trade at his place. He subsequently built a large stone brick 
store on the south side of the track in 1868, and carried on a large mercantile business. In 
1875, he built an adjoining building of like size, 50x40 feet. The whole structure, still stand- 
ing and occupied by his sons, Henry and William, as hotel, saloon and store, has a frontage on 
the railroad of eighty feet, and a depth of fifty feet. 

Mr. Laubenheimer, in connection with his largely increased business, continued to run his 
old tavern till 1874. He died in 1878. He married for his second wife Mrs. Annie M. Arnet, 
of Germantown. The children by his second marriage were two sons — Henry and William, still 
living and in business in Richfield, and three daughters — Eva, Margaret and Barbara. 

He was an intimate friend of Solomon Juneau, who paid him frequent visits, and held over 
him a sort of protectorate, which shielded him from the thievish incursions of the Indians, who 
were numerous during the early years of his settlement. 

In 1857, Emanuel Mann, one of the early settlers of the town of Polk, started a store, 
which added largely to the prosperity, not only of the village, but the whole town. He drew 
the trade of a large region to his store, and for many years, in connection with his sons, did as 
large a mercantile business as was done in the county. The house sunk under the vicissitudes 
of the grain trade in 1871. The village has hardly yet recovered from the paralysis occasioned 
by this failure. The finest residence in the place, now the residence of Mr. H. J. Lowe, was 
built by Mr. Henry Mann, and stands as a monument of his taste and refinement. 

There are now in the village two stores, kept by William Laubenheimer and Henry 
Pfeiffer; a depot for the sale of agricultural implements, kept by H. J. Lowe, who is also a 
large shipper of grain ; two steam saw-mills, run by Mr. Reidenbach and Davis Bros. There 



464 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

are two shipping elevators, owned by Laubenheimer and Pfeiffer, through which are shipped 
annually 75,000 bushels of grain. A cheese factory is just started. There is one hotel — the 
" Northwestern " — kept by Henry Laubenheimer ; also shoemakers, blacksmiths, butchers, 
harness-makers and all other artizans usually found in a country village. 

There is but one mill outside the village of Richfield in the town. It is a saw-mill and 
grist-mill, is run by water-power, and is built on Section 9. 

According to the last official returns (1880), the average amount of crops raised on 7,320 
acres of cultivated land was as follows : 52,000 bushels of wheat, 49,000 of rye, 46,000 of 
oats, 14,000 of barley, 6,000 of rye and 18,000 of potatoes. There were in the town 752 milch 
cows, and there was made 27,000 pounds of butter and 2.000 pounds of cheese. There were 
216 acres of apple orchard, with 7,035 trees bearing fruit. 

The population, as given in the census of 1880, numbered 1,716. 

Below is given the present town officers : Supervisors, Andrew Ennis, Chairman, Henry 
Wiedemeyer, John Thielman ; Town Clerk, Peter Schaenzer ; Assessor, Ignatius Zins; Treas- 
urer. Lorenz Heck. 

There were two post offices in the town in 1881 — Lake Five, Section 33, and Richfield. 
The present Postmaster at Richfield is William Laubenheimer. 

The growth of the town has been gradual, and it has, under the steady and continuous 
labors of an industrious people, developed into one of the finest and wealthiest fanning towns 
of the State. The history of such communities gives no startling occurrences for historical 
record ; it is all within the personal experiences and folk-lore of the inhabitants; and can be 
only faithfully portrayed in the biographical sketches of the men and women who have been 
identified with its material growth. To the accompanying biographies the reader is referred if 
he would know of the living forces that have made from the w r ooded wilds of forty years ago, 
the homes of the thrifty population that now inhabit the town. 

TOWN OF GERMANTOWN. 

The town of Gerraantown is the oldest settled town in Washington County. It was desig- 
nated by the Government survey as Town 9, Range 20, and is the southeast town in the county. 
The surface is nearly level. The land was, in a state of nature, heavily wooded with elm. 
birch, beach, innple and oak. Being near Milwaukee, where most of the early German immi- 
grants first stopped, it early attracted tin- attention of such of them as sought farming lands for 
their American homes. Already a large colony of Germans had settled in the western part of 
the adjoining town (Mequon), and the proximity of countrymen, already settled in the new coun- 
try, rendered the location doubly desirable. So it happened that from 1840, when the German 
immigration first set in, there was a constant flow of German settlers to the township, till they 
had occupied all the Government lands, and purchased nearly all owned by the English and 
American settlers who had come in a few years prior to their advent. The first purchases of 
land from the Government were made in 1839, and at the close of 1844 there was scarce an 
available acre unoccupied in the town. It was fairly settled two years before it was incorporated. 

Many of the settlers brought sufficient means with them to start their pioneer life under 
what was considered comfortable circumstances. Milwaukee, then grown to be a considerable 
village, was convenient for supplies, and altogether the early settlers of this town found ease 
and comfort compared with those who pushed farther on, across the unbridged streams and up 
among the hills of the northern towns of the county. 

Tins being the oldest town of the present county, the first settler is entitled to the double 
distinction of being also the first settler of the county. Levi Ostrander and Anthony D. Wis- 
ner each purchased eighty acres in Section 85, March 1 1. 1889. These were the first two pur- 
chases made. Levi Ostrander settled on his land, and was for a many years a leading man of 
affairs, both in the town and in old Washington County, and is justly entitled to the distinction 
of beinj; the first settler. Whether his purchase antedated Mr. Wisner's is questioned from the 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



465 



fact that Mr. Wisner's name appears first on the land book of entry. During the same year 
there were sixteen other entries made, mostly in the southern tier of sections. The only man 
now living in the town who came in prior to 1840 is John Coghlan, who took up eighty acres 
on Section 33, August 8, 1839. He is now the oldest living settler in the town. The other 
early settlers now living in the town, who came in prior to 1844, are John Jung, 1840 ; Jacob 
Schunk, John Brown, Philip Zimmerman, Peter Goettelmann, Michael Ballheim, Jacob Holl, 
William Strauss, Jacob Schlafer, 1841 ; Frederick Groth, William Hofemeister, John Selflow, 
John H. Scheffler, Henry Frenwith, John Diefenthaler, Balzar Kripinberger, 1843 ; John Gil- 
bert, 1840 ; Robert Frenwith, John C. Tate, 1843 ; Joseph H. Meege, 1841. 

Below is a list of all entries made in the town prior to 1844, with number of acres, section 
and date of purchase. 



Name. Section. Acres. 

Edward Murphy 1 159 

Samuel Prudermann and John Ringel 1 80 

Gottlieb Garabisch 1 81 

George Garabish, Jr 1 80 • 

Franz Baesemann 1 40 

Martin Hels 2 40 

John Kressen 2 84 

Joachim Groth 2 40 

John David Eggert 3 87 

Frederick Wasmuth 4 80 

John Adam Pilger 5 80 

Christopher Braun 5 80 

Johann Guenther Kauffmann 5 40 

Peter Jacob Dix 5 120 

Peter Hock 6 80 

Jacob Hock 6 40 

John Endlich 6 80 

John Braun 6 36 

John Henry Pilger 6 45 

Michael Matter 7 80 

George Petry 7 240 

Peter Walther 7 229 

Johann Mathes 7 80 

Johann Knetzger 8 80 

Peter Jacob Dix 8 400 

Phillipp Dhein, Sr 8 160 

Phillipp Dhein, Sr 9 80 

Peter Sinz 9 80 

Phillipp Dhein. Jr 9 80 

Peter Rheingaus 9 40 

Phillipp Peter Barwig 9 80 

Justus Schmit 9 80 

Nicolaus Altmayer 9 80 

Peter Rheingans 9 40 

Jacob Klumb 10 80 

Johann Fuchs 10 160 

Joachim Gatsch 11 80 

Joachim Gatsch 11 40 

Theodore Schmit 11 80 

Ghristoph -ichrack 11 40 

Christoph Paulus 11 40 

Martin Hels 11 40 

Friedrich Groth 11 80 

William llafemeister 11 40 

Christian Groth 12 40 

George Garbisch 12 40 

Frederick Baesemann 12 40 

Christian Groth 12 40 

Franz Baesemann 12 40 

John Suelflow 12 40 

Samuel Douke 13 40 

Gottfried Brendenmehl 13 80 



Date of Entry. 

August 23, 1843. 
September 18, 1843. 
September 27, 1843. 
September 27, 1843. 
November 25, 1843. 
July 10, 1843. 
October 19, 1843. 
November 25, 1843. 
October 26, 1843. 
June 14, 1843. 
February 27, 1843. 
February 27, 1843. 
November 21, 1843. 
November 28, 1843. 
November 14, 1842. 
May 22, 1843. 
June 5, 1843. 
July 28, 1843. 
September 4, 1843. 
November 5, 1841. 
September 9, 1842. 
September 9, 1842. 
September 17, 1842. 
August 3, 1842. 
August 22, 1842. 
August 22, 1842. 
August 22, 1842. 
August 22, 1842. 
August 22, 1842. 
September 27, 1842. 
November 14, 1842. 
June 6, 1843. 
July 27, 1843. 
August 18, 1843. 
July 13, 1843. 
July 13, 1843. 
October 25, 1842. 
October 29, 1842. 
July 10, 1843. 
July 10, 1843. 
July 10, 1843. 
July 10, 1843. 
September 29, 1843. 
October 30, 1843. 
October 25, 1841. 
October 9, 1841. 
October 5, 1841. 
May 28, 1842. 
October 13, 1843. 
October 13, 1843. 
August 16, 1841. 
August 3, 1841. 



466 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



Name. Section. Acres. 

Martin Arn.lt 13 80 

Martin Arndt 13 1G0 

William Krueger 13 40 

John Gatus 13 120 

John Buth 13 80 

John Baumgartner 13 40 

Martin Arndt. 14 80 

Martin Arndt... 14 80 

George Emerich 14 40 

Charles Fesch 14 40 

John C.oetzer 14 40 

William Krueger 14 120 

Joachim Gatsch 14 40 

William Miller 14 40 

Gottlieb Suelflow 14 40 

Frederick Groth 14 120 

George Emerich 15 40 

Peter Leith 16 40 

Christian Leith 15 40 

Jacob Kottman 16 40 

Michael Saebal 15 40 

Peter Grueneisen, Jr 15 40 

Phillipp Mahloch 15 40 

George Koehler 15 40 

William Krueger 16 80 

Phillipp Mahloch 16 40 

Jnhann Knetzger 1" 3i!(i 

Johann (ieorge Merkel IT 80 

John Mehl 1" 80 

William Wasmuth 17 80 

Jacob Schisusbeimer 17 40 

George Rcgenfus I s 38 

Christian William Schmitz I s 40 

William Wasmuth 18 40 

Andrew Wetterau 18 40 

George Volland 18 38 

Ernst Ruppel 18 40 

Ernst llildebrandt 18 40 

Andreas Engelhard 18 38 

JohnSchmitl 18 80 

Peter Metz and Peter Keichert 18 38 

Eberhardt Holzmann 18 80 

Johann Becker 18 40 

Michael Krebs 19 W 

Field Aahworth 19 40 

Hit-hard Katcliffe 19 89 

Zacliariali Fuller 19 78 

John Henry Soheffler 1!' 80 

John Merkel 19 80 

John Mehl 19 40 

George Regenftia 19 40 

I beobald Leininger 20 80 

Louis Krebs, .Ir 20 80 

Henry Klaugus 20 80 

Thomas Connell 20 80 

Thomas Meal cay 20 160 

Johann Knetzger '-'(> 80 

JohaDn Knetzger 20 80 

.l..l,n Mollina 21 80 

Robert Frenwilh and Henry Frenwilh 21 80 

Johann Diefenthaler 21 40 

Peter Meloher Schneider 21 80 

Henry Liben 21 40 

Adam Eifler 21 40 

Mathiae Leip 22 I 11 

Qeorgi '-"- 40 

John Boden and Nicolaus Mohn 22 10 

JacobScbta er -2 80 



Date of Entry. 
September 18, 1841. 
September 2, 1841. 
September 2, 1841. 
September 2, 1841. 
September 2, 1841. 
September 2, 1841. 
September 18, 1841. 
October 11, 1841. 
April 21, 1842. 
August :'., 1842. 
September 12, 1842. 
October 21, 1842. 
October 29, 1842, 
December 8. 1842. 
May 30, 1848. 
September 15. 1843. 
April 2, 1842. 
August 22, 1842. 
May 19, 1843. 
May 27, 1843. 
June I'.. 1843. 
June 12. 1843, 
June 12, 1843. 
June 24, 1843. 
July 10, 1843. 
October!!, 184 I 
August 2, 1842. 
August 2. 1842. 
August 2, 18 12. 
\ugusl 'J, 1842. 
September 12. 1842. 
December 19, 1843. 
December 9, 1843. 
Vugust 2, 1842. 
September Hi, 1842. 
September 16, 1842. 
September 16, 1842. 
September 12, 1842. 
Ootober 8, I84v>. 
July Id. 184:;. 
August 15, 184::. 
November '.•, 1843. 
November Hi. 1843, 
October 4, 1841. 
September 7, 1842. 
November 1-.1842. 
May 29, 1848. 
July 7, 184::. 
August V. 1848, 
September 18. 1843. 

December B, 1848. 

October 1. is 11 

October 4. 1841. 

May 1 1. 1842. 
June 24, 1842. 

September 9, 1842. 

September 12. 1842 
November 4. 1843. 
August 2. 1842. 
May 25, 1848. 

September 5, 18 b: 

Sepl ber '•'. 1848 

September 9, 18 18 
September 9, 1848. 
October 12. 1848. 
October 9, 1848. 
August 11. 1848. 
September 1. 1841 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



467 



Name. Section. 

Valentine Schwalbach 22 

Adam Bookman 22 

Peter Lauerman 22 

Christoph Cramer 22 

Nicolaus Peier 22 

Valentine Staats 22 

Dieter Schreier 22 

Casper Kissinger and 1 ( 22 

Balser Kripinberger. / \ 23 

Jacob Schlafer 23 

Andrew Stahl Havar 23 

William Straub 23 

William Bartlett 23 

Adam Bookman 23 

John Peter Adams and John Peter Klein 23 

John Goelzer 23 

Adam Peter 23 

Peter Gruneisen 23 

Ludwig Boder 24 

Andrew Stahl Haver 24 

Frederick Bartett 24 

John Krueger 24 

Fredrick Luck 24 

Michael BelliD 24 

Carl Stettin 24 

Friedrick Gust 24 

Joachim Fried Luck 24 

Fried rich Trapp 24 

John Krueger 24 

Peter Hess 24 

Jefferson Kinue 25 

Jefferson Kinne 25 

Michael Hoyer 25 

Michael Hoyer 25 

John Beckerle 25 

Carl Will 25 

Andrew Bartman 25 

Wendell Jung 25 

William Straub 25 

Pat rick M urrey 26 

John Gilbert 26 

John Gilbert 26 

Nicolaus Kastler 26 

John Jung 26 

Jacob Schenck 26 

John Mattis 26 

John Brown 26 

Johann Gunther Stroebe 26 

Phillipp Zimmermann 26 

Peter Goettelmann 26 

Thomas Goggin 27 

John Pyburn 27 

Michael ISallheim 27 

John ( laus Hubenthal 27 

Jacob Holl 27 

Daniel Keiper 27 

Magnus Keiper 27 

John Claus Hubenthal 27 

William Piper 28 

Robert Frenwith and Henry Frenwith 28 

Johannes Merkel 28 

FJisha Sampson 29 

Conrad Strassman 29 

Edward Pease 29 

Joshua Gifford 29 

Johannes Merkel 29 

Daniel Allen 30 

Elisha Sampson 30 



Acres. 


Date of Entry. 


40 


October 14, 1841. 


40 


May 13, 1842. 


40 


June 29, 1842. 


40 


July 27, 1842. 


40 


October 1. 1842. 


40 


May 27, 1843. 


40 


July 20, 1843. 


80 


August 4, 1843. 


40 


August. 4, 1843. 


40 


September 1, 1841. 


120 


October 1, 1843. 


40 


October 1, 1843. 


40 


November 16, 1843. 


40 


May 13, 1842. 


40 


August 8, 1842 


40 


September 12, 1842. 


40 


October 1, 1842. 


40 


June 12, 1843. 


80 


October 1, 1841. 


40 


October 1, 1841. 


40 


May 14, 1840. 


80 


July 2, 1840. 


80 


July 2, 1840. 


40 


July 2, 1840. 


40 


January 29, 1841. 




January 2!l, 1841. 


40 


May 27, 1841. 


40 


May 27, 1841. 


40 


August. 2, 1841. 


40 


July 19, 1843. 


80 


July 16, 1839. 


80 


July 16, 1839. 


80 


May 27. 1840. 


80 


July 3, 1840. 


80 


October 30, 1840. 


40 


May 27, 1840. 


40 


June 5, 1841. 


40 


August. 20, 1841. 


40 


October 1, 1841. 


40 


August 8, 1843. 


40 


November 4, 1840. 


80 


November 4, 1840. 


80 


November 2, 1840. 


40 


December 9, 1840. 


80 


June 2, 1841. 


40 


June 11, 1841. 


80 


June 21, 1841. 


40 


August 9, 1841. 


40 


October 27, 1841. 


80 


November 1, 1841. 


80 


September 13, 1839. 


40 


September 13, 1839. 


80 


June 2, 1841. 


80 


October 20, 1841. 


160 


October 30, 1841. 


40 


May 13, 1842. 


40 


May 13, 1842. 


40 


September 12, 1842. 


40 


May 13, 1842. 


120 


May 25, 1843. 


40 


August 2, 1843. 


40 


June 7, 1841. 


40 


October 9, 1841. 


40 


May 2, 1842. 


80 


July 2, 1842. 


40 


August 2, 1843. 


80 


November 18, 1839. 


40 


June 7, 1841. 



468 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

Name. Section. Acres. Date mi Kntuv. 

Moses Fieldhouse 30 79 October 21, 1841. 

Conrad Strassman 30 40 October'.!, 1841. 

Robert Stoddard 30 40 Novembers, 1841. 

Thomas Young 30 80 January 6, L84S. 

Thomas Young 30 40 February 6, 1848. 

Thomas Blakey 30 40 June 14, 1843. 

Richard Eadcliffe 30 40 June 17. 1848. 

Daniel Wart 31 120 January 16, 1840. 

John Milton Curtis 31 80 October 8, 1S41. 

Joshua Glifford 31 77 February 6, 1848. 

Sims Kdgerton 31 80 March 24, 1848. 

John Campbell Tate 31 77 October 16, 1843. 

Benjamin Church 32 160 May29, 1889. 

Joshua Glifford 32 160 November 18, 1839. 

Giles Anthony Wait 32 100 November 2". 1839. 

Martin Wail 32 160 May 20, 1841. 

Benjamin Church 33 80 May 31, L889. 

Wiliiam Connell 33 inn August 8, 1839. 

JohnCoughlio 33 80 August 8, 1*"> 

Jonas Piatt Yaughan 33 160 May 9, 1842 

Freeman L.Smith 34 160 March 11. 1839. 

James Warren Barrett 34 160 June 3, 1839. 

William Wilcox Burdick 34 160 June 27. 1889. 

John OlausHubenthal 34 160 June 2, 1841. 

Anthony 1). Wisuer 36 80 March 11, 1889. 

Levi Ostrander 85 80 March 11, 1889 

Leander Lot Griedly 35 80 March 29, 183'J. 

Leander Lot Griedly 86 80 March 2'.i, is:;n. 

Nelson Burst 35 40 October 3, 1889. 

John Schoetzel 35 12n October 29, 1840. 

Christian Staue 35 80 May 20, 1841. 

Joseph Henry Meege 86 80 June 2, 1841. 

Samuel Spivey 86 160 March 11. 1889. 

James Warren Barrett 86 160 June 8, 1889. 

Jacob Laisy 36 80 October 19, 1840. 

Jacob Laisy 36 10 October 19, 1840. 

Abraham Laisy 86 40 October 111, 1840. 

Abraham Laisy 86 80 October 19, 1840. 

Alexander Mitchell 86 80 April 19, 1841. 

The above list, in addition to all the actual settlers who bought land from the Government, 
also includes what speculative purchases were made. Among the latter, appears that of Alex- 
ander Mitchell, then a promising young Scotch banker in Milwaukee, who was, perhaps, look- 
ing forward to the time when, having accumulated a competency, he might go on to his '* eighty " 
in Germantown and become one of the leading farmers of the town. His youthful hopes were 
not realized, although his wealth now comprises more than twice the valuation of the entire 
county. 

The town was incorporated January 21, 1846, by acl ofthe Legislature. 

The First town meeting was held April 7, 1846. The Clerk of the meeting was I. T. Brown, 
the first Surveyor of old Washington County, lie was a ripe scholar and a polished gentle- 
man. Little was known of his early history. A deep-set trouble always seemed to weigh him 
down with melancholy. He lived for many years in the county and at last, an old man, poor, 
broken in mind, he took voluntary refuge in the poor house of the county, though offered an 
asylum and a home by D. W. Maxon and other old friends, and there closed his strange life. 
The record of this meeting was written by Mr. Brown in a plain angular hand peculiar to edu- 
cated men of the old school, and reads as follows : 

In accordance with the provisions of the act of Legislature incorporating the town of Ccmiantuwii. the oitixenS 

assemble! in town meeting al the hou f John Mattes, April 7. 1 s 16 : Levi ( Istrander was chosen unanimously as 

Moderator, and I.T. Brown as Clerk. The iting then adjourned one hour in order to obtain the ballot boxes 

belonging to the town, which being obtained, the polls were opened by proclamation, and nine votes received as per 

poll li-t numbered from one i" nine inclusive The meeting then t'»>k a recess of fifteen minutes to debate "it the 
proper rani to be paid to town officers for services not otherwise provided by law, and the sums necessary to be 




Wm% 




U 




~^PU>, C.jffi^M. 



(DKCEASEP) 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 471 

raised for the current year fur the support of trie poor, for the support of roads and bridges, and for the support of 
schools; also, for the appoiutment of Road Supervisors in the eight road districts, numbered one to eight inclusive, 
the result of which was as follows: All town officers whose salaries shall not otherwise be pruvided for by law 
shall be entitled for their services, $1 per day. For the support of the poor, S150; for roads and bridges, $100, and 
for the support of schools, $40i> was voted to be raised. The vote for Road Supervisors stands as follows: John 
Beggarly, for Road District No. 1 : Levi Ostrander, for No 2 ; John M. Curtiss, for No. 3 ; John Young, for No. 4; 
Jacob Slaver, for No. 5; Jacob Regenfus-i, for No. b' : John Baseman, for No. 7; Jacob Brienogal, for No. 8. the 
meeting then took a vote where the next annual town meeting should be held, which resulted in the choice of John 
Mattes' house on Section 30. The voting | by ballot ) for town officers, for or against State Government, for the tem- 
porary location of the county seat, and for or against raising a tax of $1,000 to be expended ou county buildings, 
then [irogressed until li o'clock 1'. M., when by proclamation of the Moderator the polls were closed, and, on can- 
vassing the votes, the following was found to be the result of the election : 

The whole number of votes polled were 123, of which there were in favor of "State Government" 118; against 
State Government, 9. For temporary location of the county seat, the county farm on Section 2, Town 10, Range 
20, received 116; the Center received 1 vote, and Range 20 received 1 vote. For raising by tax $1,000 for 
county buildings there were 99 votes, and none against it. 

The vote for town officers was as follows : Chairman of the Board of Supervisors — George Koehler, 31 votes; 
William Green, 14; Jonas P. Vaughn, 3, and John C. Hubenthal, 1. For Supervisors — Nelson Burst, 30 votes; 
Samuel W. Cole, 34; William Wasmuth, 19; Michael Hyre, 10; Peter Leith, 3; Henry \V. Thomas, 1. For Town 
Clerk — Levi Ostrander, 34 votes; Henry W. Thomas, 14. For Treasurer — George Koehler, 33 votes; John C. 
Hubendhal, 12 ; Henry \V. Brink, 2. For Collector — George Brill, 30 votes; John C. Hubenthal, 7, and Henry \V. Brink, 
9. For Commissioners of Highways — John Mattes, 49 votes ; Adam Bookman, 46 ; John M. Curtiss, 46 ; John McGrath, 
3 ; Henry W. Thomas, 3. For School Commissioners — Levi Ostrander, 49 votes ; Michael Hyre, 37 ; George Gelser, 9 ; 
Conrad Strassman, 9. For Constables — George Brill, 44 votes ; John M. Curtiss, 4; Henry \V. Brink, 6. For Sealer 
of Weights and Measures — George Koehler, 46 votes. For Justice of the Peace — Levi Ostrander, 37 votes; Samuel 
W. Coie, 45; George Koehler, 38 ; William Green, 12 ; Jonas P. Vaughn, 4. For Assessors — John McGrath, 46 votes ; 
John Goe lzen, 34 : Abram Laisey, 33. 

I certify that the within account of the town meeting and election, held in the town of Genuantown, as afore- 
said, is correct and true, Levi Ostrander, Moderator. 

(Attest.) 1. T. Brown, Clerk. 

The first poll-list preserved of the voters of the town, is that of the general election held in 
November, 1846. It does not contain the names of over half those then settled in the town, as 
they were slow in taking out naturalization papers. A good number had, however, be- 
come American citizens even at that early day. The list contained the following names : 
Charles Tesch, Nicolas Kastler, John Boden, John Gilbert, Dieta Thuier, Roma Grislan, John 
Baseman, John C. Hubendahl, John Wood, George Brill, Adam Bookman, William Weller, 
John Beggarlee, Nicholas Peter, John Lynch, Adam Staats, Philip Marloch, Barnard Barlonda, 
Christopher Adler, Adam Eifler, Jacob Wolf, William Wasmuth, Jacob Samhart, William Straub, 
Galtus Kniffelbergen, Antony Hoben, John Gelser, Charles Haffring, Jacob Rodsmond, Jacob 
Snider, John Gelser, Sr., Michael Bookman, Philip Snider, Conrad Strassman, Philip Pah, 
Valentine Staats, George Emerich, Frederick Knauth, John Knauth, John Tields, Peter Maths, 
John Maths, John Hufendifer, George Woolf, Levi Ostrander. George Koehler, Jacob Stanitz, 
II. W. Beink, Marvin Ostrander, P. M. Sneider, J. P. Vaughn, Valentine Scheatzel, Patrick 
Toland. Jacob Scheatzel, Christopher Hayburn, Francis Waldermbe, Michael Hoye, Francis B. 
Metz, Philip Dhine, Nelson Burst, Alfred B. Ostrander, William Miller, Philip Pfeil, John M. 
Curtis — Total, 64. 

Germantown, during the war, kept her quota full by bounties, only eight soldiers being on 
the State records as having done personal service. Their names appear in the war history of 
the county at large. The amount of money raised for war purposes, was $ 31,295, which was 
expended in procuring volunteers and substitutes, as the exigencies of the times required. 

Few towns have had so peaceful and uneventful a life as Germantown. It has silently 
kept the even tenor of its way, unvexed by the tumult of the outside world. The history is in 
the lives of those who have lived and still live within its borders. It nas grown from a thickly- 
matted forest to show all over its extent broad acres of field and orchard, garden and pasture; 
is tire richest and most productive farming town in the county, and is one of the best in the State. 

It has no considerable villages within its borders. Two railroads, the Milwaukee <& St. 
Paul, and the Chicago k North Western pass through the town, giving it the full advantages of 
the markets of the neighboring city of Milwaukee, of which it may be called a farming suburb. 
The only considerable industry, outside of agricultural pursuits, is that of lime-burning, which 



472 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

is extensively carried on at Rockville, on the Chicago & North- Western Railway, by Fred Dix, 
and at South Germantown, by Frank Schlaefer, and the Germantown Lime Company. The 
lime is of excellent quality, and finds a market at Milwaukee, Chicago and other points along 
the lines of railroad. 

There is one brewery in the town on Section 22. It was owned and run by John Staats 
for twenty-eight years. He died in November, 1880, since which time the business has been 
continued by Ph. G. Duerrwaechter, administrator of the estate. 

A small local trade centers at each of the post offices. 

At Meeker Post Office, on Section 19, the Postmaster, Mattice Becker, has a store. 

At Rockfield Post Office, on the Chicago & North- Western Railway, Section 9, in addition 
to the lime-works of Fred Dix, is a store kept by Jacob Kraetsch. 

At South Germantown Post Office, in addition to a heavy lime business before mentioned. 
Ph. G. Duerrwaechter has his depot for the sale of agricultural implements, lumber, sash, doors 
and other building material, in connection with which he does a large business as a building 
contractor throughout the county. There is also a store at this point kept by Messrs. Goelzer 
& Schwalbach. 

The only cheese factory in the town was started in May, 1881, and is owned and carried 
on by Schneider & Eimmerman. 

The central offices of the Germantown Mutual Fire Insurance Company, one of the most 
reliable in the State, are on the northeast quarter of Section 17. The executive officers are 
President. Andrew Martin ; Secretary, Martin Schottler. 

The only lodge in the town is Sons of Herman, Franklin Lodge, No. 39. It was organized 
April 19, 1879. Its first officers were President, Jacob Braun : Vice President. Jacob Straub : 
Secretary, Ph. G. Duerrwaechter ; Treasurer, Adam Diefenthaeler. The present officers are 
President. Herman Berger : Vice President, Adam Diefenthaeler; Secretary, Ph. G. Duerr- 
waechter : Treasurer, William J. Goelzer. 

There are three churches in the town, one on Section 8, Lutheran ; one on Section 20, 
St. Boniface's Catholic, and one on Section 35, Lutheran. 

The school districts, whole and joint, are ten in number. There are ten schoolhouses, 
rosting S4.500. The scholars number NUfj, taught by eleven teachers. The amount expended 
for school purposes in 1880, was $2,812. 

The population of Germantown, according to the census of 1880, is 1,943. 

The latest official reports state the average crop to be as follows : Wheat, 70,000 bushels ; 
corn, 37,000; oats, 64,000; barley, 26,000; rye. 76,000; potatoes, 20,000. This amount was 
raised on 8,852 acres of cultivated land. The town had 5,414 acres of growing timber, 323 
acres of apple orchard, 8,981 fruit-bearing trees, 1,209 milch cows, and produced 14,000 pounds 
of butter. 

The following are the present town officers: Supervisors, Jacob H. Goelzer, Chairman, 
William Hayes, Mortimer Ilubenthal ; Town Clerk, Ph. G. Duerrwaechter; Assessor, Philip 
Schneider ; Treasurer. William Staats. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 473 



CHAPTEE IV. 

OZAUKEE COUNTY. 

Introduction— Population— Stock-Raising— Town Fairs— The Aborigines— Early Settle- 
ment—Early Settlers— Old Settlers' Club— Address, etc.— How They Lived in Those 
Days— Early Surveyors— The Gentlemen Pioneers— Verdant Lobbyists— Organiza- 
tion— Schools— County Buildings— Legislators— Political — County Government and 
Court Officers— War Record— The Great Indian Scare— Railroads— Church Societies 
and Cemeteries— Ozaukee County Agricultural Society— Agricultural Resources — 
The Press. 

GENERAL INTRODUCTION. 

Ozaukee County is proportionately small in comparison to some of the vast blocks which go to 
make up the area of the great State of Wisconsin. It embraces seven towns in all, viz.: Mequon, 
Ccdarburg, Grafton, Port Washington, Saukville, Freilonia and Belgium. These contain an area 
of 216 square miles, of which the estimated value of real estate and personal property for the 
year 1880 amounted to $6,016,078. 

The general surface is gently undulating, mostly of a tillable nature, well watered, with 
fine groves of timber interspersed. But few marshes remain, and speedy measures are being 
taken to drain and clear them fo v the plow. When once put in a state of cultivation, they be- 
come the most valuable lands. The country between the lake shore and the Milwaukee River 
has a red-clay soil of great depth and durability, and is peculiarly adapted to the growth of 
wheat, while west of the river and in the valleys, is found a dark-clay loam, having in places a 
considerable mixture of sand. 

Wheat is the staple, although corn, oats, barley and rye are cultivated with success, as are 
the various vegetables and grasses common to the State. The county is drained by a number 
of clear, lasting streams, well distributed, the principal being the Milwaukee River and Cedar 
Creek. These streams afford excellent water-power, the larger portion of which has been im- 
proved. A few small lakes are in the towns of Saukville and Fredonia; surrounding these are 
the only extensive marshes in the county. Springs abound in the vicinities of Cedarburg and 
Port Washington, several of which have been utilized for summer purposes, and are very liber- 
ally patronized by visitors from St. Louis, Chicago and Milwaukee. Good wells are generally 
easily obtained throughout the county. The timber, though not so heavy as that farther inland, 
has afforded considerable revenue, owing to its close proximity to the lake, which offers ready 
and cheap means of transportation. A large portion of the land has been cleared, yet a suffi- 
cient quantity of timber remains to supply the home demands for years to come. 

Building material is plenty, a good quality of cream-colored brick being manufactured from 
the clay subsoil. Sand is abundant and easy of access. Ledges of Niagara limestone project to> 
and above the surface at various points throughout the county. The most prominent are those 
on the lake shore six miles north of Port Washington. Here they attain a height of eighty 
feet. Quarries have been opened in several places, the largest being Noessen's, north of Sauk- 
ville, and Druecker's, near Port Washington, from which are taken a fair quality of building 
stone and material for the manufacture of quicklime. A good quality of sandstone is also found 
at points along the Milwaukee River. 

population. 

The census for 1880, showed the population of Ozaukee County to be 16,455, a gain over 
that of 1870 of nearly two thousand, an increase which is remarkable when the small area of the 
county is taken into consideration, and the fact that a large exodus has been going on from this 



474 BISTORT OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

section to the far West during the past ten years. Of the present population, the Germans and 
Luxembourgers comprise seven-eighths, the remaining eight being mostly Americans, a few 
Norwegians, with here and there a representative from the Emerald Isle. 

These different classes work harmoniously together, and, by thrift, firmness of character, 
energy and perseverance, have succeeded in dotting the county with cozy dwellings, while the 
countrv, in general, presents to the eye one continuous chain of fields and gardens, teeming with 
bountiful harvests — rich rewards justly merited by the industrious husbandmen. 

Although agriculture affords the chief source of wealth, the people are not wholly dependent 
on the productions of the soil for their subsistence. There are many thriving manufactories; 
twelve flouring-mills, ten foundries and machine-shops, two extensive woolen-mills and several 
furniture and chair factories, planing-mills and breweries. In addition to these, large milk and 
cheese dairies are successfully operated, which add materially to the revenue of the county. 
The quality comparing favorably with that of Eastern production, a ready market awaits it. Of 
late years, the farmers have devoted considerable attention to the raising of bees, the soil along 
the lake shore being naturally adapted to the white clover, from which bees extract the clearest 
honey. Fruit trees have not been neglected, almost every farm house or village residence being 
surrounded with orchards of greater or less magnitude. Strawberries are cultivated extensively, 
while the higher grounds are fast being netted over with wires, upon which the grape vine may 
find support. The county enjoys excellent facilities for transportation, both by land and water, 
A good harbor has just been completed at Port Washington by the Government, at a cost of 
$200,000. Lake vessels and steamers touch at this port regularly. Two lines of railway 
traverse the entire length of the county ; the Wisconsin Central, passing up the valley of the 
Milwaukee River, and the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western, running nearer the lake shore. 
The former was completed through this county in 1871 ; the latter, in 1873. 

STOCK-RAISING. 

As early as 1858, the attention of the settlers was given largely to stock-raising, and to 
Ozaukee County must be accredited the origin of that excellent custom of having a market-day 
or fair in every town in the county once a month, which has since been adopted in many parts 
of the States, particularly where the population is largely foreign. These fairs, the first being 
held in the village of Saukville over twenty-five years ago, under the direction of B. O. Zastrow, 
who instituted them, have become very popular with the farmers and stock buyers, as they 
afford an excellent opportunity for the purchase and sale of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, besides 
the products of the farm, at a less cost of time to the farmer, than were he compelled to seek a 
market through the ordinary channels of trade. 

While great business advantages are derived from these fairs, another pleasing feature about 
them is found in bringing the people together socially, creating thereby a healthy sentiment of 
I fellowship. 

H. O. Zastrow, Kussow, the originator of these fairs, was a descendant of the German 
nobility. On account of his liberal views during the revolution of 1848, be was compelled to 
leave bis native country and tlee to London, where he remained during the year 1849, when 
he emigrated to this country, his family, consisting of his wife, four sons and four daughters, 
following one year later. Zastrow's property was confiscated by the government, leaving him 
entirely dependent on his own exertions for maintenance. Highly educated, and of a proud 
tempi] anient, it required many years of bitter experience lief, re he could adapt himself to the 
practical and self-reliant ways of a free and independent people, lie had liberal ideas, but only 
in theory. Zastrow first settled in the town of Cedarburg. lie was the first to introduce 
the idea of establishing the kindergarten schools. He held for several years the office of Justice 
of the Peace in that town, ami was a candidate for County Judge, for which office he was de- 
feated. He was afterward elected to the State Legislature. At the expiration of his term of 
office he moved to the town of Port Washington, and was elected Justice of the Peace, which 
office he held till the time of his death, which occurred July 14. 1X72. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 475 

He was a man highly esteemed for his uprightness of character and just dealings with his 
fellow men. On the subject of religion he was liberal to the extreme, discountenancing all 
forms or rituals. Pie held with others of the great German freethinkers, that man should not 
be hampered by creeds, but base his opinions on the universal law of nature. 

THE ABORIGINES. 

The early settlers had found the Indians stationed at various points along the streams and 
lake shore. The tribes inhabiting this section prior to, and at the time of the settlement by 
the whites, were the Menomonees, Pottawatomies, Sacs, Chippewas and Foxes. The pioneers 
experienced little trouble from their dusky neighbors, the Indians desiring rather to add to their 
comfort than to annoy them by hostilities. This friendly and peaceable spirit manifested by the 
red men was due in a great measure to the excellent management of Solomon Juneau, who had 
then charge of the various tribes as Indian Agent of the Government. Juneau was a man much 
beloved by the early settlers of Ozaukee County, and never since the treaty of William Fenn 
has any man been held in higher veneration, or weilded more powerful influence over the 
aborigines than did Solomon Juneau over the tribes of Wisconsin. With them his word was 
law ; he was the agent of the Great Father at Washington, and by his just dealings with the 
Indians, had won for himself a place in the savage heart. The Indians remained in the county 
for several years after they had ceded their lands and the whites begun to make improvements. 
The last to linger was an old chief named Wauheka, who had made a small clearing near the 
Milwaukee River, where he lived with remnants of the various tribes. The antiquities and 
peculiar characteristics of the aborigines who inhabited this section are more fully described in 
this volume in the chapter entitled "Old Washington County." 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Ozaukee derives its name from the Indian word meaning vellow earth or clav, the soil being 
mostly of that color. The territory of Ozaukee County originally belonged to the Menom- 
onee tribe of Indians, who lived along the western shore of Lake Michigan for some time prior 
to its settlement by the whites. The pioneers of Ozaukee County were men capable of heroic 
sacrifice, and possessed of the same free spirit that filled the breasts of the pilgrim fathers. They 
came here when the land was destitute of railroads, not even a wagon thoroughfare could be 
found — nothing but an Indian trail to guide them through the dense forests. There was no 
market for their produce, travel was difficult, sickness prevalent aDd money scarce. With all 
these obstacles to overcome, these men proceeded to possess themselves of and to beautify the 
broad acres by the hand of toil, till the lands that once lay dormant, bear on their bosoms grand 
and silent witnesses of their indomitable will and patient toil. It is because the pioneers were 
workers, and represent the genius of the West, that sketches of their lives are of historical 
interest. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

Prominent among the early settlers of 1836-37 was John Weston, the first Postmaster in 
the countv, located near where the village of Thiensville now stands ; Timothy Wooden, the 
first settler of Grafton ; William Worth, the first man to donate land for public school purposes; 
Daniel Strickland, the pioneer School Commissioner ; Joseph Gardinier, who had the contract 
for cutting the Green Bay road ; Peter Turck, the first to preach the doctrine of immersion ; 
Isaac Bigelow, whose wife, Jane, gave birth to the first white child born in the county ; Ephraim 
Woodworth, who commenced to keep bachelor's hall in 1837, in a little log shanty, and has 
since erected a small frame building, where he still lives a happy bachelor, upon the quarter- 
section he then located ; Asa Jackson, the first white settler in the town of Saukville ; Thomas 
Day, an exemplary Englishman, who introduced Sunday ; and James W. Woodworth, who 
wrote a book entitled "My Path, and the Way the Lord Led Me," and was the first white man 
married in the county. He and his brother Ephraim are the two oldest settlers now living in 
the county. The earliest German settlers arrived in 1839. Adolph Zimmerman and his brother- 



470 HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

inlaw, William F. Opitz. came in the month of August of that year, and settled in the town of 
Mequon. William Voegnitz, with a company of Lutherans, came in October 31, 1839. The 
Bonniwells, an aged mother with six sons and one daughter, came into the county in 1839. 
Several of the sons had families, and the first schoolhouse was erected in their settlement within 
one year after their arrival. E. H. Jansen, Andrew Geidel and John Hansen made a clearing 
the same year. During the fall of 1839, the Freistadt Colony, under the leadership of Pastor 
Krause, aided by Capt. Von Rober, came and took up nearly all the west part of Mequon Town- 
ship, and s i established a Lutheran Evangelical Church, the first religious organization in the 

county. Frederick V. Horn settled in Mequon in 1841. He was the first Justice of the Peace, 
and built the first store. He has been identified with the county history to the present time. 
Prominent among those who came a few years later were Col. William Teal, Harvey J. Turner, 
George W. Daniels, C. E. Chamberlain, I. T. Brown, Frederick Hilgen, William Schroeder, 
G. W. Foster, Hiram King, Orman Coe, 0. A. Watrous, Hiram Johnson, William Payne and 
others, of whom sketches will be found in the history of old Washington County, in connection 
with a full description of the settlement made at Pert Washington in 1835, under the name of 
Wisconsin City. The old settlers annually meet to renew friendships and recount the trials and 
triumphs of pioneer life in Wisconsin. 

THE OLD SETTLERS' CLUB. 

The Old Settlers' Club was organized in 1873, with the following officers : President, 
William F. Opitz; Vice Presidents, A. M. Allmy and Patrick Halpin ; Secretary, Charles E. 
Chamberlain; Treasurer, J. W. Ingersoll ; Marshal, Col. C. Hornefter ; Executive Committee, 
Theodore Klieforth, William Voegnitz and John Bowe. Several interesting addresses have been 
delivered before the club by G. W. Foster, C. Coss, Eugene Turner and others. Following are 
the addresses of Eugene Turner, William F. Opitz, and a letter from James W. Woodworth. in 
which he outlines the early struggles and hardships from 1837 to 1840: 

AN IDDRSSS DELIVERED liv WILLtAM P, OPITZ, PRESIDENT OF THl'OLO si:ri I.KUs' el. nil, SKIT. '28, 1874. 

Fellow Old Settlers: We are assembled bere to-day in accordance with a resolution adopted at the meeting 
which has called die ''Old Settlers' Club of Ozaukee County" into existence. I wish thai t he dmies of Temporary 
President of this club had fallen upon t he shoulders of some one else more capable of doing justice to the station and 

ti. the occasion. I am not an offhand speaker, and hiving lately 1"<i tin- u f my right hand, I was compelled to 

dictate these tew words t ie of my sous who has put in writing some of my early recollections of the settlement of 

old Washington County, part of which is new Ozaukee County. Trusting that these gatherings of the old pioneers, 

re yet alive, iiniy prove a source of enjoyment to us all, and thai our club may become as numerous as circum- 
stances will admit, and meet as often as ii conveniently can, I will at once try to describe whom, and what I found 
upon my first arrival iii the town "I Mequon, of old Washington County, 

Ii may not I II "I I lie way lo mention here, thai in giving my personal experiences, I am relating a portion 

ol lie' early history of the first Herman Settlement in Wisconsin. 

In i he early spring of the year 1889, I concluded lo leave Germany and settle here in the United States. Our 
party consisted of myself and wife, my father and mother, and my brother-in-law, Adolf Zimmerman, and his wife, 
my sister. We arrived in Milwaukee in the summer of 1889, and found hut few of our countrymen, noi to 
exceed l alt a dozen families, in the then village of Milwaukee. We were advised by one or two of them to settle in 
Washington lonnty, and proeeded at .oiee to pro -peel 'lie count vy, which resulted in our set I lenient in the town of 

Mequon. In the same month of OUT arrival, we started from Milwaukee foi r future home, having entered 

live eighty-acre pieces at the land office, of which I took one quarter-seotion, Adolf another quarter, and my father 
the remaining eighty acres ; the whole land lay together near the Green Bay road, and east of the present stare 
-.I l.iiui- w g 

As I Let',. re -t iied, we were the tir-i Germans tlii' eame into Washington t'nunty, which was then inhabited 

chiefly by wandering tribes oi Indians, mid a lew white American settlers ; the old Densbrey plant 'he town line 

was owned by a Mr. Smith : the next settler north, on the lireen Hiiv road, was Taylor lleavilou, on the present William 
Jaeger place | the next was John Willet, of whom 1 bought an additional fractional quarter-seotion mi the Milwaukee 

River, lying im liatelyeasl of the quarter section purchased by me from Government. Willel moved half a mile fan her 

north, and William Worth, who ye oupies ii Id place, lived between myself and John Willet; old George Man- 
ley lived on n claim a little west hi T, lleavilim, and the ipiarler-seclion afterward bought by Henry Thien was 
l by one John Weston, who lived al ihe spring brook near where Mr Carby's house now stands, and who 

' thai time Postmaster of Mequon Stiver, northwest from our settlement, and lived with Peter Torek and some 

■ it the I imi ni wells. These, l believe were all the seniors of the town of Mequon in the early part of the year is 19, 

while in the whole county of Washington, but very few other settlers oould be found : they were, as near as I cm 

i Reuben Wells and Charlej Sig ;ini al the falls of t ledar ' reek, .las. Gardinier and one other settler mar 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 477 

what is now called Hamilton; Chase and old Jackson lived on the Milwaukee River at Saukville, where the mail- 
carrier put up for dinner on his way to and from Cheboygan Falls. 

Timothy Woodin and a few other bachelors were clearing land and working for some of the settlers. The set- 
tlement at Port Washington had been abandoned a year or so before our arrival. It is said that the settlers in that 
village came near starving on account of a failure of the suckers to come up Sauk Creek at the usual time, whereupon 
these enterprising speculators left the place in utter disgust, and did not return until 1843-44. I believe that the 
only settler west of Range 21 in the old county of Washington was Capt. Levi Ostrander, who resided near Menom- 
onee Falls in Germantown. 

To relate to you here all our mistakes and disappointments, our joys anl sorrows of a first settlement, would 
lead too far and would occupy too much time at present. 1 hope that I shall hereafter have occasion to relate to you 
many incidents that will amuse you. Better, far better in many respects, would our family have fared if we had 
settled nearer Milwaukee, where we could have the choice of the very best laud for only $2.50 per acre. This was 
the so called "canal land," but rather than give that price, we were advised to travel ten miles through a wilderness 
without any roads, to the "cheap lands" of SI. 25 per acre. This shows what estimate the old German sealers of 
the village of Milwaukee had of the future growth of their place. We had ample means to purchase a whole section 
of the canal lands near the present limits of the city and enough money left for the fir-t improvement. 

A great help to us all in this "wooden" country proved my brother-in-law, Adolf, who was a universal 
genius with all kinds of tools with which to construct, not only the temporary log houses, but also tables, bedsteads, 
benches, chairs, and all other fixtures in and about the house and sheds. 

Immigration, especially among the Germans, came now rapidly into the county since we had made the begin- 
ning. In the same year, the Altenburg settlement west of us, under the leadership of Andrew Geidel, was made. 
Ed Jalpen, H. Haypen and John Thomson, jolly old bachelors, purchased and settled opposite William Worth's, on 
the Milwaukee River, but by far the greatest number arriving in any one body in that year were the congregation 
of Old Lutherans, under the leadership of their Pastor (Krause), assisted by Capt. Von Rober and his lieutenant, 
William Voegnitz, who took up nearly the whole of the western part of the town of Mequon 

This hasty and imperfect sketch will close the history of the settlements in the year 1839, and I do not propose 
for the present to go farther back and to trespass on your time. 

We all have now arrived at the age when we may safely say that we no longer look with an ardent hope into 
the future. This is the exclusive enjoyment of youth. When we were young we looked to the future, but now our 
lives are all made up in the recollections of the past, and in this is the very charm at our gatherings, to relate to each 
other and to the listening young generation, our enjoyments as well as our hardships and adventures in first settling 
this part of the country. May you all live long to enjoy future meetings of this club and this mutual story-telling. 
Too many old settlers have left us already for, it is hoped, a better world, where no chopping and clearing away of 
trees, or getting stuck in the mud with ox-teams ought to be our lot, for we had plenty of it here below. 

HOW THEY LIVED IN THOSE DAYS LETTER FROM JAMES W. WOODWORTH. 

My father and I landed from a steamboat at the little village of Milwaukee on the 16th day of June, 1837, 
and on the following day struck into the dense forest on an Indian trail in a northerly direction in search of Isaac 
Bigelow and Daniel Strickland, who had moved in the winter before, and had made, each of them, a claim of land. 
We followed the trail some fourteen or fifteen miles, calling at two shanties on our way, the only ones that, we saw for 
the whole distance. These were occupied by Americans, the first by three sturdy looking men, viz., Taylor Haver- 
lin, Hanspiker and John Western. John Western told us all he knew, appealing to Hauspiker if he was correct 
about the distance to Bigelow's. The next shanty was on the left of the trail, between Mequon and Thiensville, occu- 
pied by an easy, good sort of a man by the name of Isham Day, who had a wife and family. Mrs. Day being a niece 
of our friend Bigelow, we got good instructions at this place, and two miles north of this, on the right ot the trail, 
we were to find a tree blazed, and writing showing the course and distance from there to Isaac Bigelow's. We found 
the tree providentially, with just eoough daylight left to read the writing, which was: "One and one-third mile to 
I. Bigelow's, east by the river." This was a hlind trail, but we felt it out with our feet, and made our way through 
before it wa9 entirely dark. My brother did not fare so well, as he had to lay out in the woods the night before, 
crawling out on a tree which leaned over Cedar Creek to escape the wolves, and the next day, hearing a dog bark, he 
found Daniel Strickland's, but before they were up, and calling out was answered by D. Strickland, "Who's 
there'"' "A friend." was the response. The old soldier and sailor then got up and opened the door, and knew 
him, and welcomed him in. These two families, viz., Daniel Strickland's and Isaac Bigelow's, were the first settlers 
by the river along here, Isaac Bigelow on Section 12, Town 9, and Daniel Strickland on Section 36, Town 10. These, 
with ourselves and some others who deserve a record here endured hardships. Strickland, to begin with, was 
burned out the first winter and all his effects consumed. He got some assistance in his trouble from others who were 
more fortunate, yet it was hard scratching, but they lived through it all by God's help. Grubbing away among the 
stumps and raising a little corn, they burned a hole in the end of a stump for. a mortar, got a stone from the lake 
shore, pounded up their corn into a sort of meal, and made cakes and pudding, and thus got along for a while until 
better times. On the 19th day of June, 1837, my brother and I each took up a claim of land, and, on the 21st of 
June, we went down on the Milwaukee River in a scow-boat to get some provisions and our chest ; returned on tne 
23d of same month. Our father stayed with ns until the 18th of July, and then started on his way to Nova Scotia. 
As for myself, I made a small opening by the river, and got in a half bushel of winter wheat. 1 shantied alone 
through i lie winter, and in the spring obtained an helpmeet for me — a friend in need and a friend indeed — a good 
and wise councilor — a favor from the Lord. We were married on the 1st day of March, 1838, and, I think, ours was 
the first marriage solemnized in this county. Francis Drake's, 1 think, was the next. He married a young lad* wlm 
came, I think, with Mr. Graves' family and lived at Port Washington. The first male child horn in the town of Me- 



478 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND O/ATKEE COUNTIES. 



quon, I think, was Gideon Bigelow ; the second. I think, was Watson P. Woodworth. The first female child whs 
Abigail Strickland, Town 10. Isaac Fellows had a son born, pretty near the first in the town of Mequon. 

In the summer of 1838, my good wife and I reaped our first crop of wheat with case-knives, and in the fall I 
borrowed an us and light wagon of my friend Bigelow, and set out for Kilbuurntown, in Milwaukee, where they had 
already started a mill. I arrived there near night, and was sent on to look for " Hart's Mill," on the Menominee, 
about six miles from the first, but did not get there until the next morning. 1 found lodgings on the way in a 
deserted ]o<r cabin, with the ox laying in the center and myself curled up in a corner. This, 1 think, was in Novem- 
ber, and there was a little snow on the ground. I reached the mill pretty early in the morning. Mr. Hart told me 
they would grind my wheat, but could not bolt it. and took the job on those conditions, for I felt glad to get it 
ground even in that way. I got back, I think, some time during the night of that day. This was probably the first 
grist of wheat taken to mill from this town. The next year my brother and I bought a pair "f oxen in partnership 
and 1 had another job of going to mill, taking some grain for my neighbor Strickland, as well as for myself. Follow- 
ing the section line two miles west of my house. I made my way again to Hart s Mill, and from there to Waukesha, 
where I got my grist ground, and got home, I think, on the third day. 

In the year 1838, I'eter Turck had got up hie saw-mill, and, in the spring of 1889, he brought me a load of 
lumber for the roof of my log house, and aftorward some flooring — this in payment for work. We had as yet no road 
cut out, hut wound our way through the woods — on the line where Mr. Strickland and I and Stephen Loonier had 
hacked out a few saplings, and chopped out some logs, so that a team could get along. 1 think this was the same 
year that John Western, and Timothy Wooden, anil Mr. Graves, took the job of chopping out the Green Bay road, 
felling the heavy trees, and rolling them out with stout ox teams along this section of the country as far as Port 
Washington. 

Reuben Wells was the next after I'eter Turck to get a saw-mill running in this country, anil he has the honor 
of grinding the first grain in this county, to the best of my knowledge. Mr. Thien built the first regular tlouring- 
mill in this town ; Messrs. Ililegen & Scroder the first in Town 10. Cedarburg. , 

The firBl election ever held in this county was in the tall of 1*37. in Port Washington, either at the house ol 
Mr. Harrison or Mr. Graves. I think. I attended this meeting, and was there elected one of tin- Judges. Mr. 
Graves was another A few Justices were elected at this meeting, and their names sent in to Gov. Doty for bis sanc- 
tion and appointment. I got my commission from the Governor soon after, but not being yet naturalized 1 did not 
act, though soiiic did act who were in the same condition, and, by a special act of the Legislature, their actions were 
legalized. I also received a note from Mr. Blossom, of Milwaukee, saying that I was authorized to act in t lie capacity 
of Judge of Elections until another was appointed in my place, but I did not use this authority either. 

Quite a few Americans and Irish began to settle in 1838-30, but part of them became sick of so much toil and 
hardship, and having no money left, embraced the first opportunity, when the Germans ciinic in 1840, to sell nit 
choice farms with the improvements they had made on them, for a mere trifle, and either left the country entirely. 
or took new farms in some other part of the State. Others, with more grit and endurance, stuck to it as it began to 
look brighter in 1841-42; but those coining in after this lime found provisions raised by the hard toil of the first 
settlers, which could then be bought for almost nothing, as these old pioneers were greatly in need of money. In the 
year 1845, I hauled nice Bpring wheat to Milwaukee, and sold it there for 4n cents per bushel, and yet those moving 
in to the conntry at that time, think they breasted all difficulty, but it was not so. tor they found plenty of pro- 
visions, and tolerably f I roads into the town, and it was not often that their wagons would get stuck in a mud hole, 

and the team flounce and Btruggle lor a half hour or so before they could he got out, and sometimes get broken down 
ten or twelve miles from home compelled to leave all until the next day, ami then procure help and return for the 
broken wagon and its load. This was just my fix once. John Western lent me his oxen to put with mine, and with 
both pain we brought home the broken curt and my grist of Hour The cart 1 had already borrowed of him t 
mill with, and as he said two bushels of onions would satisfy him for getting it mended. I gave ihem to him with 

many thanks for hi" kindness. Mr. Western was a rough man, but had many g 1 qualities. He ha- long ago gone 

and of alt il Id pioneers who settled iii this county in 1*37, I know of none still living in the oounty, except my 

brother Epbraim W I worth, and myself ; and how soon it will be said of us. " They are gone," God only knoweth, 

Stephen Loomer. who was here in 183b. is gone: but his widow still lives, also three sons and two daughters. I have 
the same number still living, viz.. three sons and two daughters, all there are. this side of the grave, of eleven chil- 
dren whom God graciously gave us and the mother of nine of t hese is gone : but in\ faith tells me 1 shall meet them 
in a brighter world, where we shall see no more sorrow, and endure no more pain, bin our happiness will be un- 
mijed with the evils thai beset lie lute. 

In this faith of the world's Redeemer. I live. In this faith I hope to die 

Please, gentleman, make n note of this, and much oblige an old settler ot the county of Ozaukee. Wis. 

Fours very truly, and respectfully, James w Woodwobth, 






liDiytESS I'.KI'UKK TIIK OLD SETTI.KKS rill:. 

The following address was delivered before the Old Settlers' Club by Hon. Iv S. Turner, 
in Port Washington, September 14, 1880: 

PlOKl i it- . \- the I iidiau race which preceded u> l.ec une educated from one generation to another to a degree 
that would satisfy their vain ambitions, small necessities and great Belflshness, and minister to then- brutality : that 

would increase their ounning and endurance in the ohase and in the conflict, and as they became further along in 
their generations educated to the necessities of maintaining tribal relations and anions for mutual protection and 

for perpetuity, so the while ~ur jor of the Indian race upon this fair bind, studded with cities, and villages, and 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 479 

farms, evinces the greatest advances in invention, in civilized and enlightened progress, for any age that has pre- 
ceded it: they have been reared and educated by progenitors of the most varied thoughts and convictions, of the 
most varied 1 inguages, methods and social relations, so when planting themselves on this new soil they exhibited to 
the world and to each other such determination urging them upward and forward, that they have been able to suc- 
ceed in confronting every necessity with will, energy and success. It is fitting, indeed, that that spirit which 
prompted them to leave easier and less toilsome lives, among settled youthful friendships, and embark in the uncer- 
tain hazards of the pioneer, should be as it is, surmounted and crowned by the love of liberty, freedom and pro- 
gress for themselves and their children, for they have readily assimilated to the more correct thoughts and methods 
of each other, and come to the strongest bulwarks of the State and Government. 

And although this is a home picture, our sympathies and our knowledge will not allow us to view it as too 
highly colored or overwrought. 

Far more of that generation have left us than remain. Those who remain are, with rapidity, as time passes, 
dropping out by the way. Time is inexorable, and it brings tne present generation well along to middle life, and 
but a short space of time will be passed before we lew survivers in old age shall see them commence the hesitating 
downward line of march. 

We are too apt, without reflection, to credit a generation with the full accomplishment in any item of improve- 
ment, or any general progress to which it has advanced. This is all wroni:. Could the Indian or African invent, 
utilize and use the steam power, the telegraph, telephone, electric light, harvester or sewing-machine? Never! 
Could he create and use the bow and arrow, the trap or the hatchet? Yes. And why the difference? Because his 
education had only been brought to that point ; his surroundings comprehended nothing further; it satisfied his 
necessities from yeir to year. And as nothing more ennobling, more Godlike, more happifying pushed aside the 
cloudy atmosphere surrounding the mind, letting in the clear light of advancement, he was content with satisfying, 
and the means to satisfy his rude necessities. 

»e may well pause and look around us in every direction. Yes, away out upon those inland seas, anil see our 
land and our water courses covered literally, and alive with the accumulations of industry, and materialized, prud- 
ent and wise thought, devoted to the mind cravings, the comfort and happiness of man and womankind. And 
when we do so, we are led emphatically to apostrophize: "Verily, peace hath her victories not less renowned than 
war." 

But what has wrought these rapid changes in the panorama? Who has produced these wonderful results? 

They flow from the hands of the preceding and present generations. But did they produce them? No! Let 
us give the credit to whom it belongs; let us divide this matter of propitious and favorable results upon the people 
of the present day, with all the accumulated blessings, among those who have done the work ; those who have 
earned their title to the property, and hand them over to the faithful keeping of those who can now use them, that 
they may ke-'p them bright and improve upon them, and make themselves and others happy in their use. Let it be 
enjoined upon them that they shall not let them rust; that they shall not lorget the cunning which produced ihem. 
Let us be just and admit that our ancestors knew something as well as ourselves. Let us understand that but for 
the knowledge derived from them, as the result of their prolonged thought, privations and struggles, we would now 
be compelled to pass through what they did, and very doubtful if as favorably, certainly not more so, if environed 
with their surroundings. 

We will not then be silent when the virtues and merits of ancestry are, if not directly condemned, at least 
overlooked. 

Kilty-five years ago the father of the speaker occupied twenty-five days continuous travel by public conveyance 
in going from Oswego to Washington, besides several weeks at the latter place in procuring a patent for an invention 
for his father. 

How few indeed would be the improvements for the advantage of the people of to-day. if such tasks, trials and 
expense sti.od in the doorway to them ? No production of utility, and considered indispensable to us, no matter how 
simple, apparently, but has been brought forth through darkness, clouds, obstructions, delays, heartaches, failures, 
and in more cases than we are apt to imagine, the martyrdom of hosts of devoted, honest, meritorious men and their 
families. Yes, even to their death, the numbers are great, who have worked to conquer; to break the crust that 
enwrapped the jewels they sought ; to open the door that would let in the light; that light which we now have and 
enjoy as freely as the air. we breathe, and with as little consideration that it required prolonged and painful human 
struggles to produce the first faint glimpses of the same. For, be it known, that tLere are none so wise as those who 
are wise in their own conceit. Of such, the great mass of mankind has ever been, and ever will be composed. They 
ever have, and ever will, laugh at innovations or anything aggressive upon established methods, and hinder and 
obstruct them until rays of light flash across the vision, forcing them to yield a tardy compliance with flinty and 
unyielding truths. 

And. when we uprear just, speaking and lasting monuments as grand mementoes, and applaud ancestral effort, 
we desire to make no distinction in themes or subjects, for all subjects, theological, ethical, philosophical, mechanical, 
agricultural, political or legal, have yielded their crudeness to their well-directed labor, until they begin to assume 
the resemblance typically of " apples of gold in pictures of silver." 

If, then, we are disabused of our conceit, and realize that we are not the wonderful builders of this age of won- 
ders solely ; that what we have was not born in or with us, but rather to a greater degree than pleasantly accords 
with our natures: understand, that we have received what we have and are, mostly by inheritance, and that ii iH 
appropriated by the people of t >-day without thanks or compensation therefor ; then it follows, as a logical conclusion, 
that the debt of the living present is not with them, hut to those who now only live by acts and deeds finished and 
past, but who have pioneered the various fields and subjects, and prepared the same for our improvements and 
enjoyment, occupation and use. The present and succeeding generations will ever have an undischarged obligation 
to those which preceded. Slightly different are we now than we would endeavor to lead people to suppose. Instead 



480 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

of being creditors, we are of the debtor class, and scheduled as such. Most people that arc in debt want in get out ; 
it is the burl hen of their anxiety day and night ; they want to get out and be placed on the list of creditors : it_lroubles 
them worse than a broken leg; a complicated and uncertain law-suit, or a nightmare. 

They need not be over-anxious : they will get out if they will only take things cool and easy, and not shoot or 
cut themselves out. They get out really much taster than they want to ; they'll have a great many good intentions, 
and much unfinished work, which they think can't be carried out or completed by others; but they must leave it 
when they have got out of the list of debtors; they are at once transferred to the list of creditors : their debts are all 
discharged ; they have finished their work, and they and their work have created its debt upon the living. We all 
hope that the credit to us shall be of no meiger proportions ; but that the page shall be emblazoned all across the top 
of it, " The world hat been better, for your having lived in it." 

Such are the pioneer characters, whom we regard with veneration, and delight in bringing back to memory ; 
an 1 such are the characters we hope to possess while here, and to leave as the heritage to those who live, or who 
may come after us. 

It is such that we have assembled to-day to remember and venerate; to speak of by incidents, as if they still 
moved among us to call up before us their features, their words, their daily life, and to ask ourselves to answer 
truthfully, are we as good as they were? We, to-day, cast a parting Bigh and tear in memory of those whom we well 
knew, and often met in public and social life, but who have been more recently called from our society. It seems 
to day that they are with us; so fresh is our remembrance of them among us that (hey yet add to our temporal and 
spiritual enjoyment : that they yet prompt us to come forward at frequent periods, and pour out our voluntary tributes 
of love and esteem for ourselves and for those who had preceded them, with character and example worthy of their 
and our encomiums, and to be held up as examples to us. 

And. am 1 right then, when I assert that the good ones of the past yet live with us. and with those who are 
rising to take our places? That in, and with us. and with ours, their history repeats itself; that with the future 
active, living, struggling people, their history will be repeated through us with the additions we have tntde? And 
what shall these additions be? If that man is a benefactor of his fellow, who causes one extra blade of grass to grow, 
so is the man or woman, who, in making ud her addition of items of personal history, adds one temporary or perma- 
nent item to the genera] weal, that lifts one ounce from the enchained, the oppressed, the weak, the needy, or sup- 
plants one particle of misery with hope and cheerfulness. 

Let it be understood, however, that we are not. and do not intend to be of any narrow, carping class, win, 
are always seeing the superlative blessings of an existence in some other place, and thai superlative meanness, 
jealousies, recklessness, selfishness and misery have only an abiding place righl above Ul : hnl that right here with 
our present associations and surroundings, if not the most matured and advanced in the progressive elements, we 
v.i have a community and locality blessed with all the material needed by the perfect builder. Thai ii lias been 
and yet is our heritage; that it is, if good or bad, what we have made it, that it will be what we shall impress upon 
it, and thai with all the materials at hand, it is with us to say if it shall or shall not be abreast of, if nol in advance 
of others. 

Although our thoughts have been directed largely to the commendation of those who have finished their earthly 
work, yet we are not of that class who believe that with them all that is good in mind or habit, past, present and io 
come, has departed. We fully believe that year by year mankind grow- wiser and better. Mankind has appeared 
to lapse in different periods into less refinement and intelligence, but the germ once produced still lives. Since pre- 
historic times the race has advanced us atfectcd by different processes and reasons, and by localities favorable or 
unfavorable, in intelligence and dominion. It must be conceded thai in wisdom and humanity we are far in advance 
of those :il the dawning of the I 'hrislian era, and the s-une in the matter of tolerating opinions. That the general- 
ship of Titus, Alexander. Hannibal, and even of Napoleon, would not answer for the present improved methods : , n I 
conditions of carrying 0D war. although elements of greatness and mastery then, would Contribute largely to great- 
ness and mastery now. And it would be impossible al this day to stir with seal and devotion any considerable por- 
tion of the inabitants of Western Europe to a crusade for the Holy Sepulcher. 

Ilei s and heroines, patriots, martyrs, pools, authors, inventors, philosophers, benefactors, are to the modern 

mind the canonized saints of formerdays and former histories, and are sought for and mourned for to-day. Others 
ot our day have been and will be equal in all the saintly attributes, and stand forth the her IBS and heroines of the 
histories of their times. They will stand immortal upon just as high i pedestal, and be entitled to just as high 
seats as important service. 

I spe ik this for the satisfaction of ourselves and in justification of posterity, to tear away the veil which mysti- 
fies or excludes the present, and to open wide the doors which shall lighten up into a bright reality die vision ot' 
the past. The hi-iory of our day will be just as important to mankind, andjusl as import mi to posterity ami gen- 
erations yel unborn, a- any which has preceded it. 

It is not proper for me on this occasion to present the history of ourselves, it might be even more partial than 
just. I be prominent incidents and occurrences will be undoubtedly gathered up and discussed with more or leee 
fairness in the future. It is for us then to so order and elevate our lives, our thoughts, and efforts, either 
a- in lividuals, families, organizations, social, religions, moral or poetical, thai we may vie with any of our pioneer 

anoestors, along back through the ages md generations passed away, and be,- pi illy entitled with them to praise 

and commendation, and 1 nrobed with saintly attributes by the general ion- v < • t lo come. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



481 



birth 



Following are the names recjrded in the old settlers' roster, with time of settlement and 



Year of 

Settlement. 



NAMES. 

Leopold Egliart 1849 

Conrad Horneffer* 1 SS4<> 

William Vogenitz 1839 

Theodore Kliefoth 1854 

C. E. Chamberlin 1843 

Johnson W. Ingersoll* 1847 

Fred W. Horn 1841 

Alex. M. Ailing 1852 

William F. Opitz 1839 

Dr. Theodore Harting 1847 

Hugo Boclo 1846 

J. A. Schtelz* 1849 

Ed H. Janssen* 1840 

Anthony Ahlhauser 184") 

Andreas Bodendorfer 1847 

Adolph Heidkamp* 1854 

William A. Pors 1849 

John Gengler 1846 

Joseph Malherbe 1854 

John C. Schroeltng 1853 

OharlesC. Meyer 1843 

J. Briggs Ingersoll* 1847 

Adolph Zimmerman 1839 

John C. Corrigan 1853 

Shepherd E. Moore 1844 

Patrick Halpin 1843 

Rufus Godfrey 1847 

Ernst Hilgen 1847 

August Meyer 1847 

Eugene S. Turner 1846 

Ulrieh Landolt 1848 

George C Daniels* 1844 

Peter Spehn 1845 

George W. Foster 1845 

Hervey L Coe 1844 

John Neuens 18i2 

John Delles 1846 

John J. Race 1846 

John R. Bohan 1846 

William Boxhorn* 1846 

Anthony Bell 1847 

Hugh McElroy 1842 



Tear of 
Birth. 

1824 
1 s l ;, 
1820 
1813 
1818 
1818 
1815 
1807 
1816 
1820 
1827 
1828 
1815 
1827 
1828 
1821 
1S27 
1846 
1846 
1816 
1827 
1816 
1814 
1824 
1827 
1813 
1820 
l*:;i 
1840 
1824 
1822 
1800 
1815 
1817 
1836 
1831 
1817 
1840 
1824 
1819 
1824 
1812 



Year of Year of 

NAMES. Settlement. Birth. 

Nicholas Wat ry 184- 1812 

Nicholas Langers 1846 18H 

Norman S. Turner 1852 1829 

Nicholas Straus 1847 

Fred C. Race 1846 18;, li 

Orman Coe* 1846 1799 

John Mueller 1846 1829 

Michael G. Ruppert 1849 1848 

Charles F. Corley 1850 1836 

Edward O'Neile ls:,4 1826 

Lyman Morgan 1847 1S14 

Boltward Patch 1847 1819 

Nicholas Blinier 1851 1815 

William H. Landelt 1848 1844 

Joseph Albrecht 1855 1831 

Fred Stenerwald* 1846 1838 

La Fayette Towsley 1847 1824 

Niels Jacobson 1854 1820 

William Carbys 1855 1826 

Charles Ferge 1855 1826 

Theobold Rulby 1854 1830 

Ed R. Blake 1848 1814 

James W. Vail 1848 1826 

August Hodan 1845 1842 

Julius W. Sizer 1846 1823 

Charles Beger* 1846 1822 

John B. Petter 1854 1825 

Gottlieb Haas 1846 1825 

H. W. Uiemenschneider 1848 1832 

Wilson F. Stewart 1816 

Giles B. Possen 1833 

John Simon 1842 1819 

Andrew Kreutzer 1840 1836 

Mrs. John M. Bostwick 1848 1*42 

Henry B. Schwin 1845 1844 

Mrs. O. P. Melin 1S47 1888 

William Beger 1846 1820 

August Koeuig 1854 1828 

John P. Weyker 1845 1886 

Bartholomew Harrington 1843 1829 

Henry Peterman 1863 1833 



Of Col. William Teall, one of the first settlers and founders of Port Washington Village, 
and a stanch friend of the county as long as he lived, a biographer gave the following sketch at 
the time of his death. 

" The late Col. William Teall, who died so suddenly at his residence in Port Washington, 
on Friday, February 7, 1873, was a man possessed of many of those peculiar characteristics, 
which, among the mass, individualize one from the others of their species. When such leave 
their place in society, a gap is created not readily filled. His father, Joseph Teall, was a soldier 
of the Revolution, entering the army from Connecticut at fourteen years of age and serving 
faithfully for seven years, until the close of the war, and was the first man of the colonial troops 
that set foot in New York City when it was evacuated by the British. Col. Teall was the fourth 
son, born at Fairfield, Herkimer County, in the State of New York, on the paternal homestead, 
May 11, 1797. A portion of that homestead was soon after donated to the Fairfield Medical 
College, the first institution of the kind west of Poultney, Vt., and which has helped give to 
the world such names as Willoughby, Boardman, Brainard, Delamater, and a host of other shin- 
ing lights in the medical profession. These incidents are mentioned to show the early associa- 

* Names marked thus are deceased. 



482 HISTORY OP WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

tion. patriotic training and discipline through which the subject of this article passed, and which 
had so marked an effect upon his life. At seventeen years of age he taught a school at Erie, 
Penn., a place then of less than one thousand inhabitants. There he remained over a year, 
ami returning to Fairfield pursued his studies and labored upon the farm for a time, but a grow- 
ing impatience for a more extended field of enterprise found him, at the age of twenty-one, with 
extensive contracts for surveying into farms a large portion of unsettled country in the northern 
part of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where he soon married Rhoda, daughter of Capt. Robert 
Conant, of the Federal army of 1812, and engaged in the mercantile business, in which he con- 
tinued until he was thirty-six years of age, most of that time occupying responsible official posi- 
tions with such men as Silas Wright, Preston King, Judge Fine, R. H. Gillett, and others. 
Mrs. Harvey G. Turner, a daughter of Col. Teall, and the wife of the pioneer lawyer of Wash- 
ington and Ozaukee Counties, Harvey G. Turner, now living in Manitowoc City, has still in 
her possession a letter received by her father from Mr. R. II. Gillett, while that gentleman was 
Solicitor of the United States Treasury, in which he says to Col. Teall : 

■ Command me ; I am at your service in this ami all other enterprises which you would be likely to suggest. I 
cannot forget but for your penetration and friendship again-t the other two examining School Trustees in our pioneer 
St. Lawrence life, that 1 should not have got a certificate to teach a country district school; that instead of 

occupying the position of Member of Congress, Solicitor of the Treasury, etc., I might yet have had mj :ix i iv 

shoulder, as then, seeking a contract to cut cord w 1 ." 

" In 1833, he became the pioneer merchant and forwarder of Michigan City, which, it was 
thought, would become the most important point on Lake Michigan. The first store and (In- 
first warehouse at that place was built by him, and mainly through his efforts was secured the 
first appropriation for a harbor there. Tn 1838, when Daniel Webster made his northern tour. 
preliminary to becoming the Presidential candidate of the Whig party. Col. Teall induced him 
to extend his trip to Michigan City, where he met the principal men of Northern Indiana and 
Illinois, and upon which occasion the Colonel made the reception speech. While in Michigan 
City, he started, and for many years ran the pioneer stage line from Detroit to Chicago, of Teall, 
Sprague & Co., yet well remembered by the few early settlers of Milwaukee and Chicago. Also. 
during that time, in connection with such men as Beaubien, Hubbard. Kin/ie, Doty and others, 
he became largely interested in real estate transactions in Michigan City, Chicago, Milwaukee 
and Port Washington, and, in consequence of an investment in 1835, by Gov. Doty, himself and 

others, they for many years clait 1. and endeavored to enforce an adverse title in the whole of 

the Walker's Point property, which had been subsequently declared by Government in the late 
Col. George II. Walker. 

" Col. Teall was alike one of the pioneers in steamboating upon Lake Michigan, bavin-, in 
L838, advanced the money and become part owner and purchaser of the steamboat Detroit, 
which thereupon became the first steamer hailing from Milwaukee and Michigan City, and was 
commanded by Capt. John Crawford, still living in the town of Wauwatosa In 1843, Col. 
Teall, after meeting with some reverses financially, removed to Port Washington with his family, 
being the first settler to re-occupy any of the houses that had been erected by the founders of 
Wisconsin City in 1835. A few settlers had gathered in the south part of the county, such as 
Col. P>. II. Movers, I'. M. Johnson, Timothy Woodin, William V. Opitz, A 1 1 ■ > 1 ] > 1 1 Zimmerman, 
William T. Bonniwell and Fred W. Horn, with whom friendly communications were established, 
roads laid nut and neighborhoods united, resulting in 1S47, in the removal of the county seat 
from Grafton to Port Washington, principally through his efforts. It was the pleasure of his 
latter days to Baj that he believed his work to be about finished, to refer with pride to the advance 
in Ozaukee County, from the period when he landed off' the small vessel from Milwaukee upon 
the beach of Port Washington ; and he would rehearse, with great satisfaction the incidents con- 
nected with the location of the county seat, the building of the court house and other county 
buildings, and their improvement, and then the railroads, in all which enterprises his brain and 
work were plainly visible. And, as if to finish a career with the same general characteristics 
that he had manifested through life, within a half hour of his death — and of course without 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 483 

any premonition thereof — he contributed liberally, as a voluntary donation, to encourage manu- 
facturing at this point. 

" Col. Teall was a man of extensive reading and information, and possessed of a remarkably 
retentive memory. He was a stanch supporter of Government measures during the war, and an 
unfaltering advocate of Republicanism under all circumstances. Col. Teall left a wife and 
three daughters — Mrs. Harvey G. Turner, Mrs Watrous and Mrs. Goit, and a son, with their 
descendants, and it may also be truly said, a large circle of friends, who had learned to appre- 
ciate the untiring efforts he had put forth for the good of the community and the advancement 
of the county, in all those branches which tend to the elevation of mankind." 

EARLY SURVEYORS. 

J. T. Brown came to the county at an early day from Baltimore, Md. But little is known 
of his early history. He died a few years since in indigent circumstances. 

T. W. Maxon came to the county in 1843; located first at Mequon, and finally settled in 
the town of Polk, where he now resides, having long since retired from the business. 

F. E. Toennisson located at Mequon in 1843-44, and continued in active service for a num- 
ber of years, until age and the infirmities consequent to exposure, forced him to retire from busi- 
ness. He was County Surveyor from 1851 to 1854. He has been engaged in teaching for a 
number of years, and now resides at Mequon. 

In 1845-47, G. W. and Jacob T. Foster. Col. Teall and L. Towsley, located at Port Wash- 
ington. All were actively engaged in the business for three or four years. Col. Teall and G. 
W. Foster retired from business. J. T. Foster soon after left the county. 

E. F. Hertzlerg located at Cedarburg in 1845, and was actively engaged in the business for 
a number of years, when he retired, and with Fratny founded the Volksfreund of Milwaukee. 

H. L. Coe is still in the business. He was County Surveyor in 1862, 1875 and 1876. 

M. Andier was County Surveyor from 1855 to 1859. 

P. Malherbe in 1859 and 1860. 

J. M. Smith in 1861. 

L. Towsley, the present incumbent, has held the office (with the exception of one term) 
since 1863. 

Among the work performed by the early Surveyors we find, that in 1848, J. T. Brown 
surveyed the village of Cedarburg. 

In 1847, E. F. Hersberg surveyed the village of Grafton, northwest addition to the village 
of Port Washington. 

Edward H. Jansen located first at Mequon, and afterward at Cedarburg. He was more or 
less engaged in surveying until his death. 

THE GENTLEMEN PIONEERS. 

In the year 1849, a half dozen of young foreigners, composed of Austrians and Germans 
just fresh from academic achievements, took passage on one of the Germania sailing vessels for 
America. As is generally the case with passengers on board one of the great Atlantic vessels, 
they formed in groups as their likes and dislikes might dictate. The social knots being amicably 
arranged, an interchanging of cards followed, when it was discovered that the sextet was com- 
posed of the following-named gentlemen : William A. Pors, Adolph Jacobson, Herman Schlue- 
ter, Hans Balatka, Frederick Bude and Leopold Eghart. From mere social intercourse there 
soon sprang up a warm attachment for each other which ripened into friendship. After relating 
past experiences and schoolboy adventures, the conversation turned on the new country for 
which they were bound, of how fortunes were made in a day, farms were to be had for a mere 
trifle, etc. Accordingly, grand projects were planned and discussed, broad acres were cleared, 
elegant mansions erected. The ease and luxury that were to follow the possession of these fine 
estates were all glowing pictures for the imagination. It was soon agreed upon that the little 
party should, after vowing eternal friendship, immediately on their arrival in New York proceed 



484 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

to what was then called " the far West," either to Illinois or Wisconsin, and at once adopt the 
pioneer life by purchasing and entering land. The plan was carried out, the compact kept. The 
East and large cities were given a hasty go-by, and it was not until they reached Milwaukee that 
the little band of would-be pioneers stopped to look about them. Of course, they expected to go 
through one or two years of privation, but that was so small a sacrifice, when compared with 
the grand estates that were soon to follow. They would become farmers on a broad scale. They 
felt that upon their shoulders rested the responsibility of revolutionizing the entire West in the 
matter of farming. With them to think was to act. There enthusiasm knew no bounds. After 
making inquiry as to different localities, the place fixed upon was the town of Farraington, 
Washington County. Here they purchased 360 acres of land from ' Charles W. Detuering 
divided it off into equal sections, and the work of subduing the forests was commenced. 

Hans Balatka had broken the bonds of bachelorhood by linking his fortunes with a brave 
little German lady, who relieved the monotony by cheerfully administering to their wants and 
preparing their meals. A rude dwelling house was erected out of logs and rough slabs, with a 
private apartment set off for Balatka and his wife. The amateur carpenters had failed in joining 
their timbers to make a perfect job, and the result was that they were considerably vexed during 
rainy weather, especially Balatka, who was compelled on more than one occasion to sit up in bed 
and hold an umbrella over himself and wife. These hardships soon put a damper on their great 
desire to become the owners of vast estates and their enthusiasm began to wane. At the end of 
two months their landed possessions were abandoned by all except Adolph Jacobson, who braved 
it out, and is now a well-to-do farmer. Frederick Bude returned to the old country, where, 
after meeting with reverses of fortune, he committed suicide. Herman Schlueter moved to Chi- 
cago, where lie amassed considerable property, which was swept away by the great firt of 1871. 
William A. Pors adopted the profession of law, and soon afterward became an active worker in 
the political affairs of Ozaukee County. He has one of the finest residences in the village of 
Port Washington, built on an elevation of some eighty feet, commanding an excellent view of 
the lake and surrounding country. He at present holds the office of District Attorney. Leo- 
pold Eghart also become identified with the county history, and now holds the office of County 
Judge. He also lives in the village of Port Washington. Hans Balatka located in Milwaukee, 
where he turned his attention to music. A few years later he moved to St. Louis, and from 
there to Chicago, where he has made for himself a national reputation as a leader of music. 
The following sketch of his life is taken from the Chicago Tribune, published during the great 
Musical Sangerfest of 1881, of which Balatka was the Director. No mention is therein made 
of his agricultural experience in Washington County. 

HANK BALATKA. 
Hans Balatka, the Director of the festival, was born March 5, 1826, at llolfnungsihal. near Olmtitz, in Moravia 
Mis parents pave him instruction upon the piano and violin and in singing. In his twelfth yesr lie wenl to the 
Gymnasium, or tower college of Olniutz, where his tine alto voiee and rciiinkiUe foully of reading music at sight 
seemed for him the p' i- it i< -n of alto singer in the cathedral. About tins time he commenced the study of harmony 
and composition with Kitter von Dietrich, and in his sixteenth year added the violincello to his other instruments. 
In his eighteenth year, having already entered the university, he was unanimously elected Conductor of the Aoa- 
1 -I Mu-ieal Society, which position in- held for two years, giving eaoh Beason a regular serif- of concerts with 

marked success. To Complete his studies ho removed to the university of Vienna. He continued his studios ill 
harmony with Sechter. in eomposilion with Proch, and in voice-eullure with the celebrated tlentilu 

The eventful year of 1848, which revolutionized the nationality, revolutionized individuals also. At the time 
of the outbreak of the memorable revolution. Mr. Balatka chose the United States tor his future home. He sailed 

ft Hamburg April 24, 1849, and reached New York on the 2d of the following June. Being undecided as to 

his permanent local he followed the advice of musical and literary friend- in that city, and made the Great West 

his home. At that early day Chioago presented a very uninviting field in music: hut Milwaukee possessed, in her 

large German population, elements of the highest culture ami excellent musical ability, facts which led him to locate 
in that city. Me at once- took a prominent place in musio, and soon organized the Musioal Booiety, which is, even 
at this day. one of 'he most flourishing musical organizations in America. Me also formed an excellent Quartet 

< 'lull, ami produced, during his -lay in Milwaukee, many of the hcsl works of arl in ehanihcr musio, -y mphoiiies, 
overtures, oratorios, opera- and cantatas. 

In I860, Mozart's master-work, " The Requiem," was announced for performance in Chicago, and intrusted to Mr. 

ISalatka's care. The performance was so successful that the leading mu-ical people of Chicago united in the effort 

io induce him to settle permanently in the oily. The effort was successful, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 485 

Mr. Balatka conducted the Requiem September 11, 1800, and on the 17th of the same month had charge of 
the musical exercises at the dedication of Bryan Hall, in which, for the first time in Chicago, he held the baton. 
His orchestral lahors were inaugurated with a Mozart Symphony, the Robespierre Overture, and the Grand Finale of 
Weber's " Euryanthe." On tho 9th of October the Philharmonic Society, which had led a sickly existence of ten 
years, was thoroughly recognized, and the conductorsbip was given to Mr. Balatka. For four or five years the con- 
certs were the fashionable rage, and were remarkably successful. Then their popularity began to wane, and, in 
1868, the society dissolved. In addition to the miscellaneous music, Mr. Balatka's orchestra introduced for the first 
time to the concert-goers of Chicago the following symphonies: The First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, 
Seventh and Eighth of Beethoven ; the Third of Mozart ; the Fifth and Seventh of Gade ; the B Flat of Schumann : 
the Scotch and Italian of Mendelssohn, and the Triumphal of Ulrich. During these eight years other labors occu- 
pied 'Mr. Balatka's attention. In 1861, he conducted numerous Philharmonic matinees In 1862. he brought out 
the opera of " Semiramide" and the oratorio of " Elijah." In 1863, the Musical Union produced '■ The Creation" 
and " Elijah," under his auspices ; while at the same time lie made a signal success of the chamber concerts of the 
same society. In 1864, he played the 'cello in all of Mrs. Kloss' admirable chamber concerts, conducted three per- 
formances of the "Czar and Carpenter" for the Musical Pinion, as well as their third production of "Elijah." In 
1865. he brought out Mendelssohn's " Ninty-fifth Psalm" and Rossini's " Stabat Mater," and conducted at a 
series of concerts given by Mrs Emma Gillingham Bostwick. In 1866 he took the leadership of the Germania \lanner- 
chor, and gave summer-night festivals. In 1867, his time was occupied almost exclusively with the concerts of the 
Philharmonic Society and the Mannerchor. In 1868, he conducted the great orchestra of the Sangerfest, and gave 
Chicago such music as it never had heard before; and, in the same year, commenced his symphony concerts, which 
were devoted exclusively to the production of music new to (ihicago. In 1869 he continued his symphony concerts, 
and organized ihe Chicago Oratorio Society, which brought out "The Creation," assisted by Mme. Parepa Rosa and 
Mes«rs. Nordblom and Rudolphsen. After the great fire he removed to St Louis, where he conducted the Arion des 
Westen, and thence to Milwaukee, returning to Chicago, where he has since resided, as the leader of the Germania 
Mannerchor. 

LOBBYISTS. 

During the great strife that existed between the different factions as to the division of the 
county, considerable wire-pulling was done on both sides. Representatives were sent to Madi- 
son to work among the Legislators to influence their votes lor or against the pending bill for 
dividing the county. Among those who were there to look after the interests of those opposed 
to the division were L. Towsley, of Port Washington, then Clerk of the Court, and John R. 
Bohan, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. These gentlemen undertook to do some tall lobby- 
ing, but, according to their own version of the matter, were not very successful. " We had 
made up our minds," says Towsley, " to do the thing in grand style. Accordingly, Bohan and 
myself rented a room and ordered a grand supper with the best of wines and cigars. Senators 
and Representatives from every county in the State flocked to our feast, toasted our wine, smoked 
our cigars, cracked jokes, talked politics, and to use a common expression, enjoyed themselves 
hugely at our expense. Now was the time we thought to cap the climax and secure an over- 
whelming defeat of the bill. 

" Bohan, acting upon the cue, broached the subject cautiously at first, gradually warming 
up as he came to the point. 

" ' I am sorry, gentlemen,' said a Senator, answering for the rest, when Bohan had finished 
his speech ; 'but we are already pledged to Senator Weil, from West Bend, to vote for the bill.' 

" This was a thunderbolt ; here we were out over $100 ; these fellows had feasted at our 
expense, and we had not secured a single vote." 

Mr. Bohan afterward became a member of the Legislature, and has been identified more or 
less with the history of Ozaukee County ever since, as has Mr. Towsley. It is safe to state, 
however, that neither of them ever afterward engaged in a lobbying scheme. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The organization of Ozaukee County was effected by an act of the Legislature passed March 
7, 1853, the territory prior to that time forming a portion of Washington County. At the time 
the division was consummated, the county seat of the original Washington County was located 
at Port Washington, it having been removed from the village of Grafton to that place several years 
previous. Strenuous efforts had been made by the West Bend people to have the county seat 
transferred to that place. The jealousy existing between the factions representing the different 
towns, each claiming their respective locality to be the most favored and desirable spot on which 



Hi'. HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

to erect a temple wherein justice could be properly meted out, was one of the principal causes 
leading to the division of the county. Considerable chicanery was resorted to, and occurrences 
of a kind calculated to cause ill feeling were frequent. It is evident that at the time the division 
took place, a majority of the people were bitterly opposed to it, as the county officers refused to 
give up the records until the question had been settled by the Supreme Court. In this act they 
were sustained b}' the people. Happily for all, the old grievances which then existed, and of 
which a full account is given in the history of old Washington County, have passed away. The 
following resolutions and manifesto will show the feeling of the people at the time the county 
was created : 
To iiik Electors of Washington Cointy : 

At a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors of this county, held at the village of Port Washington on the 
14th day of March, 1853, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted: 

Whkreas, An act has passed the Legislature of this State, providing for a division of this county, and the 
organizing of a new county called Ozaukee; and, whereas, the passage of said act is in opposition to the wishes of 
more than four-fifths of the citizens and tax-payers that we represent, and is believed by them to be unjust and 
unconstitutional ; therefore, 

Reao ved, That this board treat said law as unconstitutional and of no effect ; and, that we resist the provisions 
of said law. and hereby instruct the county officers of Washington County to still continue to hold their office- and 
attend to the duties of the same, as if no such law had been passed; and, that we hereby guarantee to indemnify 
such officer or officers against any damage or loss that may accrue to them in any manner in consequence of acting in 
accordance with these instructions, and in opposition to the provisions of said act. 

Resolved, That a committee of two be appointed by this board to employ James S. Brown and .1. E. Arnold as 
assisting counsel to this board and to the officers of this county ; and, that the District Attorney be hereby instructed 
to commence proceedings to have the Constitutional questions involved in said act immediately determined before the 
Supreme < 'otirt ; and, that in case said attorneys cannot be retained or employed, that the said committee be instructed 
to employ other counsel in their place. 

Resolved, That the Supervisors of the different towns in this county be each of them instructed to hold no 
election for county officers in accordance with the provisions of said act ; and, that the Sheriff of this county be 
instructed to serve no notices of elections as required by the provisions of the same. 

William Payne and La Fayette Towsley were appointed a committee to obtain counsel ; and, on motion of Mr, 
Payne, Eugene S. Turner, District Attorney, was added to the committee. 

The undersigned committee, appointed in pursuance of the foregoing resolutions, report that they have per 
formed the duty assigned to them by engaging the services of Messrs Brown and Arnold as assisting counsel ; that 
their advice is, that there are new and serious questions involved in the passage of said law ; that there are provisions 
in it contrary to the spirit and intention of the Constitution of this State. They believe further, that the course :i- 
advised and pursued by the Board of County Supervisors at their last recent special meeting, to be justifiable and 
correct; and, by pursuing the course directed in the above resolutions, the question can be speedily tested and 
determined before the Supreme Court. 

This committee would state that certain persons at and in the vicinity of West Bend, allege, with apparent 
OOnfidenoe, that a large majority of the people of Washington County are favorable to division : and, at the same lime, 
are unwilling to allow the people to express themselves at the billot boj by 'i direct vote upon the Bubjeol : therefore, 
for the purpose of ascertaining without donbl the true state of feeling upon that question, and whether the course 
taken by the Board of Supervisors, as set forth in the above resolutions, is approved by the lax-payers and V lers of 

this county, we would ret mend, that at each poll throughout this county, there be kept, by the different Chairmen, 

or i in case they will not , by Bome other Buitable person, a separate ballot box. anl that all persons voting for town 
officers be respectfully requested to place therein a ballot, with the words written or printed, or partly written and 
partly printed thereon, " lor division," or " iiL'ainst division ;" that the ballots BO taken, be counted after the closing 
of the polls, and a return, sw on to by the person taking the ballots as aforesaid lie immediately made to John R 
Bohan, Esq , clerk of the Board of Supervisors of this county, Baid return to be by mail or otherwise, within eight 

days. As soon as the said return- are in the pos-essi it said Clerk, thai he oause the - ime to I"' published for the 

informal em of the people of this county, and of the Legislature that passed the "division law." 

Wo would further recommend that the people of the different town- eleel such men for Chairmen to represent 
the several towns in the County Board, as will not only pledge themselves to oppose division in every form, but will 
he stea tfasl as againsl corruption, bargaining for oflice, or other infiuencss that may be brought against them ; and. 
that Baid Chairmen be instructed as to the course they shall take upon the subject of county division. 

We would recommend that a convention, composed of five delegates from each town in said county, be held at 

the house of V. Lanbenheimer. in the town of Richfield, on the I6tb day of April, 1858, at 10 A. \L, for the purpose 

of giving expre the feelings of the county upon the subject of division. 

Respectfully submitted. „. 

r * William 

I. 

I'.i 

The first officers of Ozaukee County were: County Judge, II. G. Turner; Register of 
Deeds, H. G. Schulties ; Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, John R. Bohan ; Clerk of the 



William Paths, ~\ 

l.\ I'^i iii ToWBHT, V Committee. 

Li '.ink S ft uNKit, J 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



489 



Circuit Court, L. Towsley ; Treasurer, J. Fitzpatrick ; Sheriff, B. F. Pidge. The Supervisors 
were: John Thompson, Mequon; William Schroeder, Cedarburg; Harvey G. Turner, Grafton ; 
Patrick Hayes, Saukville ; Milo M. Whedon, Port Washington; Daniel M. Miller, Fredonia ; 
Nicholas Laugers, Belgium. 

The Board of Supervisors held its first meeting in the village of Saukville, at the house of 
William Payne, and passed resolutions similar to those quoted above, condemning the division 
of the old county. The troubles concerning the records are fully detailed in the history of the 
county-seat question in the first chapter of this work. The settlement of the financial affairs of 
the old county caused much ill-feeling between the two new counties, but was finally amicably 
concluded in the fall of 1853, through a joint committee from the two counties, when the new 
county may be said to have fairly struck out untrammelled for itself. At that time the valua- 
tion of the whole county was $395,681.4'-'. 

The following table will show the valuation at different stages of its progress up to the 
present time, as per reports of the County Board of Equalization : 



DATE. 



Mequon 

Cedarburg 

Grafton 

Saukville 

Port Washington 

Fredonia 

Belgium 

Totals 



1853. 



$68826 15 
49684 80 
56237 20 
45688 50 
92432 50 
41017 00 
41775 27 



$395681 42 



1860. 



$559332 23 
357842 50 
•265391 75 
286981 50 
420649 50 
291259 00 
361082 00 

.$2542538 48 



1870. 



$884775 00 
675734 00 
332003 00 
444968 00 
569533 00 
159102 00 
554360 00 

$3920475 00 



INSO. 



S1277992 00 
876568 00 
458491 (III 
6398*2 no 
701582 00 
643245 00 
822800 00 

$5420563 00 



THE COUNTY BUILDINGS. 

The court house was built in the village of Port Washington, the county seat, in 1854. It 
is a substantial building of brick, three stories in height. The first floor is fitted up for a 
jail and living apartments for the jailor ; the second floor is designed for office purposes ; the 
third floor is the court room. The cost of the building was $12,000. 

In 1867, a fire proof building, adjacent to the main building, was erected at a cost of 
$6,000. Since its erection, it has been occupied by the Register of Deeds, County Clerk, Clerk 
of the Court, and County Treasurer. 

J POLITICAL. 

As will be seen by the election returns, the politics of Ozaukee County have been from the 
beginning entirely one-sided, the Democrats holding a majority sufficient to control all the 
county offices, and to secure their Representatives in the Legislature, the Republicans, in many 
instances, failing to make nominations, so hopelessly were they in the minority. 

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, 1856 to 1880. 



YEARS. 



Democratic Candidates 



1856 James Buchanan... 

1860 S ephen A. Douglas 

1864 G.'0. B. McClellan . 

1868 Horatio Seymour.... 

1872 Horace Greeley.. 

1876 8. J. Tilden 

188H W. S. Hancock... 



No. of 
Votes. 



2032 
1823 
2056 
2059 
1594 
2480 
2063 



Republican Candidates 

John C. Fremont... 
Abraham Lincoln.. 
Abraham Lincoln.. 

U. S. Grant . 

U. S. Grant 

R. B. Hayes 

James A. Garfield.. 



No. of 
Votes. 



360 
627 
242 
512 
578 
583 
806 



Scattering. 



Breckinridge.. 



Cooper.. 
Weaver., 



No. of 
Votes. 



1 



101 
13 

77 



2392 
2458 
2299 
2571 
2273 
3076 
2946 



SCHOOLS. 

Under the county system of supervision which was inaugurated in 1862, the schools have 
attained a high grade of excellence. The Superintendents under whom the excellent work has 



4!'0 



HISTORY (>F WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES 



been carried on were as follows: From 1861 to 1864, Fred W. Horn ; 1864 to 1874. P. K. 
Gannon; 1874 to 1878. E. II. Jansen* ; 1878 to 1880, Adolph Heidkamp ; 1880 (now in 
office), William F. Scott. 

The summary of the Superintendent's report for 1880, given below, presents full statistical 
data as to the present state of the schools of Ozaukee County : 





School 
Districts. 


No. or Scholars between 

THE AQES OF 4 AM> 20. 


No. or Teachers. 


AVKRAGE 

Wages Of 


Monthly 
Teachers 


Private Schools. 


TOWNS AND VILLAGES. 




is 


r? 


e 

"3 
E 


e 

"3 

a 

o 
N 


3 


"3 

a 


a 


o 


s 

"3 

E 


s 

*3 
1 

a 
b. 


u 

S 
SB 


— s 

C 3 

3 — 

*3 


a, c 

= O 

p 1 




8 

• 

8 
B 


3 


442 
486 
421 
337 
624 
f»28 
435 


462 
511 
422 

327 
603 
.",58 
415 


903 
997 
843 
1164 
1227 
1081 
850 


8 
8 
8 
5 
10 
6 
4 


i 

5 
3 
1 
4 

7 
6 


9 $:;s :,; 
18 43 00 

11 35 : 

i; ;;s 70 
14 12 00 


529 00 
28 00 
22 00 
16 6H 
■J 7 50 
28 00 
21 50 


6 

"3 
2 

in 


131 

145 
94 

370 












Grafton 






12 1 

6 ... 
6 2 


a 


Port Washington 


13 
10 


53 00 
36 00 




Sauk vi lie 


3 




51 


10 








Totals anil averages for count r 


;-j.,s 


3298 


t -..Mi.-, 


49 


27 


76 J ■• 00 


$24 66 


11 



VALUE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY AND YEARLY EXPENDITURE. 



TOWNS AND VILLAGES. 


u 

2 i 

M 

— 


Built of Brick 
or Stone. 


('ash Valui' of 
Buildings. 


Oath Value of 
Sites. 


Cash Value of 
Apparatus. 


Total Cash Value. 


K (^ u 

u = 

— a 3 . 

^ — t m 




8 
'J 

10 
6 

12 
8 
8 


6 

4 

7 
:: 
7 
6 
4 


541 on 
7878 
5500 
3000 

10260 
5000 
:: in 


$100 

1800 
508 

500 

7 '.'5 

•J 5i Kl 

410 




$410(1 
9875 
6288 
8650 

L1945 
7960 
4524 


$2398 29 




700 
230 
160 
900 

150 
411 


4104 22 




2442 26 




1681 10 




4024 47 




5864 64 




2491 78 








60 


37 


J88825 


(6 08 


$2844 


$48277 


S22406 71 







LEGISLATORS. 

The representation of Ozaukee County, since its organization, under the different appoint- 
ments, has been as follows : 

1854 to 1861 — One Senator and two Assemblymen. 

1861 to 1871 — One Senator and one Assemblyman. 

1871 to 1876 — The two counties of Ozaukee and Washington were united in one Senato- 
rial District, and Ozaukee County given two Assemblymen. 

1876 to 1881 — Senatorial representation unchanged; one Assembly District. 

Under the above apportionment, th«' legislators were as below stated: 

1854 — Senate, Andrew M. Blair, Port Washington. Assembly, fFrederick W. Horn. 
Cedarburg; MiloM. Whedon, Port Washington. 

1855— -Senate, Bolivar G. Gill, Grafton. Assembly, William II. Ramsey, Port Washing- 
ton : Henry Blazer, Mequon Kiver. 

1856 — Senate, Bolivar G. Gill, Grafton. Assembly, Charles Beger, Port Washington : 
William Vogenitz, Cedarburg. 

• K II Jensen <ll"l in oflloa . hi* unexpired t.-rm «raa supplii-tl hy S A. Ilnuj. r 
t Knil W Hon., Bpeakei ol the Bonn In 1- I >n 1 181 



HISTOBY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 491 

1857 — Senate, H. J. Schulteis, Port Washington. Assembly, Samuel A. White, Port 
Washington ; Frederick W. Horn, Cedarburg. 

1858 — Senate, H. J. Scliulteis, Port Washington. Assembly, B. 0. Zastrow Kussow, 
Cedarburg; Alexander M. Ailing, Saukville. 

1859 — Senate, Lion Silverman, Port Washington. Assembly, John R. Bohan, Port Wash- 
ington ; Fred. W. Horn, Cedarburg. 

1860 — Senate, Fred. Hilgen, Cedarburg. Assembly, Anthony Ahlhauser, Saukville ; 
Fred. W. Horn, Cedarburg. 

1861 — Senate, Hugh Cunning, Port Washington. Assembly, William H. Ramsey, Port 
Washington ; William F. Opitz, Mequon. 

1862 — Senate, Hugh Cunning, Port Washington. Assembly, John A. Schletz, Port 
Washington. 

1863 — Senate, John R. Bohan, Port Washington. Assembly, Robert Power, Port Wash- 
ington. 

1864 — Senate, John R. Bohan, Port Washington. Assembly, W. T. Bonniwell, Jr., Cedar- 
burg. 

1865 — Senate, Lyman Morgan, Port Washington. Assembly, W. T. Bonniwell, Jr., Ce- 
darburg. 

1866 — Senate, Lyman Morgan, Port Washington. Assembly, Junius McCarthy, Port 
Washington. 

1867 — Senate, Lyman Morgan, Port Washington. Assembly, Fred. W. Horn, Cedar- 
burg. 

1868 — Senate, Lyman Morgan, Port Washington. Assembly, Fred. W. Horn, Cedar- 
burg. 

1869 — Senate, Lyman Morgan, Port Washington. Assembly, Job Haskell, Saukville. 

1870 — Senate, Lyman Morgan, Port Washington. Assembly, Adolph Zimmerman, Me- 
quon. 

1871 — Senate, Lyman Morgan, Port Washington. Assembly, Charles G. Meyer, Fre- 
donia. 

1872 — Senate, Lyman Morgan, Port Washington. Assembly, John R. Bohan, Port Wash- 
ington ; Fred. W. Horn, Cedarburg. 

1873 — Senate (From Washington County). Assembly, Charles E. Chamberlin, Port 
Washington ; Adolph Zimmerman, Mequon. 

1874 — Senate (From Washington County). Assembly, Edward R. Blake, Port Wash- 
ington ; Adolph Zimmerman, Mequon. 

1875 — Senate (From Washington County). Assembly, Gustav Goetze, Port Washington ; 
*Fred. W. Horn, Cedarburg. 

1876 — Senate (From Washington County). Assembly, Gustav Goetze, Port Washington ; 
William Carbys, Mequon. 

1877 — Senate (From Washington County). Assembly, Gustav Goetze, Port Washington. 

1878 — Senate (From Washington County). Assembly, William H. Fitzgerald, Cedar- 
burg. 

1879 — Senate, Lyman Morgan, Port Washington. Assembly, William H. Fitzgerald, 
Cedarburg. 

1880 — Senate, Lyman Morgan, Port Washington. Assembly, William H. Fitzgerald, 
Cedarburg. 

1881 — Senate (From Washington County). Assembly, Charles G. Meyer, Port Wash- 
ington. 

* Fred. W. Hum, Speaker of the House in 1854 and in 1875. 



492 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND COURT OFFICERS. 

The following is the roster of Ozaukee County officers from 1853 to 1881 : 






County Judges. 



1858 Harvey G. Turnor.. 

L854 Harvey G. Turner.. 

[855 Harvey G. Turner.. 

1856 Harvey (i. Turner... 

1857 Harvey G. Turner.. 

1858 I.e. Downs 



1859.. 

I860 

1861.. 

1862.. 

1863.. 

1864 

I860.. 

1866.. 

1867.. 

1868.. 

1869.. 

1870.. 

1871.. 

1872.. 

1878.. 

1874.. 

1875.. 

1876.. 

1877.. 

1878.. 

1879.. 

1880.. 

1881.. 



J. C. Downs 

J. C. Downs 

:J C. Downs 

S, \. White 

S. A. White 

J. W. Lutfring 

.1. W. Lutfring 

(i. Goetz 

.1. W. Lutfring 

.1. W. Lutfring 

.1. \V. Lutfring 

Adolph Heidkamp... 
Adolph Heidkamp... 
Adolph Heidkamp... 
Adolph Heidkamp... 
Adolph Heidkamp... 
Adolph Heidkamp... 
Adolph Heidkamp. . 
Adolph Heidkamp... 

Leopold Eghari 

Leopold Eghart 

Leopold Eghart 

Leopold Eghart 



Clerks ot Court 



Sherirft. 



L. Towsley B. I'. Pidge 

L. Towsley B. K. I'idge 

L. Towsley I. W. Lutfring 

Adolph Heidkamp... J. W. Lutfring 

Adolph Heidkamp... Charles Beger 

i' E. Chamberlin Charles Beger 

C. 12. Chamberlin Conrad hornetfer. 

Leopold Eghart Conrad Horneffer. 

Leopold Eghart I Bossier 

.1. McCarthy J. Bossier 

I. McCarthy William F. Opitz... 

J. McCarthy William F. Opitz... 

John R. Bohan.. Mike Dries 

John It. liohan Mike Dries 

John R. Bohau I'eter Spehn 

.lotin R. Bohau I'eter Spehn.. 

John R. Bohan M. Dreis. 

HugoBoclo M. Dreis. 

Hugo Boclo P. Bucholtz.. 

Hugo Boclo P. Bucholtz.. 

Hugo Boclo 

C E. Chamberlin.. 
C. E. Chamberlin., 



County Clerks. 



M (I. Ruppei t. 

\1 (I. Ruppert. 

Frank Delles.., 

E. Chamberlin Frank Delles.., 



C 

C. E. Chamberlin.. 

VI. G. Ruppert 

M. G. Ruppert 

M. G. Ruppert 

M. <i. Ruppert 



Joseph Malherlie.. 
Joseph Malherlie.. 

Frank Delles 

Frank Delles 

John P. Weyker... 



John R. Bohan 

John R. Bohan 

John R. Bohan 

John R. Bohan 

John R. Bohan 

John R. Bohan 

i '. G. Meyer , 

C. G. Meyer , 

1>. Harrington 

Harrington 

Harrington , 

Harrington 

Harriugton 

Harrington 

Harrington 

Harrington 

I'eter Jones 

Peter Jones 

James Albrecht 

Jamea Albrecht 

John C Schroeling 
John C. Schroeling.. 
John C. Schroeling. 
John I '. Schroeling.. 
John t'. Schroeling.. 
John C. Schroeling.. 
lohn C. Schroeling.. 
lohn C. Schroeling.. 
John C. Schroeling.. 



Registers of Deeds. 



11. J. Schulties. 

H. J. Schulties. 
II. J. Schulties. 
II. J. Schulties. 
P. Spehn. 
P. Spehn. 
I'. Spehn. 
1". Spehn. 
P. Spehn. 
A. Ahlhauser. 
A. Ahlhauser. 
A. Ahlhauser. 
John C. Schroeling. 
John C, Schroeling. 
John C. Schroeling. 
John C. Schroeling. 
John C. Schroeling. 
G. Goetz. 
G. Goetz. 
G. Goetz, 
G. Goetz. 
John Mueller. 
John Mueller. 
John Mueller, 
lohn Mueller. 
lohn Gengler. 
Inhn Gengler. 
Walter Zastrow. 
i\ alter Znstrow. 



DATE. 


Treasurers. 


Surveyors. 


District Attorneys. 


Coroners. 


County Superintendent* 


1853 












186 I 












1855 


.1. Fitzpatriok 

.1. I'itzpatrick 

Adolph Zimmerman 
Adolph Zimmerman 




Eugene Turner 

W A. I'ors 


Nicholas Kenna 




1857 

l B58 












W. A. Pors 






1859 




W. A. Pors 


John P. Watry 

F. Zimmerman 

I 'Ionics Kopart 

w. Dreis 




I860 




P Malherlie . 




1861 




I. Schmidt 


G. W. Foster 

L. Towsley 

L. Towsley 

W. A. Pors 

W. A. I'ors 

W. A. Pors 




l B62 






F. W. Horn. 


l 868 


Dlrich Landolt 




F. W. Horn. 


i 56 i 




F. W. Horn. 


186G 




P. K. Gannon. 


1866 






P. K. Gannon. 


1867 


William II. Landolt.. 

William II. Landolt.. 

Williiim II. Landolt.. 
William II. Landolt.. 
William II. Landolt.. 
William II. Landolt.. 

Charlea < i. Meyer 

Charles li. Meyer 

Charles G. Meyer.... 

i lharles <i. Meyer 

Charles G. Meyer 

rjharlee G Meyer 

Charles G. Meyer 

Charles G. Meyer.... 
William Ahlhauser.. 










W. Dreis 








W. A I'ors 






I--711 








IS7I 




II. i i Turner 


M. Adam 




IST'J... 




\l. \,|am 




1ST,; 




Nicholas Watry, Sr.. 

Nicholas Walry, Sr.. 


P. K Gannon. 


1874 

1876 . 


L. Towsley 

Harvey L. Coe 


W. A. Pors 


Edward II. Jansen. 


1876 








1877 


W \ Pors 






187H 

l B79 .. 


James Hedding 










Adolph Heidkamp. 
William F. Scott. 


1880 






1881 






William F. Scott. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



493 



♦SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR OZAUKEE COUNTY, FROM 1853 TO 1881. 



DATE 



1853., 

1854.. 
1855.. 
1856., 
1857.. 
1858.. 
1859., 
I860., 
1861., 



Mequon. 



Cedarburg. 



J. Thompson..- 
A. Zimmerman 
A. Zimmerman 
A. Zimmerman 
Henry Blaser . 
John Milbret... 
W. Zimmerman 
W.Zimmerman 
A. Zimmerman 



Wm. Schroeder.. H. G. Turner. 
Wm. Vogenitz.. ..J. C. Downs.. 
C. E. Chamberlin J. C. Downs... 
Wm. Vogenitz... J. C. Downs... 
Patrick llalpin.. J. C. Downs... 
Wm. Vogenitz... H. G. Turner 
Edwd. Maloney. John Ahlers., 
Edwd. Maloney. John Ahlers.. 
Patrick llalpin. .'John Ahlers., 



Port Washington. 



Patrick Hayes.. 

S. Mcintosh 

Joseph Mann... 
Henry Hedges. 
B. Harrington. 
P.. Harrington. 
A. Ahlhauser... 
A. Ahlhauser... 
A. Ahlhauser... 



M. M. Wheedon 
Harvey Moore... 
Harvey Moore... 
W. H. Ramsey... 

L. Silverman 

Moses Kilgore... 
W. H. Ramsey... 
W. H. Ramsey... 
S. E. Moore 



Belgium. 



D. M. Miller N. Langers. 

I). M. Miller I. W. Lutfring. 

D. M. Miller Nicholas Watry. 

Henry Gesner... Nicholas Watry. 

A.-Ludwig Nicholas Watry. 

J. F. Waddeurtz. Nicholas Watry. 
Jacob N. Sutton. N. Langers. 
Jacob N. Sutton. N. Langers. 
Jacob N.Sutton. IN. Laneers. 



DATE. 


District No. 1. 


District No. -1. 


District No. 3. 


1862 






.1. (' Downs. 


1863 






Robert Powers. 


1864 




J A. Schlitz 


Peter Joins. 


1865 




Peter Jones ■ 


1866 


Adolph Zimmerman 




Peter Jones. 


1867 




Peter Jones. 


1868 




Peter Jones. 


1869 




Nicholas Watry. 



Mequon. 



Cedarburg. 



Port Washington. 



Belgium. 



1870.. 
1871.. 
1872.. 
1873.. 
1874., 
1875., 
1876., 
1877.. 
1878.. 
1879.. 
1880.. 
1881.. 



A. Zimmerman Wm. Vogenitz.... Peter Spehn.. 

A. Zimmerman E. Jones Peter Spehn.. 

A. Zimmerman E. H. Jansen W. F. Opitz... 

A. Zimmerman E. II. J insen Peter Spehn... 

A Zimmerman P-itrick Halpin.. Peter Spehn... 
A. Zimmerman Patrick Halpin.. Peter Spehn.. 

W. F. Jahn Wm. Fitzgerald. Peter Spehn.. 

W. F. Jahn Wm. Fitzgerald C. Mintzlaff... 

W. F. Jahn H. Schellcnherg Peter Spehn.. 

W. F. Jahn H. Schellenberg Chas. 8chlegel 

W. F. Jahn Thomas Halpin!. C. F. Mintzlaff 

W. F. Jahn Thomas Halpin.. C F. Mintzlaff 



Neels Jacobson 
Neels Jacobson 
Neels Jacobson 
Neels Jacobson 
Neels Jacobson 
A. Ahlhauser... 
A. Ahlhauser... 
A. Ahlhauser... 
A. Ahlhauser... 
A. Ahlhauser... 
A. Ahlhauser .. 
A. Ahlhauser... 



II. ti. Turner... 
John R. Bohan. 

T. Neusen 

T. Neusen 

T. Neusen 

T. Neusen 

N. S. Turner.... 

T. Neusen 

M. Audier 

M. Audier 

M. Audier 

M. Audier 



.las. Bedding N. Strauss. 

.las. Hedding.... N. Strauss. 

J. J. Race V Strauss. 

J»J. Race |N. Strauss. 

.1. .1. Race JN. Strauss. 

.1. .1. Uace N. Strauss. 

J. J. Race John Grotz. 

I. J. Race John Grotz. 

.1. J. Race John B.Wiltgen. 

J. J. Race Louis Pierron. 

J. .1. Race Louis Pierron. 

.1. J. Race Louis Pierron 



THE WAR RECORD. 

For a period of seven years, from 1854 to 1861, the people of Ozaukee County, all past 
grievances being at an end, set about in earnest to advance their interests. Improvements of 
all kinds were begun and carried to completion, lands were drained and cleared, villages, with 
churches, sehoolhouses and town halls were scattered here and there throughout the county, tell- 
ing plainly that industry was abroad in the land. Streams were utilized, and along their banks 
could be heard the buzz of the saw and planing mill. Founderies were put in operation, while 
those grand blocks of limestone rock, which had for ages been silently forming, were at last 
aroused from their solid beds and fashioned into shapes pleasing to the eye of man. The popu- 
lation was yearly increased by immigration from foreign lands and the Eastern States. 

Affairs remained in this tranquil and prosperous state, nothing transpiring to mar the good 
feeling, until the spirits of the people were ruffled by the warlike sounds of 1861. This, indeed, 
was a surprise, especially to the foreign-born citizens, many of whom had left their native lands 
to escape the demands for military service so common in European countries. To have similar 
vexations thrust upon them in a land where they had thought to find only peace and good-will, 

* In 1862, the county was divided into districts, and the officers were called Commissioners, and elected by the county. This system 
continued until 1S7U, wh'-u it was again changed to the town system, and the officers took the name of Supervisors. 



494 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

was indeeil a new phase of American life, which, as yet, had been kept in the background as far 
aa they were concerned. Had the blow been struck by some foreign power, then could they 
have more readily understood it, and most willingly would they have taken up arms in defense 
of their adopted country, as they would now, were the country to be threatened by some outside 
power. But here was a war purely American — South, North — what did it mean? Which 
then was right? These were puzzling questions for the Luxemburgers ami Germans to solve. 
Their information relative to our political questions was limited, ami what little they did obtain 
came to them from unreliable sources. But few of them could read English at that time, and 
the German papers most generally read by them contained articles of such a rebellious character 
that, had they been published in the English language, would have been silenced by the author- 
ites. As it was, they shielded themselves behind a foreign language as champions of slavery, 
suggesting to their readers that a resistance to the draft was by no means a crime. To this 
source may be attributed one of the principal causes leading to the feeling of opposition enter- 
tained by the Germans and Luxemburgers, and which finally culminated in an outbreak known 
as the "Draft Riot," which took place in Port Washington November 10,1862. As near as 
can be ascertained, the open opposition to the draft was brought about more from the manner in 
which it was conducted than any desire on the part of the foreigners to oppose the will of the 
Government. When it became known that a draft was to be made in the county to fill the 
quota of Wisconsin troops under the calls then pending, a meeting of the prominent citizens of 
Port Washington and adjoining towns was held, at which the foreigners were largely represented. 
This meeting was called for the purpose of selecting some satisfactory man to conduct the draft. 
A. M, Blair was thought to be the man best fitted for the office of Draft Commissioner, and Dr. 
II. W. Stillman that of Examining Surgeon. A petition was circulated and largely signed, 
regardless of politics or nationality, requesting the Governor to appoint these two men to the 
offices above mentioned. The petition was sent to Gov. Salomon, but he appointed William 
A. Pors. Commissioner, while Dr. S. Ilartwig, of Cedarburg, a particular friend of Pors', was 
appointed Examining Surgeon. 

These two gentlemefl set about their work of examining men preparatory to the draft, the 
place designated being the county court house. 

Considerable dissatisfaction was engendered by the manner in which the examinations were 
made, many claiming that position and wealth had great weight in procuring exemptions. This 
feeling jjrew stronger as the work progressed until the lists were completed and the day ap- 
pointed for the draft was at hand. Then public sentiment burst forth in violent opposition. 
assuming the shape of a lawless mob. On the morning of November 10, 1862, Mr. Pors, with 
his corps of assistants, repaired to the court house, and was about to begin the draft, when he 
was seized by the crowd, which had congregated to the number of nearly a thousand, variously 
armed, and inflamed by whisky. The rolls were destroyed, and Pors was dragged to the door 
.iml thrown down the court house steps, sustaining considerable injury. It was not until he had 
been pelted severely wiih roeks that he made his escape by running to the post office, which was 
then in the Arcade Building, and concealing himself in the cellar. The rioters followed to the 
door, and failing to _r :nn entrance, proceeded to his resilience, a handsome, well-furnished dwell- 
ing, and destroyed furniture, pictures, ami everything else moveable, completely demolishing the 
interior By this time the mob had become furious, and seemed bent on the destruction of both 
life and property. Dividing into squads, one division proceeded to the store of John Droecker, 
and compelled him to paint them a banner with the words, ■• No Draft." With this motto 
Boating to the breeze, they continued their wanton course, destroying property as they went. 
The residences of II. II. Hunt, II. W. Stillman, A. M. Blair, J. C. Loomis and one or two 

Others met with a faw .-imilar to that of Pors. The anti draft (action, being composed princi- 
pally of Catholics, had got the order of Masons mixed up in the affair, and a general onslaught 
was proposed on any and all persons known to be connected with that order. At this juncture the 
mob had become divided on the question of destroying property, the better and more intelligent 
port ion being opposed to any such lawlessness, while the rougher and more ignorant were still 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 495 

bent on anything that would satisfy their imagined grievances. This latter faction, having 
made the rounds of the saloons, and, become crazed by drink, rushed up and down the streets 
yelling, "No draft! No draft! Burn the public buildings." etc. On one of their raids they 
met L. Towsley, a lawyer of Port Washington. They pelted him with stones, beat him severely 
about the head with clubs, and doubtless would have killed him had it not been for the expostu- 
lations of Alexander Zastrow, proprietor of the American House, who prevailed upon one or 
two of the leaders to interfere in Mr. Towsley 's behalf. He was taken into the hotel, where his 
wounds were attended to, and thence by a circuitous route to his home. John R. Bohan, editor 
of the Ozaukee County Advertiser, while on the way to his office was collared by that portion 
of the mob opposed to the destruction of property, and compelled to print u motto in large let- 
ters, -'No draft; no destruction of property." This compulsory piece of job printing came 
near eosting the pioneer editor of Ozaukee County two months' imprisonment at Madison; but 
as Mr. Bohan expresses it, " When a man's life'is at stake he is willing to take chances on the 
law." The rioters now had possession of a four- pound cannon, which had been used in former 
years for firing Fourth of July salutes. This they loaded with the only ball that could be 
found, dragged it to the wharf" mounted it on a pier, and bid defiance to Uncle Sam or any 
force he might send to arrest them. During these proceedings, William A. Pors had left his 
hiding place, procured a carriage and escaped by the lake shore to Milwaukee. Information 
was telegraphed to Gov. Salomon, who immediately ordered Col. Lewis, of the Twenty-eighth 
Regiment, then in camp at Milwaukee, to send a detachment of troops to quell the riot. Eight 
companies, under the command of Provost Marshal Mclndoe, were dispatched by steamer, 
which, by midnight of Tuesday reached U!ao, lour miles below Port Washington. There a 
portion of the troops were landed and marched to the rear of the latter village, while the 
remainder were landed at the pier where the riot existed, thus surrounding the scene of disturb- 
ance, and, at the same time, preventing the escape of the rioters. The mob was soon dispersed, 
and offered no further resistance. Immediately on his arrival, the Marshal established his head- 
quarters at the court house, and opened a Provost Court for the examination of prisoners. 
About one hundred and twenty arrests were made. Prisoners were at first taken to Camp Wash- 
burn, in Milwaukee, and were shortly afterward removed to Camp Randall, at Madison. They 
were then turned over to Gen. Pope, and after a confinement of several months were informally 
released by the General Government. Gov. Salomon issued a proclamation to the citizens of 
Ozaukee County, warning them of the danger and folly of further resistance, after which there 
was no further disturbance. In the different towns throughout the county, clubs were organized 
to raise subscriptions for furnishing a local bounty, and thus the county kept full its quota of 
men until the close of the war. Had it not been for egregious blunders made by a few unscru- 
pulous leaders, the riot of 1862 would not have taken place. 

There is a bright side, however, which furnishes a more pleasing topic. Notwithstanding 
these serious disturbances, the war record of Ozaukee County will compare favorably with that 
of larger counties. The first regular military organization was that of Company K, of the Six- 
teenth Wisconsin Volunteers, Capt. G. C. Williams, in the fall of 1861. The regiment was at 
once sent to the front, where it was mustered into active service, honorably bearing its colors 
through many a hard-fought battle. Company H, of the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteers, 
was organized by Capt. Julius Goldsmidt. Besides these two companies, enlistments were made 
from different parts of the county under recruiting officers from the larger cities. Maj. John 
C. Schroeling, of Port Washington, took with him to Milwaukee for enlistment quite a number 
of the members of the Turner Society of that village. Several of these men were killed, and 
one or two severely wounded, among whom was William Landott, now a partner in the Ozaukee 
County Bank. Among the first to enlist was M. G. Ruphert, then only fifteen years old. The 
Surgeon was about to refuse him on account of age and height, when he made some pert remark 
which caught the attention of the Colonel, who commanded the officer to take him along as he 
had the right sort of stuff in him to make a good soldier, and as for his height, why, he had 
"plenty of time to grow." Edward R. Blake, living in the village of Port Washington, was 



496 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



then hut eighteen years old. His father remonstrated and tried in every manner possible to per- 
suade him to remain at home, but all to no purpose. As a last resort, he offered him $10,000, 
thinking that would tempt him, but the patriotic youth replied, " Father, you cannot buy me to 
desert my country : all the wealth of the county would not induce me to remain at home." A 
few davs afterward he was mustered into service, and served during the whole of the war. 
Other instances of a similar character, might be cited of youths, who, on being opposed by their 
parents, absconded from home, made their way to the larger towns and cities, where they could 
enlist without opposition. 

EOSTEE. 

The following is the official report of the Adjutant General of the enlistment made from 
Ozaukee County. The list is given by towns, and is as complete as the records will permit of: 

Mathias Becker, 



[OWN iif BELGIUM. 

First Infantry — Co. Ci — Peter Sohannen, Michael 
Kchniitt. Co. H — Ludwig Grimm. 

Second Infantry — Co. J — Fncub H. Bernunli. 

Seventh Infantry — Co. F — Nicholas Grosche, Paul Marx 
Fugene Antoine. 

Ninth Infantry — Co. C — Michael Ham. Peter Lewen. 
Co. I — Joseph Welter. Paul Hemmen, John Marx, Got- 
fried Grimm. Co. J — Henry Tibour Co. K — Nickolas 
Kleman. Dominique Barnich. 

Eighteenth I fantry Co. G — John Marso. 

Twenty-fourth Infantry — Co. H — loseph Weisskopf. 

Twenty-tilth Infantry — Company unknown — John rati', 
Mathias Jack. 

Thirty-seventh Infantr — Company unknown — William 
Schuler. 

Forty-third Infantry — • 'ompatiy unknown — Jacob Deck- 
er. 

One Hundred and Fourth Infantry — Co. I! — Dominik 
Moer (Illinois), Mathias Kesseler, Nicholas Sohumacker, 
Nicholas Ellenbecker. Co. G — Anion Oberrl 

One Hun, Ire t ,,,id Seventeenth Infantry Company un- 
known — Nicholas Straus I linoisj 

Second Cavalry Co. G— Bernhard Ackerman, Nicholas 
Carrels, l.orenz Ubernt, John Glaerener, Dominique Weil- 

: lid 

Third Cavalry — Co. K Micliai'l llotimall luwni. 
Second Battery — IVler Michael. 

First Battalion Illinois SharpthoOtert— Nicholas Ham. 

Unknown — John Jurris, Nicholas Lewen, Franz Dreis, 
Total, - 

rOWN "I OEDAB] 

Firtt fnfantru — ■ — '"o. L — Thomas Pool. 

Ninth Infantry — Co. I — William Riebling Henry Myer, 
William flrmh, Jacob Thielen, John Smith, Gustave Hen- 
ning. 

nt-enth Infantry— Co. K — Thomas Thute. Andrew 
Thute. Patrick Caslello, James Byrne. 

Tweniy-tixth Infamry — Co. A — Jacob Weiland, Michael 
Moldenbauer, August Bielefeld, William Nero, Herman 
Scbuhman Henry Roth. 

Ftrtt Cavalry — ompany unknown — Pat Diegan. 

Fir.-i Battery — William Hamlin. 

.S'.r. ,, ./ Battery — lames Burlon, Peter I'.urrey. John 
Fleisslresser. 

t'nkn ni. John Lewie Total, 28, 

Tow s ,,l l BBDOHl \. 

/ , Infantry C pan; unknown — Horatio D. Hill. 

Infantry — ' otnpany unknown- Jacob Rhemganz, 
Pelei Rhemganz, William Orinnell, Peter J, Powlis, 



Nicholas Winand, Peter Poulouge. 
Michael Smith, Michael Smith. Jr. 

S nth Infantry — Co. Iv — Gustave T. C. Hyde, James 
Wilson, .lac h Sohmidt, Edward M. 0' Neil, James 
Reeves. Edward 1). Bradford, Charles W. Bratt, Peter 
Beekens, Benjamin Walker. Joseph Joder, Richard 
Kershaw. George Heding, Volentino, Charles Gat- 
field. 

S venteenth Infan'ry — Company unknown — Barney O'- 
Flanigan. 

Twenty-fourth Infantry -C i opany unkuown — Nicholas 
Kaiumes. William Kamme.s. 

Seventy-eighth Indiana Infantry — Jerome Tuttle. 

Fust Cavalry — Alonzo Littlefield, M Littlelield. Will- 
iam Daggett. Joseph Wa-hbush. 

Second Carui'ry tie irge BeiAr, John B. Shehan, Peter 
Hoi Bn 

Second Battery — William Turk. William Jack, Puilip 
Harless, Nicholas Beiser, Gustave Klegle, Joseph Gud- 
una John P. IVnstermacher. 

United Statei /,'• rulart — Joseph Money. 

Unknown — William II. Hyde, William Portzein, Jo o 
P. Letder, Frederick Sour. Emil Umbright, Richard 
Sueriman, John Peters, Charles Koeler, William Turek. 
Total. 2. 

TOWN "I it n IFTON. 

Firtt Infantry — Co. B — George Starkweather. 

First Minnesota Infantry — Company unknown — John 

Manning, Walter Zastrow Kussow, Clemens Shreiner. 

id Infantry Company unknown — laspar Daniels. 

Third Infantry — Company unknown— Nahan Daniels. 

Ninth lii/iiuin. -Co, 1 — Fred Kapke, John ffitger, 
Ferd Larramie, clous Dickman, Peter Oswald, William 
Baden, Peter Stephen Captain . Ferd Mayor. Peter Jo- 
seph Mane-. Jacob Kohler, Henry Rappolt 

Ninth lUtnois /n/anrry— Company unknown — Foseph 
Baden, J. P. Mubnes, 

Eleventh Wittoun Infantry — John Joseph Doctor, and 
Joseph Boilen. 

Sixteenth Infantry — Co. K— James Whitehair, Robert 
Coleman, Jacob Kandel, John Derickson (Sergeant), l(. 
P. Deriokson (Lieutenant), I'homas Manning, James Wil- 
son, John Murphy, John Coady, Niels Lisgon, Lorenzo 
Osgood, Charles Gstfield, William Cooper, George Cooper. 
Wallis Davis, Ephraim Cooper, Stewart Daniels, William 
Chirk, Carl Ayero, Inthony Collins, William Towsley, 
Stowell Towsley, Christ Branson, Luther B. White, Fred 

Charles kerner. William Coleman, Dewey King Jerome 
Case, Hiram Franklin and l.ars Nelson. 

Nineteenth Infantry — Co. D— Baron S. Daniels. 

Twenty-fuHrlh Infantry — Co. C — James Harvey. Jo- 
seph Cramer. Nick Oswald. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



497 



Tn-enti/sixih Infantry — Co. E — Gustave Kasten (Illi- 
nois Infantry). 

Thirty-sixth Infantry — Company unknown — Dors Wit- 
ger (Illinois). 

Sixty-ninth Illinois Infantry — Co. B — John Meatier. 
Benjamin Mehder. 

Fimt Cavalry — Aaron B. Willett, Martin Coleman, 
Julius Mentai, Charles W. Perry. 

Eighth Illinois Cavalry — Co M — Bruce Wait. 

Fir.-t Battery — Henry Laback. 

Unded Slates Regulars — John F. Wolf. 

United States Xavy — John Power. 

Unknown — John B. Miller, Nick Kill, Stephen Feavel, 
James Harvey, Joseph Kramer. Tota>, 71. 



TOWN OF MEQDON. 

Fir t Infantry — Co. C! — William Herzog. 

Sixth Infantry — Co. F — William Gotterman. Julius 
Vetter. 

Eighth Infantry — Co. D — Edward Neumeister. 
Ninth Infantry — Co. I — George Fischer, John Fritsche, 
Henry Haverko*t, Moritz Mann, William Riggsling, Her- 
man Koeber. 

Twe'fth Infantry — Co. D — Gustavus Neuber, Jacob 
Strassburger Co. F — Michael Moouy. John Shehan. 

Sixteenth Infantry — Co. K — Charles Townsend.Theodor 
Nicolai. 

Seventeenth Infantry — Co. D — Anton Seiberlich. 

Ninet-enlh Infantry — Co. F — Julius Seiberlich. Co. K — 
Jacob Britz. 

Twentieth Infantry — Assistant Surgeon Immanuel Munk, 
Servant to Assistant Surgeon, Herman Munk. 

Twenty-fourth Infantry — Co. H — -Joseph Wals, Gottfried 
Wandt. Joseph Seiberlich, Datus Worth, Diedr. Lubben, 
Theodore Worhehusen — Baumbach's Company. 

Twenty-sixth Infantry — Co. A — William Matzold, Wil- 
liam Hansburg, Herman Opitz, Michael Schepperle, 
Richard Blett. Julius Sernish. Company unknown — 
William Baatz, Bruno Bernon, Alwin Knolle, Henry 
Lyilolf, Joach S'igermann. Hans Heidel, Carl Beckman, 
John Lau, Julius Neumeister, Fred Nero, Anton Neu- 
meister. 

Thirty-ninth Infantry — Co. D — William Siegmund, 
Posiel. Carl Schurmann. 

Fnrty-n'nnd Infantry — Co. A — .John Wedeward. 

F" tyturth Infantry — Ferd Weitze, Surgeon. 

Forty-fifth Infantry — Co. I— Friedrick Selle. 

F'Tty-sixth. Infantry — Co. I — Henry Backeberg. 

Second drain/ — Co. I — Evander Bowniwell, Patrick 
Degan, Valentine Plumb, Seth Putnam, Peter Wood- 
worth, Heinreich Schmidt, Fredrick Dittman. 

Second Battery — Joseph Holdenried, Andreas Moeller. 
Company unknown — Conrad Bar, Bernhard Grass, Christ 
Hackenberg, William Hackenberg, Henry Huppert, Al- 
bert Nicolas. Total. 65. 



TOWN OK PORT WASHINGTON. 

Second Infantry — Co. K — Gustave A. Stark. 
Fifth Infantry— Co. C — Fred Bartel, James Hoban, 
Lewis F. Miller. John Michel, Gustave Schutz. 



Ninth Infantry — Co. H — Nicholas Metzer, Bernard 
Schulter. 

Twelfth Infantry — Co. A — Felix McCarthy, John Mc- 
Carthy. 

Sixteenth Infantry — Co. K — Gregory Jarnish, Nicholas 
Calling, Andrew G. Caween, John Hennisy, Thomas Hol- 
land, Joseph Johan, Richard C. Kann, Dennis Mangin, 
Cornelius Murphy, William Pierce, Daniel A. Porter, 
William Richards, Henry C. Ramsey, Thaxter W. Shaw, 
Ogden Tomlinson, Nathaniel Teed, Z. Turmbell, David 
F. Vail, George C. Williams, Thomas E. Wildman, Thomas 
Wildman, Patrick Walsh, Lewis C. De Condres, W. Gee, 
Milo M. Wheden, Samuel Wildman. 

Nineteenth Infantry — Co. G — Jonas Tennisson. 

Twenty-fourth Infantry — Co.C — William Haak. Co. H — 
Charles Bisch, Henry Bischler, William Bold, E R. Blake, 
Carl Busch, Frank Ellenbecker, Gustave Goldsmith, 
Franklin Hoyt, William Koehler, John Klopp, Charles 
Klein, Nicholas Kieftr, Leopold Meyer, Nathan Neusla- 
dle, Nicholas Oswald, Charles Power, Erastus Parr, 
Alanson Power, Leonard Rappeld, John Schehan, A. P. 
Stone, Mathias Schuquendt, John C. Laws, John State, 
Daniel O'Sulivan, Oliver Labisch, Peter Schhem, A. 
Turner, Joseph Weiskopf, John B. Warling, John P. 
Wagner, Joseph Wols, William Becker, Moritz Winkler. 
Company unknown — Michail Dailey. Francis Feusseder. 

Fint Cavalry — Daniel D. Kellogg, David James, Charles 
Bates, George Bates, Albert S. Downs, James De Condres, 
Richard L. Gove (Adjutant), Herman J. Schutler, David 
James, Edward 0. Morgan, George Pagget, Joseph Gar- 
diner alias Meehan. 

Third Cavalry — John C. Schroeling. 

Second Battery — John Boos, Peter Boss, Nicolas Bold, 
Charles Beger, Peter Burg, Nicholas Jacqueenette. 

Eleventh Battery — William Mills. 

United States Army — Fred Large, Abraham Nelson. 

Regiment Unknown — James Kerny. Total, 95. 

TOWN OF SAFKVILLE. 

Ninth Infantry — Co. I — Fredrick Hafe, Henry Traut<ch, 
Fredrick Melke. Mathew Britz. Lewis Heinemann, 
Charles Gross, August Betkle, Michael Smith, Claude 
Augustin and George Bernhard. 

Eleventh Infantry — Co. I — Charles Fred Fetter. 

Twelfth Infantry — Co. D — Charles Willis. Company 
unknown — D. F. Hollows. 

Fourteenth Infantry — Co. C — Andrew Zinke. 

Fifteenth Infantry — Co. G — Herman Merklein. 

Sixteenth Infantry — Co. K — Jobn Goggin, William Gog- 
gin, John Gough, William Paulett. Edward Fally, James 
0. Hare, John McGinley, Robert Ingersoll, David Reiner. 
Patrick Walsh, Samuel Orked, Anthony Collins, Andrew 
J. Cowen, Silvester Hughes, Lyman Chapman, Wesley 
Chapman, Patrick Kehoe, Charles Thomas, Fred Thomas, 
Patrick Carlly. 

Thirty-ninth Infantri, — Co. K — Sylvester Reiner. 

Second Cavalry — Co. K — John Hartwig. 

First Battery — Henry Lubenstein. 

Second Battery — Christian Mueller, Ralph Powell, 
William A. Grinnell, Barton Westcott. 

Unknown — Alois Sabish, John Thomas. Total, 43. 

Total for the county, 387. 



■A'.is 



IIISTOHV OF WASHINGTON -VXD OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



This doea not include the men who were drafted, or those who enlisted under recruiting 
officers in the cities of Milwaukee and Chicago. As has been before stated, many of the young 
men. on being opposed by their parents, would leave the county and go to other towns, where 
they could enlist without opposition ; if these were credited to Ozaukee County, the list would 
be increased at least fifty. 



ROSTER OF COMMISSIONED OFFICERS FOR OZAUKEE COUNTY. 



Organization. 



g, First 

= Commission. 

S 



Port Washington : 

Robert t Martin 25th Infantry.. 

Louis F. Muller 5th Infantry... 

Newton a Oleson '■_'Mh Infantry.. 

Daniel K. Vnll loth Infantry.. 

Charles B Wareham35th Infantry.. 
Qeorge Williams... 16th Infantry.. 
Julius i; Wilmot :ilth Infantry.. 

Charles Beger 

Edward R. lilake .... 

Jasper S Daniels 

John Qoggin 

John L. Derlokeon... 
Meqi ON 

Emannel Munk 

Iiavi.l O'Oonnell 

< '( .1 MtHfKU . 

Walter Z. KUBSOW.... 

Bsxoinsi : 

Frank II. .1 Obladen 
Qbatton : 

It. I'. DerickBon 

Fkkpom , : 

Peter II. Gntern 



2.1 Light Artillery 

24th Intantry 

I*t Infantry 

15th Infantry 

35th Infantry 



20th Infantry.. 
35th Infantry.. 



52d Infantry... 
34th Infantry., 
loth Infantry 
2d Infantry 



Date of 

Firsl 

Commission. 



Date of 
Promotion. 



i'. J. I Lieutenant. 

C. 1st Lieutenant 

<', 2d Lieutenant. Aug. 19, 1804 

K J.I Lieutenant 

II 2d Lieutenant 



CloBe of S.TVir... 



Mustered 

Balled in 

March 17. '00 | 

\..r.l In v.c , -""SI u 



Captain 
Captain 

2,1 Lieutenant 

II 1st Lieutenant 
I , Is! Lieutenant 
l» 2d Lieutenant, 

E 2d Lieutenant. 



April in, 1866 

March 17, '63 

' .To First Lieutenant. 
To Captain \pnl 1", 1 1 

Oct. IB, 1861 Resigned 

Feb. J. 1866... To Flrsl Lieutenant AprlU0,1866. Mustered 

Oct. 17, 1801 Besig I 

Dec. in, 1862 Mustered 

/To First Lieutenant. Dec. 12, 1861 



out March 15, '00. 
battle May 10, '64. 
out March 15, '60. 
N,,v. 1, 1862. 
out March 15, 'on. 
Hoi -I, 1862. 
.hi Sept, -. 1863 



l»t \-i Mir... .Inly 7, 1862 Resigned .Ian. 16, 1863 

2,1 Lieutenant. April In, lsou Mustered out March 16, '66, 



[Oct. 30, 1861.. 

June J. lso.V. 
Ocl 19, 1864.. . 
Feb 17. 1866. . 
April I", 1866 



t To Captain.. 



i « : ;. Ism, 



Captain April 15, 1865 . 



II 
E. 
C. 
K 
Hl2d Lieutenant. Jan. 20, 1862. 



Mustered 
Mustered 
Mustered 
Mustered 



ullt .Inn.. 1... 1865. 

out June 26, 1865, 
. ■ nt March 15, '66. 
>,ut March !■",, '66. 



1st Lieutenant lire In, 1802 

Ut Lieutenant Oct. 17, 1861.. To Captain Dec. 2, 1862... 



Mustered out July 28, 186 
Hush red oul Sepl B, 1863 
Besigned tfo\ I. 1862 

Resigned May 7, 1862. 



THE GREAT INDIAN SCARE. 

During the latter part of the month of September. 1862, the people of Ozaukee Countv 
were thrown into a stair of utter confusion by what is known as the li Great Indian Scare." 
Without any foundation whatever, a report was circulated that the Indians, nobody knew from 
whai quarter, were coining in large numbers, and that they were killing men, women and chil- 
dren, anil laying waste everything before them. This story, coming as it did close on to the 
great Minnesota massacres, and the people, being already worked up to a feverish state of excite- 
ment by the effects of the war, soon gained credence, and had the country been netted over with 
telegraph wires, it could not have spread faster or have created a greater panic. The general 
condition of the people was just ripe for a stampede, and a stampede it was. The ruse, if such 
it was. could not have been sprung at a better time. 

• •pinions differ as to how the scare originated. In fact, no one seems to know. It ranks 
as one of those mysteries, as Dundreary expresses it, " That no fellow can find <>>it." There 
are t henries, of course. It is thought by some that it was the work of secret agents employed 
by the South, the plan aimed at being to throw the Northwest into such a confused State as to 
necessitate the withdrawal of the military from Milwaukee and Chicago, when the liberation of the 
prisoners then held in those two cities would he an easy matter. This, of course, is only a conjec- 
ture, like hundreds of othersof a similar character. That it was a scare nobody is disposed to deny, 
and the many incidents connected with it, will be rememhercd fur years to come, ami are worthy 
to be recorded as a part of the history of Ozaukee County. Farmers were so completely taken 
in by the rumor, that in their fright they tied leaving everything behind them. One family of 
Germans, while driving at full speed for Port Washington, lost one of their children on the way, 
and did not become aware .,1 the fact until they had arrived in the village. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 499 

One peculiar feature of the panic was that no one knew from which direction the Indians 
were coming. It was a common occurrence for teams to meet, each flying in an opposite direc- 
tion, and both claiming that the Indians were behind them. G. W. Foster, of Port Wash- 
ington, relates as follows: -'The scare did not reach our village until about 9 o'clock at 
night. I had retired early, as I was not feeling very well. About 9:30 I was aroused by a 
thundering rap on the front door. I hastened to open it, when S. A. White, one of our most 
prominent citizens, rushed in, exclaiming. ' for God sake, Foster, come down town, the Indians 
are coming, and will massacre us all !' ' Indians ! why, White, are you in your senses ?' I was 
inclined at first to believe him joking, for he was a man of great bravery, and one not easily 
frightened, but I was soon convinced of his earnestness when he again spoke. ' Come, come, 
Foster, this is no time for parlying. I say the Indians are coming. God knows, they may be 
in the town now. The farmers are in from all quarters.' ' I will go down with you, White,' I 
said, ' but where the Indians would come from I can't imagine.' I then procured my gun and 
accompanied him to the main street, where I found the greatest excitement prevailed. Men 
armed with pitchforks, clubs and axes, were rushing to and fro; no one could tell you anything 
except ' prepare for your lives, the Indians ! the Indians !' Every now and then a farm wagon 
would come flying into the village, the horses reeking with sweat, and the occupants shaking as 
though the very earth was about to open at their feet and swallow them up. Some of the teams 
did not even stop, but went pell-mell through the town yelling ' Indians ! fly for your lives, the 
Indians are coming !' Of course, all sorts of stories were circulated, one being that the Indi- 
ans had used too much fire-water, and were dropping drunk along the way. Upon this hint, 
the saloon-keepers rolled out kegs of whisky on to the pavement, so that the redskins would find 
them the first thing, and then could be easily dispatched. The Sheriff, Jacob Bossier, sent his wife 
to Milwaukee to tell the news, an errand which the plucky little woman performed in good style." 
Wilson F. Stewart says : " I was then living on my farm, a mile from the village. I had 
come into town in the evening, as was my usual habit. About 9 o'clock I left the office prepar- 
tory to going home, when I saw a great crowd gathering. I thought nothing of it, as excite- 
ments were of daily occurrence in those times, and turned toward home. I had not proceeded 
far, however, when I was stopped by a half dozen men armed with pitchforks and clubs. I 
asked them what they wanted. ' What do we want?' they exclaimed, 'We want you to help 
fight the Indians.' 'Indians! why you must be crazy ; let me pass.' ' No, you cannot go home, 
you must stay and help protect the women and children.' By this time the streets were full of 
people rushing frantically about, and exclaiming, ' 0. what shall we do?' They will murder 
us all, let us fly. The Indians ! the Indians !' I told them there was no occasion for alarm, 
but if they would allow me, I would go home, get my gun and come back and watch with them 
during the night, a proposition which they readily assented to. Of course I need not tell you, 
we did not see any Indians." 

Ulrich Landolt, who came into the county in 1848, being one of the oldest German 
settlers, relates how a neighbor of his undertook to conceal his money. He procured a cigar- 
box, placed the money in it, fastened down the tid, and, taking the box, went out into a secluded 
place in the garden and dug a hole, in the meantime setting the box on the ground. The scare 
having passed over, he thought he might as well unearth his treasure, when, to his utter astonish- 
ment, he discovered that he had very carefully covered over the hole, and left the box with all 
the money setting on the ground close by. A family of Norwegians concluded that their safest 
plan was to go to Milwaukee. Accordingly they got together their moveable traps, hustled 
the children into the wagon and started on their journey. When they were, as they thought, 
within a few miles of the city, they halted and encamped for the night. The morning came. 
They began to look about them, and what was their amazement when they discovered that they 
were but a half mile from their own house Hundreds of such cases might he cited. These 
are narrated to show how utterly helpless many of the people were under the excitement. 

Charles E. Chamberlain, Secretary of the Old Settlers' Club, says: "I was then liv- 
ing on my farm near Cedarburg. About a mile north of my place a number of men were 



500 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

engaged in running one of the large separating threshing-machines. Using a borrowed phrase, 
'Everything went merry as a marriage bell.' The hum of the machine, the crack of the whip, 
the commanding tones of the men, all seemed to point to the fact that they were masters of the 
situation. All of a sudden there was a great commotion among the men. The machine ceased 
its whir, and in less time than it takes to tell it, the horses were released from the power, hitched 
to the wagon, turned into the road, when they came tearing toward my house, the men yelling 
amid the greatest excitement, 'Indians ! escape for your lives, the Indians are coming.' I tried 
to stop them, but all to no purpose. Down the road they went, pell-mell, and as far as I could dis- 
tinguish them in the cloud of dust, they were swinging their hats and coats, yelling ' Indians ! 
fly for your lives, the Indians are coming.' Edward Jansen, then County Superintendent of 
Schools, came running to my house. ' What do you think of this Indian story. Chamberlain '.'' 
' I don't believe there is anything in it,' I said; ' Where would they come from?' ' That is 
what I was thinking,' he replied; 'but my wife is terribly frightened, so I have concluded to 
send my family to Milwaukee.' 

" By this time Mrs. Chamberlain had joined us. I told her that Mr. Jansen's family were 
going to Milwaukee, and asked her if she desired to go with them. Her reply was, 'If you arc 
not frightened I shan't be ; besides, I don't intend that this good dinner I have been preparing 
shall go to waste.' 

'' We were expecting company, and the dinner was something more than ordinary. Jansen 
caught a sniff of the tempting viands and concluded to remain with us; his family, however, 
went on to Milwaukee." 

John B. Bohan, Editor of the Ozaukee County Advertiser, relates as follows : " I had 
been to Milwaukee; that was before we had any railroads in the county, and we were compellel 
to stage it. We were on our way back to Port Washington, and had got so far as Mequon Vill- 
age, on the Green Bay road, where we found the people all in the greatest excitement. Wagons 
were being loaded with goods preparatory to leaving for the South. We concluded that we 
would continue our journey to Port Washington, and ordered the driver to pull out, when John 
McKeon, a resident of Mequon, rushed excitedly into the mad and caught the horses by the 
head, exclaiming, 'No. you don't have this place; you must remain here and help protect our 
families.' I told him that I had a family of my own to look after. When he saw the absurdity 
of tin' tiling, he allowed us to proceed on our journey. All along the way we met fanners with 
their Families driving at full speed for Milwaukee." 

The news having spread to the large cities, a company of soldiers was sent out from Mil- 
waukee to head off the Indians. They proceeded as far north as the village of Cedarburg, and. 
seeing no dusky warriors, they halted tor refreshments. Provisions being scarce, a foraging 
expedition was made among the farm house3, which by this time were entirely deserted. Hours 
had been left wide open, ami the hogs and chickens, taking ail vantage of the occasion, were 
holding high carnival on the floors. The people had taken nothing witti them. The soldier- 
found any quantity of bread and meat, from which they made a hearty meal. They remained 
in Cedarburg until evening, when they turned ;ynl marched hack to Milwaukee. These aie but 
a few of the many incidents connected with the " Great Indian Scare," which was not confined 
alone to Ozaukee County, but extended westward throughout the State to the Mississippi 
River. 

RAILROADS. 

Tin- people of Ozaukee County first became interested in the building of railroads in 1856, 
the first project in this line being that of the "Milwaukee iV Lake Superior Railroad." The 
plan adopted for the raising of funds was that the farmers were to mortgage their farms in return 
for stock, these mortgages to be used by the company as security upon which to raise money. 
This scheme met with considerable favor from the people of the county : subscriptions, or rather 
mortgages were freely made, and the work of grading the road began, the starting point being 
Milwaukee. The track was laid as far as Medium, a distance of fourteen miles, an engine was 
ordered from Cincinnati, and a great public demonstration held at the arrival on the iron steed, 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 501 

■which was christened "Mequon." This jubilant spirit was not destined to be of long duration. 
TJie President of the road, anticipating a crash, and apparently believing in the more prudent 
than honorable maxim, "Save himself who can," absconded with about $30,000 of the com- 
pany's funds, which act of rascality soon brought matters to a climax. The company was dis- 
solved and the mortgages distributed among the directors and a few of the favored office-holders, 
many of them being paid at 25 cents on the dollar, while others fell into the hands of specula- 
tors, and being carried to the Supreme Court, were there decided legal, leaving the unfortunate 
farmers who had been inveigled into giving them, to pay them in full with interest, the transac- 
action costing many of them the entire loss of their farms. This swindle discouraged the people 
of Ozaukee from embarking in railroad enterprises for several years. 

In February, 1870, a charter was granted by the Legislature to a company styled the 
"Milwaukee & Northern Railroad Company," but previous to the granting of the charter a 
strife had arisen between the towns of the eastern and western divisions of Ozaukee Countv as 
to the location of the road. Port Washington, anxious to secure the road, made liberal offers 
in land privileges, and was willing to pledge $20,000 additional in subscriptions secured by 
bonds. The railroad company, however, favored the western route, offering to touch at Sauk- 
ville, a point three miles west of Port Washington. This proposition did not satisfy the people 
of Port Washington, they desiring to have a railroad of their own or none at all, and being 
strengthened in their persistency by the coast towns north, who would be left in the cold by the 
proposed western route. 

The Milwaukee & Northern Railroad Company being the stronger party, the lake-shore 
towns, including Port Washington, began to despair of having a railroad, when, to their great 
joy, a new avenue to the consummation of their wishes was opened by the appearance on the 
scene of a contractor or speculator from New York, James Easton, who made the following 
proposition to the Port Washington leaders : " Gentlemen, secure a charter and I will build 
you a railroad." Encouraged by this assurance, John R. Bohan, G. W. Foster, James W. Vail 
and others from Port Washington, assisted by a strong corps of railroad enthusiasts furnished 
by their northern allies, made all possible haste to prepare their claim for a charter. The Mil- 
waukee & Northern Railroad Company of course opposed the movement, but finding opposition 
useless, decided upon a compromise. It was agreed at a union meeting of the opposing parties, 
that the rival claimants should both present their petitions to the Legislature, the Northern hav- 
ing precedence in point of time, but that neither faction should oppose the other's claim. With 
this understanding, the Directors of the Milwaukee & Northern were allowed to procure their 
charter without opposition, when everything being arranged to their entire satisfaction, they 
smiled serenely on their lake-shore rivals, and returned to Milwaukee to commence work on 
their road. 

When the time arrived for the Port Washington petitioners to present their claim for the 
lake-shore railroad, they found, contrary to their expectations, a strong party of lobbyists at 
Madison to oppose the bill, on the ground that the county of Ozaukee was not of sufficient 
width to warrant building two lines of railway running parallel with each other. A warm fight 
ensued, and the bill was defeated by one vote. Nothing daunted, the lake-shore party finally 
succeeded in getting the bill reconsidered, when it was carried and a charter granted. 

There was great rejoicing in Port Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc and other lake- 
shore towns over the result. Easton commenced the work at once, money was subscribed by 
the towns along the proposed route, and about fourteen miles of the road was graded, when the 
lack of funds delayed operations for a time, but responsible parties taking the matter in hand, 
work was recommenced and the road rapidly pushed to completion. The road was incorporated 
under the name of "Milwaukee, Manitowoc & Green Bay Railroad Company," March 10, 1870. 

Ozaukee County has two competing lines of railway running parallel with each other, at 
an average distance of five miles, through the entire county, north and south. 



502 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AXD OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

CHURCHES. 

Evangelical Lutheran, Mequon — Organized January 26, 1852. August Maas, Frederick 
Falkner and August Wussow, first Trustees. 

Fr, i ( 'ongr> ■gatimi, Cedarburg — Organized February 15, 1853. The founders were August 
Runge, Conrad Ilorneffer, Theodore Hartwig, Frederick Borner and Phillip Michel. 

Der Deutsekem Evangelical Luiheri&ch m Friedenskirchiem, Port Washington — Incorpo- 
rated January 8, 1854. 

St. Paul Lutheran, Grafton — Organized April 20, 1856. 

Norwegian Evangelical, Port Washington — Organized June 24, 1856. 

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran, Saukville — Organized March 18, 1861. 

Evangelical Lutheran, Cedarburg — Organized May 25, 1863. 

Emanuel, Cedarburg — Organized December 25, 1863. 

Evangelical Lutheran, Cedarburg — Organized September 15, 1853. Frederick Groth, 
William Vogenitz, John Kressin, Henry Stager and William Groth, Trustees. 

Free Congregation, Mequon — Organized February 22, 1853. Trustees, John Thompson, 
Oscar Steinel and G. E. Hahmann. 

Presbyterian Church, Grafton — Was organized by Elder Isaac F. Buck and Benjamin 
H. Mooers, February 8, 1847. The Trustees for that year were James T. Gifford, Richard P. 
Derickson, Erastus D. Lord, N. M. Graham and Dr. Peter Moore. 

E ICIETEBS. 

German Free School, Cedarburg — The organization of this society took place at the house 
of Col. C. Ilorneffer, in the village of Cedarburg, April 18, 1854. 

CEMETERIES. 

St. Mary's, Port Washington. — This association was incorporated January 25, 1 ">f>4, at 
the house of David Faar. The Trustees then elected were Nicholas Kenna, David Saar, Thomas 
Powers, Joseph Long, Francis Leiter and R. N. Byrnes. 

Port Washington Cemetrrg Association — Incorporated March 15, 1855. The meeting 
was held at the office of A. M. Blair. There were present James W. Vail, Julius Tomlinson, 
Abram Bates, Isaac C. Loomis, J. B. Foster, I. M. Ingersoll, Abram Decker, Bamum Blake. 
W. B. Lenard and L. Towsley. 

Kutharina Association, Saukville — Incorporated March 21, 1855. The meeting was held 
at the house of Johannes Laubenstein, in the town of Saukville, when the following Trustees 
were elected: John Raess, Jacob Laubenstein, II. Boehner. (ieorgeP. Schueler, John Mueller 
and Nicholas Schardt. 

St. Joseph's Association, Grafton — Incorporated February 1^. 1S.~>.">. 

Cedarburg Cemetery Association— Was incorporated April 6, 1S">7, at a meeting held at 
the house of C. Ilorneffer, in the village of Cedarburg; Frederick Ililgen in the chair; F. W. 
Horn, Secretary. 

Fredonia Southwestern Cemetery Association — Was incorporated August 3u, lv~>4. 
Trustees elected, Alanson Arnold, Henry Orcutt, John Thomas, Edward D. Bradford, 13. Patch, 
B. P. McEvoy and William R. Davis. 

Wahrka Cemetery Association — Incorporated Jane 28, L862. 

Those churches and societies not mentioned in the foregoing list, a full account will be given 
in the town histories. 

OZAUKEE COUNT! AGRICULTURAL society. 

This society was organizrd at a mass meeting of the citizens of Ozaukee County, held in the 
village of Cedarburg, January 31, 1859. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



503 



The following is taken from the constitution and by-laws then adopted: 

" The name of this society shall be the Ozaukee County Agricultural Society. Its object 
shall be to promote and improve the agriculture, horticulture, mechanic and household arts in 
this county, and to serve as a medium of spreading information in regard to agriculture and its 
kindred pursuits. The officers of the society shall consist of a President, two Vice Presidents, 
Recording Secretary, Treasurer and an Executive Committee." 

The first officers were : President, William Vogenitz ; Vice President, Theodore Hartwig ; 
Secretary, Hugo Boclo ; Executive Committee, Frederick Hilgen, Joseph Trottman, Fred 
Schatz, B. O. Zastrow Kussow, E. Stallman. The first annual fair was held in the village of 
Cedarburg October 11, 1859. 

The following sums were received by the society : Sale of entrance tickets, $41.45 ; cash 
from members of the society, $172 ; total, $218.45. The following expenditures were made: 
Cash premiums paid out, $i00 ; for two hundred diplomas, $30 ; for printing handbills, $5.50 ; 
expense fitting of fairground, $44.70 ; balance on hand October 14, 1859, $33.19. 



OFFICERS FROM 1862 TO 1881. 



TEARS. 


Presidents. 


Vice Presidents. 


Secretaries. 


Treasurers 


18C2 


F. 
A. 
Pi 
Pa 
Pi 
A. 
A. 
A. 
A. 
A. 
A. 
A. 
A. 

A 


W Horn 




Wi'i'iara Bonniwell... 
William Bonniwell... 

William Vogenilz 

William Vogenitz 

William Vogeniiz 

F. W. Horn 

William Vogenitz 

William Vogenitz 

William Vogenitz 

William Vogenilz 

Charles Wilke 


B. O. Zastrow. 


1863 


M. Ailing 


P. Halpin J. C Downs 


B. O. Zastrow. 


1864 


trick Ruddy 

trick Ruddy 

trick Ruddy 

M. Allino- 


James Boyd. Adolph Zimmerman. 

Patrick Halpin, William Carbys... 
Frederic Hilgen, Sheppard Moore.. 


B. 0. Zastrow. 


1865 


B. O. Zastrow. 


1866 


W. T. Bonniwell. 


1867... 


B. O. Zastrow. 


1868 


M. Alline 


B. 0. Zastrow. 


1869 


M. Ailing 


B. 0. Zastrow. 


1870 


M Ailing..., 


B. 0. Zastrow. 


1871 


M. Allino- 




B. 0. Zastrow. 


1872 


M. Ailing.... 




Dr. Th, Fricke. 


1873 


M. Ailing 

M. Ailing 

M. Allino- 




Dr. Th. Fricke. 


1874 


P Ruddy W F. Opitz 


William Vogeni z. 


1875 




William v'ogenilz. 


1876.... 


M. Ailing..., 


W K Opitz .1 Hilgen . 


Charles Wilke 


William Vogenitz 


1877 


A 
A. 
A 
A. 

A 


M. Allino-.... 


W. F Opitz, -I Hil'i-en 




William Vogenitz. 


1878 


M. Ailing... 






1879.... 


M. Ailing 

M. Ailing 


J C Corri»an W F Opitz 






1880 


W. F. Opitz. Patrick Halpin 

P. L. Kahler, M. Dempsey 


L. C. Larson 


Aug Koenig. 
W. F. Opitz. 


1881 


M. Ailing 



AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES. 

The latest official reports show the annual production of grain, roots, potatoes and apples 
as in the following table : 





NUMBER OF BUSHELS. 


TOWNS. 


Wheat. 


Corn. 


Oats. 


Barley. 


Bye. 


Potatoes. 


Root Crops. 


Apples. 




40295 
57203 
33816 


4360 
8786 


41660 

4.V,S7 


21120 
13SIXI 
19492 

7765 
25456 
14997 

7317 


8 
5571 
6090 
4254 
11 1 10 
553 
7000 


7155 
171'57 
1(1995 
14535 
26440 
11128 
14439 


4958 
2750 
1310 

2400 


49 




1467 




1715ft 41748 


1015 




4M',7H 5447 
80434 1 6350 


39932 

88287 
31390 
84922 


633 




2S53 


Port Washington 


35077 
41331 


7 sr.o 
23490 


392 
1552 






Totals 


334832 


S3 448 


323571'. 


109947 


34616 


101949 


11418 


7961 





















504 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

The annual acreage of hay field in the county is reported a9 12,000 acres. The growing 
timber aggregates 23,000 acres, and there are 1,227 acres of apple orchard. The aggregate 
value of the crops, exclusive of hay, is $650,000 per annum. 

THE PRESS. 

The pioneer editors of Ozaukee County were Flavius J. Mills, John A. Brown, R. A. 
Bird, James W. Vail, John R. Bolian, R. L. Gore and Adolph Heidkamp. 

The first paper published in the county was the Washington County Democrat, established 
in the village of Port Washington by Flavius J. Mills, during the summer of 1847. About 
two years later, it passed into the hands of James W. Vail, who merged it in the Blade, 
founded in 1849 by R. A. Bird. In 1853, the Blade changed its name to the Ozaukee County 
Times, and about a year later was discontinued. 

The Washington County Eagle was established in the village of Grafton by John A. 
Brown. It made its debut August 14, 1847, folio size, 16x22. Unfortunately, the editors of 
early times failed to keep files of their papers. It is impossible to give a fair description of how 
they appeared, or any synopsis of the news they published. The Ozaukee County Advertiser 
was started at Grafton in the spring of 1853, by several county officials opposed to the division 
of the county. Charles E. Chamberlin did the mechanical work, besides writing many of the 
leading editorials. The third number of the paper contained the following poetical account of 
a local shooting affair: 

HAVE WE A P0ETK.SS AMONG US? 

We received the following lines, with a very polite request to publish them in our paper. If our paper hail 
been in full blast, we should have declined giving Sub Rosa publicity without the fair writer's name. But we will 
adopt her motto, and crawl under the hush; for as the rapid advauce of cholera has had a tendency to draw down 
the faces of our old settlers as long as your arm, and silence the mirthfulness of their rising sons, we think these 
verses will cause a reaction, and act as an astringent, to allow them to resume their wonted shape, and lay a founda- 
tion for an extra coat of flesh. 

To the writer we would say, that she possesses excellent qualities for writing poetry. And if she will only 
exercise them in a different way, we should be glad to receive her communications, and enroll her name on our list 
of correspondents. 

For the Advertiser. 

TO PATRICK o'RIORDON, WHO SHOT JACOB I. LDR1ANOB. 

"Oh, Patrick, Patrick, monster foul ! 
How could you round poor Jacob prowl, 
And shoot him in the thigh kerswot, 
With that accursed load of shot? 

'• I've seen thee oft in times gone by — 
I've seen thee low. and seen thee high .' 
lint never thought thee such a hrutr, 
That you poor Jacob's leg would shoot. 

" Look on your victim, as he bled, 
When you in anger from him sped ! 
Upon the Oold earth there he lay. 
While you refused with him to stay. 

" In angry mood you sought your home, 
Nor dared about the town to roam ; 
You flipped your hand in gory red. 
And from poor Jacob then you tied 

•■ You swore he should have died before — 
He'd lived too long in days of yore ; 

Then vowed you knew not of tl t. 

While all the time you knew the faot. 

" He lives ! may Doctor Moor he praised : 

lie ft hie ejirv bed he raised! 

A skillful surgeon, ever near. 

His life has saved, to him most dear. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES 

'• 'Tis true, he limps upon a crutch — 
If you'd been shot you'd do as much : 
But Justice soon will overtake, 
And thee of all thy capers break. 

" For E. S. T. is on your track, 
And he in time will bring you back 
To virtue's path, and let you know 
You ne'er more from it must go. 

"Then think, O, Patrick, what you've done! 
You've brought reproof on your mother's son; 
She ne'er did dream or think that you 
This bloody act would ever do. 

" If from this deed you e'er get free. 
t), never, never may it be, 
That you commit the same agaiu, 
And give a fellow-being pain." Sub Rosa. 

" Sub Rosa " was afterward discovered to be the nom de plume of one of Port Washing- 
ton's most prominent citizens; at present Secretary of the Old Settlers' Club. 

The Advertiser was removed to Port Washington and became the property of John R. 
Bohan, its present editor. The following sketch of Mr. Bohan's connection with the paper is 
taken from an article published by himself May 31, 1881, in which he alludes to the downfall 
of the Ozaukee County Enterprise, which had been published for about one year in the village 
of Cedarburg, by Frederick Meyer : 

The Cedarburg ni County Enterprise breathed its last gasp last week. It is an old saying that it is 

honorable to speak well of the dead, so we forbear any scurrilous remarks, although the readers of the Advertiser, 
and also of the Enterprise, must in justice say that our patience was sorely tried, but let bygones be bygones, and let 
us here add a word of warning to others who may be foolish enough to embark their little means in any such enter- 
prise that it is a dead duck sure, and let us also add to the honor and credit of Cedarburg, and to her enterprising and 
high-spirited citizens and business men, that the paper during its existence received a most generous material sup- 
port, and that the editor, Mr. Fred Meyer put his whole energy into it, and if he could not make it pay it would De 
insanity in any other person to attempt it. Our own connection with journalism dates back to 1854, when Mr. 
Adolph Heidkamp started an English newspaper at this place, called the Ozaukee County Democrat, and induced us 
by every means in his powaA and succeeded in inducing us to become its editor, in consideration of which service we 
were to receive one-half theprofit of the office. We were County Clerk al the time, and gave it what Cuunty printing 
we controlled, which was double what the entire patronage is at present, and at the end of half a year, when we 
come to hgure up profits, Mr. Heidkamp informed us upon honor that he did not realize one cent profit for that half 
year Of course, we then informed him that he should look up another editor, which he declined to do. The 
i 'vertiser, run by 1!. L. Gove, Esq., brother-in-law of Hon. E. S. Turner, being the established organ, was too 
stanch to be budged. Mr. (Jove expressed a willingness to sell his interest in the Advertiser, he being a young un- 
raarried man, and his parents and family being wealthy and respectable residents of the beautiful village of Wau- 
besha. He desired to return there and go into other business. \Ve, then, in company with Mi. Heidkamp and Mr. 
W. A. Pors, purchased from Mr. Gove, and called the new paper the Advertiser and Democrat. Mr. Pors was a silent 
partner, ami Bohan V Heidkamp was the title of the firm. In 1859, we purchased the entire interest, struck off the 
title of Democrat, and restored the original name, and have clung to it ever since. Of course, it is much improved 
in its present state, being nearly double the size that it was then, but there was no patent insides or outsides in 
those days: no such thing as co-operation was then thought of. There were four or five newspapers since then 
started in opposition to the Advertiser, one of which was half English and half German, called the Eagle on one side 
ami Der Adler on the other, published and edited by Mr. Jacob Werle, but they all died a natural death. Sic transit 
gloria mundi. 

Mr. Bohan, besides editing his paper, took an active part in politics, having been elected 
to some of the highest offices in the county, and a member of the State Legislature. He has 
always been a stanch Democrat, adhering closely to the Jacksonian principles, and headed his 
paper with the hero of New Orleans' sterling motto, "The Union must and shall be preserved." 
Mr. Bohan has always shown himself ready and willing to support all enterprises that might 
lead to the advancement of the county, or prove beneficial to ifs people. He stood up nobly for 
the railroad bill, for the incorporation of the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railroad when 
it was so bitterly opposed by the friends of the Milwaukee & Northern, now Wisconsin Central 
Railroad. To the efforts of himself and George W. Foster may be attributed the success of the 
Port Washington harbor project. Mr. Bohan, though now well up in years, lacks none of his 



506 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON Wl» OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



original force, and edits his paper with as much vigor as ever. The forcible style which marked 
its earlv career is still maintained, and to this may he attributed the fact that Mr. Bohan has 
been able to outlive all his early cotemporaries. The Port Washington Republican was started 
in 1859, bv G. W. Foster, who continued its publication eighteen months, when the enterprise 
was abandoned. The papers published at present in the county are all located in the village of 
Port Washington — the Advertiser, edited by John It. Bohan ; the Weekly Star, edited by 
Hon. E. B. Balens, whose editorial and political caree" is fully detailed in his biographical 
sketch, and the German paper, Port Washington Zeitung, which was established January 1, 1855, 
by Adolph Heidkamp, who continued its publication until the time of his death, which occurred 
June 27, 1881. The paper is now published by his sons. The following sketches of Judge 
Heidkamp are taken from the Ozaukee County Advertiser and the Milwaukee Sentinel: 

tht A dvt rtisi r. 
After an illness of about ten Jays. .lodge A. Heidkamp die J on Mi unlay morning about 4 o'clock, of n Bpeciec ol 
-v. lie was never consiJereJ a robust man, and his death was not altogether unexpected. 

Adolph Heidkamp was horn in the city of Cologne, Germany, on the 19th Jay of August, 1821. He was edu- 
cated for the profession of a teacher in a Prussian normal Bchool, graduated, and was appointed by the Government 
to take oharge of various schools under the Prussian Bystem, as then in force, and whenever he was ordered he had 
to serve with military precision. After serving in his native country as teacher for a number of years, he directed 
his at tent ion to war J the e/reat republic of the Western hemisphere, and arrived in the city of New York May S, 1 B52, 
Remained in New York until 1854 when he came to Port Washington. 

Fro « i he Uilwaukei Sentinel. 

AN OLD RESIDENT GONE — DEATB IT POM WASHINGTON OF JUDGE ADOLPH HEIDKAMP. 

Port Washington, June '-'7. 1881, 
Judge Adolph Heidkamp, editor and publisher of the Port Washington Zeiliimj. died at his residence this morning. 
The deceased was a native of Cologne, Germany, and emigrated to this country about thirty years ago, serving as teacher 
and organist in New York City, and following the late Rev. father F. X. Sailler to Porl Washington. He taught 
awhile at this place and then founded the Porl Washington Zeitung, continuing as editor and publisher to the 
time of In- death. He raised a highly respected family ot two sons and two daughters. His wife died about ten 
years ago, since which time he has remained unmarried. He early took an interest in political affairs, and, in addi- 
tion to many minor offices, held the position of Clerk of the Court one term. County Superintendent two terms, 
County Judge two titans. There have been very few county or State Democratic conventions in which he has not 
i, ,,ne i prominent part. The deceased was about sixty years of age 

He was the most popular politician in t )/ aukee County, lie had a wonderful faculty of making friends ; was gen- 
erous and sympathizing to a fault ; would share the last dollar with a friend and even wfln an enemy, which system 
of generosity involved him sometimes in financial difficulties, lie was a most agreeable traveling companion 
no one could ever be troubled with the blues while in his company. We know this from long experience. 

The funeral t <ok place on Tuesday at 9 o'clock, from St. Mary's Church. After solemn high mass by Rev, Fat ner 
Welmcs, the C mc n I n Society, the Fire Department, old Settlers' Club. St, Francis Xavier Mutual Aid Society — he 
being a member of each — turned OUl in force and for 1 B very imp. .sing procession. 

Among those from abroad we noticed Hon. I'. V. Deustcr. M c ; Hon. A. Zimmerman, of Mequon : John Simon, 
Esq., ol Craft. m : William F. Opitz. Esq., of Grafton ; v Albright, Hon. \. Ahlhauser and ex-Judge Lutfing, of 
Saukvillc, Capt. Spekoe, and many prominent men and old settlers. 

Resolutions adopted by the Old Settlers' Club : 

Wiikkkas, Providence has called away by death our ..1.1 friend, \dolpli Heidkamp, from this tiresome life to eternal 
rest, therefore be it 

That we deplore his death; in him we lose a g 1 member of our society, a noble-hearted friend — 

one who was always willing to relieve those iii distress — ami his family a kind and loving parent. 

Ruolved, That to the family of the deceased, in this their hour of grief, we tender ..ur heartfelt sympathy. 

A. M. AlLING, President. 
C. E, I'll \miuiii.in. Secretary. 






HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 507 



CHAPTER Y. 

TOWN HISTORIES OF OZAUKEE COUNTY. 

Port Washington— Town of Mequon — Town of Grafton— Grafton Village— Cedarburg — 
Village of Cedarbtjtrg— Town of Saukville— Village of Saukville— Town of Bel, 
gium— Town of Feedonia— Village of Waubeka— Feedonia Station. 

PORT WASHINGTON. 

The natural beauties of Port Washington, the county seat of Ozaukee County, are unsur- 
passed by any of the lake-shore towns. The village is built in a recess formed by Nature, im 
the shape of the letter U. 

Two bluffs, three-quarters of a mile apart from north to south, and with an elevation of a 
hundred feet at the lake, recede westward a distance of half a mile, where they are joined by % 
bluff, running north and south, forming walls on three sides, from the base of which the land 
takes a gradual slope to the lake, thus shaping a natural basin. Through the west bluff is an 
aperture, by which Sauk Creek finds its way to Lake Michigan. Back of this hill are a number 
of smaller elevations, extending along the banks of Sauk Creek ; resting on these knolls are 
handsome residences, many of them having terraces fringed with shade trees and flower-beds. 

To the west of Sauk Creek is a large opening or ravine, which extends back to the forest 
beyond. A small tributary of the creek winds through the ravine, and is fed by a number of 
springs along its banks. The rivulet cuts its way through two embankments, a short distance 
from Sauk Creek; by walling the channel of the stream level with the banks, an artificial lake 
could be formed, which would extend back to a beautiful forest about a mile beyond. 

This lake would have an average width of a quarter of a mile, while its widest point would 
be about three-quarters of a mile. When this plan is carried to completion, with a good summer 
hotel erected near the grove, on the shore of the artificial lake, a more inviting place for tourists 
cannot be found in the State. 

The numerous mounds which exist in and around the vicinity of the village, lead many to- 
suppose that this quiet retreat was resorted to by the Indians as a favorite burying-ground. 
There is no doubt that the Jesuits of the seventeenth century made this one of their stopping 
points, while endeavoring to teach the noble red men of the forest to comprehend the infinite 
greatness of their God. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first white settlers were a company of land speculators and traders led by Wooster 
Harrison, familiarly known as Gen. Harrison. This company landed at Port Washington, 
September 7, 1835, and during the fall laid out the town at the mouth of Sauk Creek. The 
first name given was that of Wisconsin City ; but there being another place of the same name 
in the State, it was changed to Washington City. The first post office was established as 
Washington, receiving its present name of Port Washington from George C. Daniels, in 1844. 
The founders of Wisconsin City carried on a brisk trade for a period of two years. Extortionate 
prices were asked and paid for all kinds of produce. Lands quadrupled in value in a fortnight; 
money was plenty ; speculators wild. 

Everybody seemed to swim in a sea of excitement; intoxicated with success, they rushed 
blindly into a whirlpool of inflation, only to be swallowed up by the great financial crash caused 
by the panic of 1837. The high prices which had been paid could not be sustained, and the 
little colony of fortune-hunters were compelled to succumb to the stern reality of a contracted 
currency. They were buried in the general ruin. 



508 



HIM'oiiY OF WASHINGTON \M> OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



The actors who had taken part in this speculative drama soon abandoned the scene, leaving 
Waubeka, an old Indian chief and his tribe, in lull possession of the little harbor, where, in their 
dreams of prosperity, they had pictured a flourishing city. 

A year later. Aurora Adams and Asa Case came to brood over the wreck of the once proud 
Wisconsin City. ' - of their predecessors remained, with the exception of one or two 

houses, which had been left standing, and a fresh mound of earth with two plain boards, which 
marked the lasl resting-place of Gen. Harrison's wife. Hers was the first death ; she died 
October 10. 1835. 

Aurora Adam- took possession of one of the deserted houses and opened a hotel for the 
accomodation of travelers on their way to Sheboygan. Port Washington being the half-way 
point on the trail then used between thai city and Milwaukee. 

\-i Cas ■ built him a little store-house near the lake. He was an oddity in his way, but 
managed to do o fair trade in supplying the men who traversed the trail with tobacco and pro- 
visions. His first invoice consisted of one barrel sugar, one sack coffee, one gross matches, one 
jug molasses, ten pounds tobacco, one keg nails, two boxes crackers, one hoop cheese. When the 
settlements of 1843 began, he seemed to realize that his best days were over. Subsequently. 
he sold his store and started on foot for Sheboygan, when he was discovered by a peddler 
about ten miles north of Port Washington, lying on the road with a severe gash in his throat. 
The old man was brought back to the village, when he stated that he had been waylaid by two 
men who had robbed him of all his money. His wound was dressed, but neither by persuasion 
or force could he be induced to eat. He died from sheer starvation. 

The first dwelling house built in the village was erected by Gen. Harrison in 1835. It is 
still standing apparently in a good state of preservation. It is a little Story-and a-half frame 
building, gable end, the sills resting on the ground. A partition divides thcfirst floor into two 
apartments, and also the upper or half story. It was at this house that the first votes of the 
town were polled. This old and time-worn structure has become one of the sacred relics of the 
past, commanding a prominent place in the history of the town of Port Washington, not only on 
account of the relation itbears to the first white settler of the village, but because 1 if once served as 

slter to one of America's greatest statesmen. It may be of interest to mention the fact that 
the great and martyred President, Abraham Lincoln, 'during his days of roughing it. once 
walked from Milwaukee to Sheboygan, and stopped a night in this old house. After the defeat 
of the Merrimac by the Monitor. Mr. Lincoln, in company with some of his Cabinet officers, 
I Fortress Monroe to get a practical knowledge of the foit. While viewing the works, 
desiring some information, he approached an officer, who proved to be Capt. Beger, from 
Port Washington. "Well, my man," said Lincoln, "where are you from':" "Port Washing- 
ton." replied the Captain. "Port Washington — let me see: that is in Wisconsin, about twenty- 
live miles north of Milwaukee, is it not?" The Captain answered that it was. "1 stopped 
night once," said the President; "just name over some of the men who lived there 

in the early days.'' The Captain proceeded to nai »ver quite a number, finally mentioning 

that of Harrison. "Harrison, that is the man!" said Mr. Lincoln, "1 remember him well." 
He then walked off to join his escort, leaving Capt. Beger very much elated to think that his 
town had been honored by the presence of so great a man. 

In 1843, Wooster Harrison returned in < tpany with Orman Coe, Ira C. Loomis, Solon 

Johnson, <). A. Watrous. Col. Teal] and others, and began to make permanent improvements. 

As there was no pier built at that time, they were compelled to Wade unite a distance before 
they could effect a landing, and when on Bhore rough crafts were built on which to convey the 
women and children. Houses were speedily erected, and the establishing of a town began in 

earnest. A pier was built OUl to a point in the lake where boats could land their passengers, 
and cargoes, after which the vessels touched regularly. 

During the three years which followed, there was quite an influx into the town of people 

from the Eastern States. Aurora Adams was Superseded in the hotel business bya man named 
Thomas, and had taken up quarters in one of the old houses which had been left standing from 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNT 1 1> 



509 



1835. It had been built by one of Col. Teall's agents, and wishing to take possession of his 
property, the Colonel notified Adams to vacate, which he refused to do. Teall then procured a 
writ of restitution, and in company with the Constable, proceeded to the house. On being re- 
fused admittance, the officer attempted to force an entrance, when the report of a rifle and the 
whiz of a bullet compelled them to beat a hasty retreat. The shot was supposed to have been 
fired by Adams's wife. She was immediately arrested and taken to Milwaukee, where she was 
tried for the offense, but acquitted for lack of evidence. 

0. A. Watrous was appointed the first Postmaster of the village. Hansen & Reymert kept 
the first store after the 1843 settlement. James D. Reymert is now the recognized Scandina- 
vian lawyer of New York City. The early settlers experienced numerous hardships in getting 
provisions and lumber. The nearest grist-mill was that of Deisner's, near Waukesha, a distance 
of thirty-eight miles. 

TOWN MEETING. 

The first town meeting was held in the schoolhouse, in the month of April, 1846, when the 
following town officers were elected: Board of Supervisors, Solon Johnson, William Teall and 
John McLean ; Commissioner of Highways, Allen C. Daniels ; Assessors, Wooster Harrison, 
Alva Cunningham and William Hudson ; Collector, Isaac N. Loomis ; School Commissioners, 
Sylvester P. Watson, Abram Bates and Jerome B. Young; Constables. Sylvester P. Watson 
and L. D. Cunningham; Justices of the Peace. George C. Daniels and George W. Foster; 
Sealer of Weights, Orlando N. Watrous ; Town Clerk, F. W. Merritt. 

The town of Port Washington was incorporated January 21, 184G, and comprised towns 
11 and 12, Ranges 21 and 22, comprising the present towns of Fredonia, Saukville and Bel- 



gium. 








The poll-list for 


1*4(> of the town 


of Port Washington was 


as follows : 


Abram Bates, 


Nicholas Watrey, 


Solon Johnson, 


Clark Bourtow, 


Abram Ingersoll, 


s. Tallakson, 


Harvey Moore, 


Lemuel Hyde, 


H oo ter 1 larrison, 


I. i'uigl, 


Henry Schmidt, 


Jacob Pors, 


William Teale, 


Benjamin Safford, 


Francis ' tpladen, 


Lewis Jones, 


A. Cunningham, 


II ilgen Allendoi f, 


Theodore Stemper, 


Loring I>. Cunningham, 


John Barrett, Jr., 


John Bounow, 


William Mix, 


Isaac C. Loomis, 


K. IV Freeman, 


Charles Bourtow, 


William S. Coe, 


Allen C. Daniels, 


< i. A Watrous, 


Joseph Allendorf, 


Nicholas Poncely, 


John McLean, 


Barney S. Kelly, 


John Schole, 


John Ditz, 


W. P. Thomas, 


A •'. Klinglen, 


M. Persow, 


Pierre Holtigen, 


S. !'. Watson, 


Jonathan Loomis, 


John Suell, 


P. Bievier, 


.1 . B. Young, 


Jacob Anderson, 


Martin Mix. 


John Virlaml, 


F. W. Merrill, 


.Toh n Chion, 


John 1'. Watrey. 


George < 1. Daniels, 


Washington Leonard. 


< lmiles Lunderborg, 


Peter Wolf, 


Stephen Mix. 


Harry V\ illiams, 


John Thomas, 


A. E. Boesswaler, 


X. Eliding, 


John Longly, 


Andrew Wetterst i 


I. N. Loomis, 


K. ( iriswold, 


B. F. Pidge, 


William Kice, 


Joseph Poucely, 


David Acker, 


George W. Foster, 


Chimin t'oe, 


.lean Weycher, 


E. Sloutenborg, 


J. 1'. De I'oiitres. 


Hugh Owen, 


Thomas Micheal, 


Theodore Corraan, 





The foregoing is the pull-list kept by me ai the town election, held at Port Washington, on the first Tuesday of 
April, 1846. Geobge W. Foster, 

I certify thai the above is a true copy. Clerk of said Election. 

F. W. Mkrimi i . 

Ten, l 01, k. 



CHOLERA. 

This terrible and malignant disease made its first appearance in Port Washington during 
the summer of 1849, when, in the space of two weeks, it ravaged almost every home in the 
village. In many cases whole families were prostrated by its direful influence. The exact 
number of deaths caused by the disease during its reign of that year is nof given. Some of 
those who passed through the trying ordeal claim that the mortality would range somewhere in 
the fifties. In the spring of 1854, it again made its appearance in the village, this time with 
more fatal results, the number of deaths in ten days being sixty-five. There was scarcely a 



510 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



family in the town but was deprived of a member. Its victims were selected from all ages, from 
the babe in the cradle to the aged sire. The old settlers who still remain say that they sincerely 
hope that it may never be their lot to witness another such sight as that caused by the dreadful 
devastation made by the cholera of 1849 and 1854. 

EARLY STEAMBOAT DAYS. 

The early steamboat days of Port Washington, and their happy reminiscences, are recalled 
with much pleasure by the old settlers when relating their past experiences. Before the rail- 
roads came to displace the majestic palaces of the lake, steamboat captains were happy. Vessels 
touched regularly at the pier two and three times a day to land and take on passengers. Things 
wore a lively aspect along the shore, friends greeting friends, a general bustle and commotion 
among the steamboatmen in loading and unloading merchandise, while rising above the tumult 
and noise could be heard the stentorian voice of the captain giving command. The whistles 
sound, the bells chime in, the wheels splash, and the boat recedes majestically into the blue 
waters amid a general shout from those left on shore. These pleasures, however, were not 
to be enjoyed without risk and the danger of accidents. Disasters were of frequent occurrence, 
the most fatal of which was the burning of the Niagara, a passenger steamer of the Collingwood 
line, which took place in the latter part of the mouth of August, L856. The Niagara caught 
lire about 4 o'clock p. m., when she was within four miles of Port Washington pier, on her 
southward course. She had on board at the time some two hundred passengers, Capt. Miller at 
the helm. She was first discovered by L. Towsley, who was then in charge of the pier. 
Her time being over-due for landing, Mr. Towsley leveled li is held glass in the direction from 
which she was expected to arrive, when he realized at once her terrible plight. The steamer 
Traveler and propeller Illinois, then within a short distance of Port Washington, had also seen 
the fire, and were making all possible speed to reach the ill-fated vessel. Of the two hundred 
lives on board, only about one-halt' were saved. Amou,' those who were lost was John B. Macy, 
the member of Congress from this Congressional District. Following this frightful disaster. 
came that of the wreck of the Toledo, a large propeller of the Western Transportation I o 
pany, of Buffalo, N. Y. When within twenty rods of the pier at Port Washington she threw 
out her anchor. The sea was the highest ever known at this point. The chain of the Toledo 
became entangled, and all efforts to disengage it proved fruitless, leaving her to the mercy of the 
waves which lashed against her sides with such terrific force ih it it was hut the work of a few 
minutes for them to tear her asunder. She had about eighty lives onboard, including the crew. 
anil of this number only two were saved. There, in sight of the shore, men. women and chil- 
dren struggled only to he washed out of sight by the furious waves. One man was thrown b" 
the force of the waters on to the pier, and was rescued by the people on the shore. Strenuous 
efforts were made to reach the unfortunate passengers from land, but all to no avail. To launch 
a boat in that boisterous sea would have been certain death. 



CRIME. 

Murders are of rare occurrence m a community where the pursuits of the people are largely 

agricultural. The men who seek to sub due forests, build homes and cultivate the land, lind 
little time for contention or brawls ; much less to steep their hands jn the blood of their fell >W- 
mau. With them union means strength. They are hound by common interests to stand by ami 
protect each other. They become linked together by the chain of sympathy, so that what In- 
comes the burden of one, becomes the burden of all. It is to this willingness to assist each 
other in tin' struggles that ensue among early settlers, in their strife against the stubborn oppo- 
sition met with in subduing the wilds of Nature, that the grand principles of right and justice. 
so early engendered by the pioneer-, may he attributed. Crime, of whatever degree, when iiis- 
COVered, is soon rooted out. and the culprit, he he high or low, speedily brought to justice. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 511 

THE FIRST MURDER. 

The man to first cause an entry on the criminal docket of Port Washington, was Maurice 
O'Connell, charged with the murder of a fellow-sailor, Michael Doyle. Up to the time of the 
murder, these two men had been the best of friends. They were employed on a flat-boat which 
was anchored a short distance from the pier. For several days previous to the fatal occurrence 
they had been indulging in a spree, which led to an altercation between them, while they 
were making their debauched rounds of the village. They were separated, when they returned 
to the boat, where the quarrel was renewed and brought to a sudden ending by O'Connell seiz- 
ing a large knife and stabbing Doyle in the neck, killing him almost instantly. This occurred 
on the "20th of October, 1853. O'Connell was immediately arrested and conducted to the county 
j;ul. where he was held to await the action of the grand jury. An indictment was found against 
him for murder in the first degree. He was tried at the November term of court, under Judge 
Larrabee, Eugene S. Turner appearing for the State. The jury, after being out several hours, 
failed to agree, and O'Connell was subsequently remanded to jail. He was tried at the next 
term of court, the jury this time finding him guilty of murder in the first degree. He was sen- 
tenced to imprisonment for life in the State Penitentiary, that being the extreme penalty for 
murder, under the laws of Wisconsin. He remained in confinement until July, 1863, when he 
was pardoned out by Gov. Salomon. 

A MYSTERIOUS MURDER. 

The best of axioms will at times fail of verification, and the old saying " murder will out,' 
does not seem to prove an exception to the common rule. Although this old adage has been 
thwarted time and again, by the agents of crime, it loses none of its importance, and still holds 
a high place in the category of aphorisms. That it fails in many instances is due, in a great 
measure, to the indifference shown towards the victim in the neighborhood in which he re- 
sided. 

Such seemed to be the spirit manifested over the untimely death of Jacob Leno, an old 
German, who was murdered in the most barbarous manner, in Port Washington, sometime dur- 
ing the spring of 1853. Although the old man had lived in the village nearly three years prior 
to his tragical death, but few people seemed to know him, further than that he was of a very 
quiet and easy-going nature. As far as can be ascertained, Leno was a widower, and alone in 
the world. He had emigrated to this country in company with a family by the name of Dose, 
who settled in Port Washington sometime during the year 1850. John Dose, the head of the 
family, was a fellow-countryman of Leno, and lived next-door neighbor to him at the time the 
murder was committed. He, however, on being questioned, refused to divulge anything, either 
in regard to Leno's early history, or his brief career in Port Washington. It is thought by 
some that were he disposed, he might dispel the mystery which still envelopes the old man's 
death. As before stated, the old man Leno was alone in the world, and had rented a little 
house in close proximity to the Doses, where he kept bachelor's hall. He was naturally of a 
quiet disposition, and made few acquaintances. He was inclined to be miserly, which led to the 
supposition that he had large sums of money horded away. The rumor soon circulated, and, 
magnified by repetition, from hundreds it increased to thousands. Gossip had paved the 
way to his destruction. The unsolicited reputation he had gained cost him his life. How or 
by whom the deed was done, no one has yet discovered. Leno had been seen by quite a number 
of men the day before the fatal night, at some of his old familiar haunts. He was seen to de- 
part for home, but no one seems to recollect whose company he was in last. He was sup- 
posed to have been murdered about midnight, but his body was not discovered until about 3 
o'clock the next day. The old man had been missed from his accustomed places of resort by 
those who were wont to notice his peculiar traits. 

Wooster Harrison then kept a jewelry and repair shop on Pier street, which served as a 
favorite rendezvous for the gentlemen of leisure in those days, to crack their jokes and discuss 



512 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES 

the general topics. On this particular day. in looking over the little assembly. Harrison dis- 
covered that Leno was among the missing. As tue old man had never been known to absent 
himself from these gatherings without some good cause, conjectures arose as to what had become 
of him. when snme one suggested that perhaps he might be sick, and living as he did alone, it 
would be well to look after the old man. Wooster Harrison volunteered to serve in this mission. 
On his way he met L. Towsley, whom he prevailed upon to accompany him. and, being 
joined by one or two others, they proceeded to the bachelor quarters. On arriving at the house. 
Gen. Harrison knocked several times on the door, but receiving no answer, went to a window 
at the side of the house, and called to the old man with the same result. He then beckoned to 
the others to come to his assistance. The window was raised and two of the men crawled into 
the house, but had not proceeded far when a most horrible sight met their eves. There lying 
on the floor was the object of their search, with his Lead half severed from his body. The old 
man had been dragged from his bed and his throat cut, after which the murderer had forced 
his victim's head into a wooden pail, presenting a scene which for fiendish cruelty, is unsur- 
1 iti the history of crime. \ Coroner's inquest was held, which lasted for two days, but as 
no clue to the criminal could be found, the jury were compelled to abandon their fruitless task. 
Suspicions were rife, but suspicion does not convict. It is supposed that Leno had in his p is 
session from $300 to $400, which sum his murderer secured. 

When the excitement nf the Leno murder had subsided, and the authorities had given up 
all hopes of discovering the culprit, there appeared in Port Washington, a woman, Frances 
Schaffner by name, who made complaint against one Henry Wist, a resident of the village, to 
the effect that he (Wist) had several years previous made an assault on her in the night, armed 
with a rifle, with intent to rob her of certain valuables and money which she had in her posses- 
sion. She stated that she was then living in a room furnished l.v herself in the Arcade Build- 

during which time. Wist was a frequent visitor. When he discovered that she had money 
in her possession, he endeavored to persuade her to make him a loan, which she refused to do, 
as she had serious doubts of his honesty. West finding that all attempts in the persuasive 
line would be useless, began to threaten her. but the plucky little woman refused to be fright- 
ened, when Wist withdrew from the scene in disgust. She saw nothing more of him until the 
night of the assault, when the would-be robber was again foiled in his attempt to get possession 
of her money. Mrs, Schaffner. however, faded to expuse his villainy through fear of being 
murdered by him if she did. Rather than be subjected to further annoyance and persecution, 
she concluded to leave the village, and subsequently moved to Milwaukee. This took place 
about three years before the murder of old man Leno. West had always been locked upon bv 
the people of Port Washington as a suspicious character, and while the Coroner's jury wore 
sifting the case, many pointed in West as tin- murderer, but no proofs could be found against 
him. Eugene Turner was Prosecuting Attorney at tin- time, and on being informed of Wist's 
attempt to rob Mrs. Schaffner. immediately opened correspondence with her in Milwaukee. 
Mrs. Schaffner was brought before tin' Justice and sworn, when a warrant was issued for Wist's 
arrest. The Grand -liny found a true bill of indictment against him, and lie was held for trial 
at the next term of court. Mrs. Schaffner was retained as a .witness, and took up her abode in 
the house of Lyon Silverman, who was then Sheriff of the county. The case was called. Judge 
Larrabee on the bench. Eugene Turner appearing for the State, and W. A. Pors as counsel for 

the defendant. Witnesses were called by the State to testify as to the defendant's mysterious 
action- and ugliness "I character, Mrs. Schaffner being reserved until the last. On the night 
of the fire) days' trial. Mis. Schatfuer left her rOODD about '.' o'clock in the evening to go f<> 
the post office. The night was extremely dark, the sky being obscured by dense clouds. She 
emerged into the street and darkness to complete her errand, and had i I about half a 

lil ick when she was Stuned by a <r\rvr blow, dealt by snme me- from behind, who followed the 
blow with a wicked thrust from a large knife, and then threw her "If the sidewalk into the 
Street, '.'.here Bhe'was'found bv her friends m an insensible condition. She was unable to ap- 
pear in court the next day. and the trial was postponed to await her recovery. In three duy< 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 513 

from the time of her fright, the womnn was sufficiently recovered to make her appearance in 
court. On her testimony, the jury found Wist guilty, and he was sentenced by Judge Larrabee 
to the penitentiary for the term ol six years. Many think that the whole affair was a put-up 
job, and that Wist was innocent of the charge. But a great crime had been committed. No 
one as yet had been punished for the brutal murder of Jacob Leno. Wist was suspected of being 
implicated in the terrible deed. Suspicion cost him six years' confinement and hard labor. 
After serving his time, he moved to the State of Michigan, where he shortly afterward died. 
On his death-bed he was questioned as to the Leno murder, when he denied having any con- 
nection or knowledge of who murdered the old man. 

FIRST BREWERY. 

Prominent among the early characters of Port Washington, and a man much sought after 
by the old veterans because of the enticing nature of his business, was an old Englishman by 
the name of Arnet, who had built a little cabin, and started on a small scale the manfacture of 
malt liquors. Arno's brewery consisted of some half dozen posts driven into the ground, on 
these rested several cross-beams to which clamp-hooks were fastened, upon which were suspended 
two large iron kettles, in which he brewed his hops and other ingredients necessary to the manu- 
facture of the foaming beverage. The old man carried on quite a profitable business, and was 
very liberally patronized by the old settlers from all parts of the county, as his was the only es- 
tablishment of the kind then known outside of Milwaukee. Those who remember the circum- 
stances, state that the quality of bee' - made by Arnet was far superior to anything manufactured 
to-day. The pioneer brewer sold his beer for 3 cents a pint, and did a thriving business. 

MANUFACTORIES. 

Tlie manufacturing interests of Port Washington were developed as early as 1847. During 
that year Harvey Moore and his brother, S. A. Moore, erected a saw-mill on the west bank of 
Sauk Creek. Excellent power was obtained by damming the stream, from which a race was 
transferred to the mill. The enterprise proved a profitable one, their business increasing every 
year until the great flood of I860 came and swept mill, improvements, and everything before it, 
after which the enterprise was abandoned. In 1848, George and Julius Tomlinson erected the 
first grist-mill, which was run for a number of years by water-power obtained from Sauk Creek. 
The mil! is now owned by R. Stelling, who has made several improvements. Steam-power was 
attached in 1858. The building is a substantial stone structure, and has a capacity for 12,000 
barrels of flour per annum, besides the home and custom work. 

In 1856, Lyman Morgan & Co., engaged in the manufacture of smut and separating ma- 
chines for elevators and breweries. They are constantly adding to their business, and employ 
regularly from eight to ten men. The buildings and machinery were erected at a cost of 
$15,000. 

The early settlers soon discovered that a superior quality of clay could be obtained from 
the bluffs on the lake shore for the manufacture of brick, the clay being of the same nature as 
that found in the vicinity of Milwaukee. Woodruff & Richards were the first to embark in this 
enterprise, and started what was known as the North Brick-Yard in 1*46. William Richards, 
the junior member of the firm, continued in the business until the breaking-out of the war. when 
he enlisted in the Wisconsin volunteers. On the close of the war, he removed to the famous 
Yazoo County of Mississippi, where he now ranks as one among the wealthiest planters in that 
section. The North Brick-Yard is under the management of Nicholas Wiltzius, who is do- 
ing a profitable business. The clay in the vicinity of Port Washington is easy of access, while 
an excellent quality of sand used for the manufacture of brick lies in abundance in close prox- 
imity to the clay. With the enlarged facilities afforded by the harbor for shipping, the brick 
manufacturing interests of Port Washington bid fair to rank second to none in the State. 

This enterprise was first started under the management of Theodore Gilson and John Maas 
in 1850. At the end of two years. Maas withdrew from the partnership, when C. Critzner took 



514 



lll-l'iiKV OF WASHINGTON AX1» OZAUKEE COUNTIES 



his place. Critzner was afterward succeeded, first by Nicholas Martin in 1804, and then by 
John Tossault in 1*0(1. Tossault remained in the firm until 1868, when .Mr. Gilson liought out 
his interest, and started the business anew under the firm name of Gilson & Sons. The esti- 
mated cost of building and machinery is $15,000. 

There an- three good lumber-yards in the village, the principal one being that of 0. A. 
Bjorkquist & Co. Tins firm handle's from 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 feet of lumber annually, and 
employ on an average about thirty men. E. R. Blake and it. C. Kann are also engaged in the 
lumber trade, and handle each about ■2,000,000 feet every year. There is a large planing-mill 
in the town owned by X. G. Ellenbecker, which does a good business, and affords employment 
to quite a number of men and boys. 

Paul Wolf built the first tannery, in 1854. He was succeeded by Charles A. Mueller, the 
present proprietor, in 1872. In 1880, Mr. Mueller erected a new stone building at a cost of 
$12,000. Be has in his employ fifteen men, and consumes annually 600 cords of bark, and 
d'.es a business of §50,0011 per annum. 

E. Schumacher, an enterprising Mdwaukeean, visited Port Washington in 1872. to look 
up a site upon which to erect a foundry. The village people, anxious to encourage him in the under 
taking, offered to subscribe $16,000 in money and lots free, provided Schumacher would agree to 
employ one hundred and forty men, and run the works for ten years before claiming a permanent 

title to the properly, a proposition which lie readily assented to, and immediately proc led to 

execute his plans. The buildings were completed the following year, at a cost of $20,000, and 
the business was started under the firm name of E. Schumacher & Sons, and styled the " Novelty 
Iron Works." The Schumachers, however, did not fulfill their part of the contract, as to the 
number of men to be employed, claiming that the business would not warrant a force of over 
one hundred men. The people of Port Washington not wishing to hamper them in any way. 
tsed them from their contract, and. at the end of three years, gave them a clear title to the 
buildings. In the spring of 1881, the Schumachers became embarrassed financially, when they 
turned over the works to James W. Vail, the banker, of Port Washington, who is now running 
them on a large scale. The establishment still bears the name of the " Novelty Iron Works.' 
and is one of the finest of the kind in the West. 

Holding a prominent place among the interests of the village are the two marble yards, one 
bearing the name of Michael Tibor, and the other that of .Jacob Schumacher. The cemeteries 
dotted over with delicately carved stones and monuments, bear evidence of Messrs. Tibor and 
Schumacher's skill and genius. 

The brewing interests are taken care of by Mrs. Wittman and Messrs. Dix and Kemp 
and the Porl Washington Malt Company. The last named company have erected a new malt- 
house near the depot, 100x120 feet, two stories high. The building is built of brick manufac- 
tured in the village, and was completed October 1, 1881, at a cost of $16,000. E. R. Blake. 
in connection with his store and lumber business, has two good warehouses near the harbor for 
storing gram and produce. The village contains some fifty business houses, the majority of 
which are substantial buildings, of brick and stone. 

"he first hardware business of the town still thrives under the management of August 
Meyer. In addition to these the town contains two flourishing cheese factories, two wagon- 

shops, three blacksmith-shops and a mer-shop for the manufacture of shakes for sugar hog-heads. 

Fish are caught in great quantities, fine specimens of trout, whitefish and perch are shipped 
toother markets, the revenue amounting to from §15,000 to §20,000 annually. 



II Milan:. 

I'he work of improving this harbor began in 1870, the first appropriation having been 
made by the Government in that year. The total amount of appropriations made by the Gov- 
ernment were §1*1,527.17. In addition to these the town voted §15,000, making the total ex- 
penditures $196,527.17. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 515 

The piers extend to a depth of 14 feet of water, and dredging to 13 feet depth in the 
basins. The piers extend into the lake from the shore a distance of 800 feet, and are 200 feet 
apart, while a channel 180 wide has been dredged 1,500 feet back from the shore east and 
west, and the same distance north and south. This is 15 feet deep inside the bar, which has 12 
feet of water. The harbor is one of the finest on the lake shore north of Milwaukee. The 
following report for shipments made during the year of 1879, from Port Washington, was 
obtained from the Merchants and Manufacturers' Association : 

EXPORTS DURING THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1879. 

Beer, barrels 1 520 

Brick, number 326,000 

Butler, tons 

Castings, tons 8-10 

Cheese, pounds 178 000 

Cattle, number 535 

Eggs, barrels 950 

Fish, packages 2,150 

Flour, barrels r S.262 

General merchandise, ions 10ll 

Hit. tons 391 ' 

Hides, number 110 

Leather, sides 8,2 r >_ 

Lime, barrels 140,1 mi I 

Malt, bushels 52,000 

Oats, bushels 5,5U0 

Plows, number 250 

Pork barrels, number 4,325 

Smut machines, number 107 

Wheat, bushels 83,480 

Stone, cords lino 

Wood, cords 510 

Wool, pounds 13,160 

IMPORTS DURING ITU: itili ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1879. 

Barley, bushels 8,800 

Coal, tons 864 

Coke, tons 210 

Corn, bushels 3,71' ■ 

General merchandise, tons 430 

Land plaster, tons 355 

Lath, number 1,000,000 

Lumber, feet, b. m 5,200, 

Pig iron 870 

Reapers, number 16 

Seeders, number 16 

Shingles, number 6,000,000 

Tan bark, cords 378 

OZAUKEE COUNTY BANK. 

Immediately after the organization of Ozaukee County and the permanent location of the 
county seat at Port Washington, James W. Vail started an individual exchange, which he 
carried on successfully until the spring of 1856. He was then joined by S. A. White and Ly- 
man Doud, when a partnership was formed and a general banking business established under its 
present name, Ozaukee County Bank. This partnership continued until the fall of 1857, when 
both White and Doud became alarmed at the stringency of the money market and withdrew 
their interests. A number of heavy failures ensued, of which that of the Ohio Trust Company, 
of New York, proved the most serious. Mr. Vail continued the business alone until 1873, with 
the exception of a brief period, when William H. Ramsey was admitted as a partner. In 1873, 
William H. Landolt joined Mr. Vail as a partner in the bank, the business being transacted 
under the firm name of James W. Vail & Co. 



516 KISTOR? OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

With the pioneers of the West the prairie-breaker and schoolhouse are one and inseparable. 
Side >>v side with their humble dwellings, the early founders of Port Washington Village erected 
their first schoolhouse. Permanent settlements were not begun until the year 1844. . George 
W. Foster, a native of New York, taught the first school, in 1845. 

■■ Oh ye who teach the ingenious youth of nations, 
Holland, France, England, Germany or Spain, 
I pray ye flog them upon all occasions; 

It mends their morals — never mind the pain." 

Schoolmasters, as they were called in those days, generally considered it a high bounder) 
duty .-mil moral privilege, especially bestowed by the rights with which they wen- invested, to 
carry out Byron's injunction by assiduously applying the birch. Young Foster, however, at the 
risk of gaining for himself the everlasting displeasure of his older and more experienced broth- 
ers in the profession, concluded to brave the blunt of public opinion ami introduce the more 
modern idea of moral suasion, a plan which lie carried to success. Mr. Foster soon after took 
up the study of law, a profession for which he was peculiarly fitted, as his success as a lawyer 
has demonstrated, lie was succeeded in the public school by L. Towsley, who taught for 
a number of years, when lie also sought to measure his eloquence before the bar of justice. In 
the year 1846, there were tw r o school districts in the town of Port Washington. The number 
of children enrolled, 135. 

The first School Commissioners were Abram Decker, [ra M. Loomis and W. S. Coe. Fla- 
vins J. Mills first held the office of Town Superintendent of Schools, in 1849. During the 
same year. School District No. ; '> was added. District No. 4 was added in 1850, and No. 
■ > in L852. The following is the enrollment of scholars for the several districts for the year 
1852 : 

Districl No. 1 '!'•''• 

District No. '2 7"> 

District No. -\ I 

District No. 4 '••'-' 

District No. .", 13 

Total 535 

District No. 6 was formed in 1854, No. 7 in is.")."), and No. 8 m I860. Number of schol- 
ars enrolled for I860 : 

District No. 1 185 

District No. 2 121 

Districl No. 8 98 

District No. 4 108 

Districl N i 7"> 

District No. 6 28 

Districl No. 7 91 

Districl No. fi to 

Total 

Che scholars enrolled, in hi],",, for the eight districts, were I. NTs; for 1870, 1,162; for 
1875, 1,249, and for L880, 1,081. That the report for 1880, shows a less number of scholars 
enrolled than that of L875, is due to the fact that a large number of children were withdrawn 
from the public schools by their parents, and sent to the Catholic school, which is allowed $800 
per year from the public funds. Of this, the Advertiser b&jb, in regard to the District Clerk's 

II. B. Schwins) report: "There is one beautiful feature in the report, which litis agitated 

this whole country from the Atlantic to the Pacific time and again, it cannot he discovered by 

the naked eye in the report, hill it is there nevertheless, and is a happy 3olution of the whole 
Vexed question, which Still remains unsettled in till other places in the I lined Slates hut Port 
Washington. No other town as vet. has ever been known to consent to the paying out of public 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 517 

school moneys for the support of a Catholic school. The whole affair is contrary to law ; but as 
it seems to be a sort of family agreement all around, no one feels disposed to make objections." 
For a period of some twenty years, very irregular reports were given of the schools in District 
No. 1, so that it is found impossible to give anything like a full history of the progress made, 
the exact number of scholars attending, or the amount of money expended for school purposes. 
H. B. Schwins, the present District Clerk, makes the following report for 1881 of the village 
school : '• There are two departments in this school, German and English. Mr. S. A. Hooper 
has entire charge. His assistants are (English branches), Miss Ella Harrington, Mary O'Maea 
and Katie Hendell ; German, Miss Caroline Evers and Mary Minten. Mr. Hooper, the Prin- 
cipal, reports the school in a flourishing condition in all its departments. The highest number 
of scholars in attendance for the year 1881 was 432 ; amount of money collected for the same 
year — county, $242.78 ; district, $2,500 ; for grass sold on school lot, $1.25; tuition money 
from outside scholars, $115.58 ; money appropriated from State taxes, $219.53 ; total, $3,079.44." 
The village schoolhouse is a handsome, brick structure, and is surrounded by beautiful 
grounds, which form one of the principal attractions of the town. 

CHURCHES. 

Catholic Church. — The first services of the Catholic Church of Port Washington were held 
at the house of John Gengler, in 1847, the church then numbering only three families. In 
1849, it had increased to twelve families, when a little frame church was erected on light-house 
bluff, on two lots which were given to the church by Hiram Johnson, one of the oldest settlers 
in the county. The church was first visited by Father Fabian, Rev. Glenbauer and Rev. Brady. 
The first resident priest was Father F. X. Sailer, who came to Port Washington on the 9th of 
October, 1853. The church had then increased to twenty-five families. Father Sailer, soon 
alter his arrival, established a Catholic school, and called Adolph Heidcamp, then a teacher in 
New York, to take charge of the school. Heidcamp remained as teacher until 1856, when he 
resigned to take charge of a public office to which he had been elected. The priest then called 
Sisters from the Notre Dame, of Milwaukee, to conduct the school. Father Sailer remained as 
leader of the church until 1857, when he was succeeded by Rev. Weikmann, who remained but 
a short time, when Rev. F. Tusseder took his place, and began to make preparations for the 
building of a new church. On the 1st of July, 1860, the corner-stone of the present church 
edifice was laid, the building being completed the same year at a cost of $7,000. It is a hand- 
some, stone structure, 40x80 feet. Rev. Tusseder remained in charge until the 6th of Septem- 
ber, 1862, when he resigned to go as Chaplain to the Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Regiment, when 
Father Sailer returned to the pastorate of the church from 1862 until 1867, during which time 
he laid out the plan of a new schoolhouse, which was completed by his successor, Rev. A. Durst, 
who took charge October 13, 1867. Rev. Durst remained until the 17th of May, 1870, when 
he was succeeded by Rev. Henry Willraes, the present Father, who is now raising money for the 
erection of a new church edifice, which will be built on the improved plan, and will have a sit- 
ing capacity of 1,200. The church now numbers 250 families, or about 1,100 communicants. 
The new building, when completed, will be one of the finest in the State. The school, now 
under direction of the church, is conducted by three Sisters of the order of Notre Dame of Mil- 
waukee. Both the German and English languages are taught. There is, at present, an average 
attendance of 220 scholars. The schoolhouse is a two-story, brick building, 33x60 feet. The 
Sisters are allowed $800 per year from the public-school fund. This seems to have been brought 
about by a mutual understanding on both sides. 

Methodist Episcopal. — This denomination was the first to hold religious services in the 
town of Port Washington. The congregation met as early as 1843 at private houses for wor- 
ship. A few years later, they occupied the public schoolhouse. The first Pastor, Rev. Lewis, 
like all pioneer ministers, had quite a number of churches under his charge scattered through- 
out different portions of the county. To visit these he was subjected to severe hardships, often- 
times being obliged to ride on horseback for a distance of twenty miles through the dense 



518 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



forests which existed in those days, facing all kinds of weather in order that he might make 
good his appointments. His successors have been Y. L. Le Due, R. C. Parsons, J. Miller, 
William P. Stowe, G. C. Haddoch, C. W. Brooks, A. R. Bishop, R. W. Beach, L. S. Maul- 
Bhrop, C. D. Cook, D. Brown, E. L. Eaton, S. A. Wanless, R. J. Judd, George Parsons, J. 
H. Brooks, W. F. Dale, and the present Pastor, G. S. Newcomb. The first meeting-house was 
erected in 1851 and rebuilt in 1877. The building, as it now stands, is a cosy brick structure, 
40x6ii feet with one auditorium-room for public services, and a basement used for Sabbath 
school purposes. It is the only English-speaking church now in organization in the village; it 
has at present forty members, but also derives a large support and attendance from members of 
other denominations, who are too few in numbers to support a church of their own. 

Presbyterian. — This denomination held its first services in the public schoolhouse as early 
as 1845, under the directions of Rev. Thomas Frazer, Jr. The church was regularly organized 
in the fall of 184G. Some eight years later, a frame building was erected as a place of worship 
on a lot deeded by Barnura Blake, a prominent merchant of Port Washington. The congrega- 
tion continued to bold services until sometime in 1864, at which time many of the influential 
members moved from the village, when the organization was dissolved. Rev. James Merrill 
was the last Pastor to preside. The meeting-house is still standing, but in a dilapidated 
condition. 

Protestant Episcopal. — This religious body started under rather unfavorable auspices. A 
number of ladies headed by Mrs. 0. A. Watrous. interested themselves in obtaining subscrip- 
tions toward building a church edifice; when they had succeeded in raising several Hundred 
dollars, they turned the fruits of their labor over to the proprietor of a brick-yard, who failed 
to furnish them the bricks contracted for and they were unfortunate enough to lose their money. 
Services were held in the upper story of the Exchange Block, now used for hotel purposes and 
designated as the Union House. Rev. S. K. Miller was the first Pastor. The church was 
regularly organized October 29, 1849, by the following vestrymen: 0. A. Watrous, Bostwick 
O'Connor, Mason Woodruff, Gideon M. Waugh and S. II. Alcox. This organization continued 
only for a few years. 

Bci/i/ist. — Services were held by this denomination in the old Arcade Building, but they 
were of so short duration, that no special records were kept of the meetings. Rev. Mulhern 
came first to look after the interests of the church; he remained but a short time, when he was 
succeeded by Rev. Delaney. The church was organized sometime during the year 1848. 

GerninH Evangelical Lutheran Church. — This church was organized pursuant to a call of 
the Trustees January 17. 1853, Rev. J. Johnson first officiating Pastor. The success of the 
church is largely attributable to the energies of Jacob Eckle, one of the oldest Trustees, w bo was 
instrumental in raising funds to erect the church buildings. The Rev. Johnson's successors 
were Rev. Stark, William Darman. Samuel Hauservitz, Rev. Bart, Rev. Klynard and Rev. A. 
Frank, the present Pastor. The first services of the church were held in the public school- 
house until the completion of the church edifice, which was finished in ls5ii. and consecrated 
by the Rev. John Kandiss. The bell, one of the largest in the village, was presented to the 
church by lady members, who raised the money by subscription. The church now numbers 
over linO members. 

German Methodist Church. — The members of this church, like many others, were obliged 
to fall back on the schoolhouse as a place of worship until they had become sufficiently strong 
to build a house of their own. The first services were conducted by Rev. C. A. Schwake dur- 
ing the spring of 1852. In 1862, they repaired to their new church edifice, since which time 
the church has been presided over by the following ministers: Rev. II. Holster, Rev. Schuk, 
Rev. Hallacher. and the present Pastor, the Rev. .1. Hcinhaus. 



SortlTIKS. 



Port Washington Gesang Verein. — This association has now nearly one hundred members, 
of which one-half are singers. Its origin was due to the exertions of Maj. John C. Sehroeling. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 519 

under whose directions it was organized December 3, 185!:'. The first officers were elected as 
follows: President, Conrad Horneffer ; Vice President, Phil. G. Ktihn ; Director, John C. 
Schroeling ; Secretary, Leopold Eghart ; Treasurer, Theopold Rubly. The society was incor- 
porated by an act of the Legislature April 11, 1861, with the following members: Leopold 
Eghart, Charles Beger, John C. Schroeling, Louis F. Mueller, Robert Tetzold, Conrad Horn- 
effer, Jacob Moritz, Ulrich Landolt. Robert Jaenicke, Jean Adam, Edward Nuendorff, Franz 
Zimmerman, Hermann Vanderbosch, William Landolt, Paul Wolff, Theopold Rubly, G. P. 
Kuhn, G. Mockly, Jacob Werle, Gottfried Bentel, William Schroeder, Frederick Schmidt, Peter 
Kuhn, Frederick Mueller. Henry C. Horneffer, George Tetzold, Charles G. Meyer, John Neuens, 
T. Tetzold, E. Franckenberg, J. Goldsmith, John R. Bohan, Louis Toeser, Robert F. Martinni, 
Carl Menzc. Jr.. Carl Rabe. Carl Mueller. J. Wersching, Peter Wolff, F. Wiffman, J. B. 
Scheible, William A. Pors, Edward Panzer, Gustav Goetze, Phillip Runkle, John Simon, Nich- 
olas Johann, Thomas Hoyt, John Diedrich, Carl Menze, Sr., Charles Besch, D. Kemp, J. W. 
Vail and David Vail. Since the incorporation took place, great enterprise has been manifested, 
each individual member proving himself a practical worker toward advancing the interests of 
the society. During the winter season, farmers have been known to come through all kinds of 
weather eight and ten miles to attend the regular meetings of the Gesang Verein. This earnest 
solicitation on the part of members has been maintained throughout, and to this vigorous and 
enterprising spirit may be attributed the grand success of the organization. The society has 
given quite a number of concerts, mostly for charitable purposes. In 1872, a new hall, 50x88 
feet, was built by the association at a cost of $4,000 ; the foundation is so arranged that a brick 
wall can be raised to enclose the present frame structure : this can be done at an additional cost 
of $3,000. The auditorium is handsomely furnished throughout, and has a seating capacity of 
800. The stage is neatly fitted up, with all the necessary accommodations, such as scenery, 
dressing-rooms and stage properties in general. 

Turn Verein. — The Turner Society was organized by Maj. John C. Schroeling May 14, 
1860, with the following members : G. P. Kuhn, Robert Tetzold, Robert Jaenicke, Charles Tet- 
zold, Louis Mueller, Charles Beger, Peter Kuhn, Robert Martinni, Henry Schutz, Frederick 
Bartels, Frederick Biel, L. Schmidt, John Michel, John C. Schroeling W. H. Landolt and 
John Adam. The first officers were — President, John C. Schroeling ; Vice President. J. P. 
Kuhn ; First Master, Robert Jaenicke ; Second Master, Charles Tetzold : Secretarv, Louis 
Mueller; Treasurer, Charles Beger. On May 15, 1861, Maj. Schroeling, who had then a rep- 
utation as a skillful swordsman, received a call from the Turner Society of Milwaukee to give 
an exhibition drill. Maj. Schroeling accepted the invitation, when he afterwards was made First 
Lieutenant of Company C of the Fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was joined by the 
following members of his own society from Port Washington : W. H. Landolt, Louis Mueller, 
Frederick Bartels, Henry Schutz and John Michel. 

Ozaukee Lodge, No. 17, A., F. <f- A. M. — Was organized December 6, 1847, and charter 
granted by Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, January 15, 1848. The charter members were Isaac 
C. Loomis, Bostwick O'Connor, Mason Woodruff. William Payne, Orlando Foster, Joseph 
Fishbein and S. A. White. First officers: Isaac C. Loomis, W. M.; Bostwick O'Connor, S. 
W.; Joseph Fishbein, J. W.; William Payne, Treas.; John A. Brown, Sec; Orlando Foster, S. 
D.; S. A. White, J. D. Present officers: W. A. Pors, W. M.; John J. Race, S. W.; E. R. 
Blake, J. W.; Ulrich Landolt, Sec; J. B. Peffer, Treas. 

J. O. O. F. — This order preceded the Masons in their organization about one year, and 
continued their regular meetings until the year 1854, when the building in which they held their 
lodge was destroyed by fire, after which disaster the organization was dissolved. 

Sons of Hermann — Held their first meeting December 13, 1875. The society has in- 
creased in numbers yearly, and is well supported by the Germans in the village and town. The 
officers are R. Stelling, Pres.; Gustav Gauer, Vice Pres.; N. Young, Sec 



520 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AM) OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

The first move toward the organization of a regular system of defense against fires was 
originated by August Meyer, who proposed the forming of a hook and ladder company, which 
plan «as carried into effect in 1864, and was styled the Port Washington Fire Company. Mr. 
Meyer was unanimously elected Chief, which position he still retains. In 1870, an engine 
and hose company were added. Fire plugs or cisterns are conveniently located throughout the 
village, and although the company is purely volunteer, a corps of some fifty men hold them- 
selves in readiness to respond to any alarm which may be given. The men are thoroughly 
equipped with the regular fireman's paraphanalia, caps, rubber coats and boots. Their parade 
uniforms consist of plain red shirts with white belts and caps. The promptness adhered to by 
the members of the company reflects great credit on the management, while the people of Port 
Washington may rest scenic as to the efficiency of the department as a protection against fire. 
They may also feci proud of an organization in which so much enterprise and thorough disci- 
pline is manifested. The oldest inhabitant of the village fails to call to mind the date of the 
first blaze. Some say that a small frame dwelling house was burned as early as 1846. The 
first fire of any importance, however, was that of Heighan, Kern & Boss's flouring-mill, a four- 
Btory frame building which was entirely consumed by the flames. The mill was run by steam- 
power and was full of grain and flour at the time, all of which was destroyed. The loss occa- 
sioned by this fire is placed at $20,000. During the same year, 1851, the Powers House, a frame 
hotel, was burned; estimated loss, §5,000. In 1852 came the destruction of the Wisconsin 
House, and in 1854 M. M. Whedon's store. Since that time no very serious damage has been 
done by the llames. 

Till-; BAND. 
For a number of years past Port Washington has hail several parts of bands, but not until 
1879 could the village lay claim to a thoroughly organized hand. The great drawback in the 
past seemed to he the want of a good Leader. This deficiency was met and the difficulties over- 
come in tin.' person of Martin Zimmerman, who. in the summer of 1*7U. undertook the arduous 
task of organizing a brass and string hand. Mr. Zimmerman had many obstacles to contend 
with, the greatest being the lack of experienced players. Nothing daunted he set to work. 
made his selections from the raw material, after which he kepi them in constant practice, so that 
now Port Washington lias a hand that will compare favorably with those of larger towns. The 
members are : Brass — Martin Zimmerman, leader, first Eflat: M. Frey, second K flat : X. GiUon, 
piccolo; Louis fiddler, first alto; Mat Manner, second alto; W. Shulenberg, first tenor ; 1!. Not- 
ting, second tenor; John Gilson, trombone; George Zimmerman, bass ; Gilbert Germ in son, 
drum, A. Ho--, bass drum. String — Martin Zimmerman, first violin: Theodore Qerle, 
second violin ; Mat Frey, flute : W. Shulenberg, B cornet : N. Gilson, trombone, and John Gil- 
son, bass violin. 

LITERARY. 
Thomas Mooney, an educated Irishman, "ho came to this country in 1846, wrote a his- 
tory of Ireland and also contributed articles to the Boston Pilot, which were the means of in- 
ducing many of his countrymen to emigrate to this country, most of them locating in Ozaukee 
and Washington Counties. Mr. Mooney was also a poet, and wrote -everal poems on America 
which were remarkable for their originality and strong patriotism. 

•• Literary Hems," handsomely set in artistically-designed covers, and carefully preserved 
as mementoes to the essayists of Port Washington, found a place in the regard of the young 
people. 

The first of these to greet its neighbors and friends was a spicy little journal called the 
Literary Chip Basket which made its appearance February 17. 1858, under the following 
motto . .. \ „;.,. Ili:m gcoroetfa noil 

Be 'i ever so humble ; 

For lie knnwciii ooi the secret la 

That may bind ii id gri 





£2<^ 




HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 521 

Henry L. Coe and Nettie E. Wilmot, editors. The Chip Basket soon became popular and 
had for its contributors some of the best talent in the village. The editors were changed quite 
frequently. Volume II appeared with the names of J. W. Vail and Nettie Wilmot. Miss 
Mary Vail, daughter of James W. Vail, has preserved several numbers of the paper, in deli- 
cately-worked covers. The Chip Basket created quite a stir among Dame Society's subjects 
and awakened literary propensities to such an extent that it was but a short time until there 
were a number of cotemporaries in the field. First came the Society Journal, edited by Haney 
L. Coe and Inez Turner; motto: "Where there's a will there's a way." The What Not soon 
followed, edited by Nettie E. Coe, James W. Vail and William A. Pors ; preface : " 0, eyes 
sublime, that have tears and laughter for all times." The contributors to the What Not were: 
Ladies— Mrs. H. L. Coe. Mrs. W. H. Wright, Mrs. C. E. Chamberlin, Mrs. E. S. Turner, Mrs. 
J. M. Bostwick, Mrs. W. A. Pors, Mrs. P. M. Butler. Mrs. Annie E. Scott, Mrs. M. J. Tows- 
lev, Mrs. A. W. Bolds, Miss Lulu M. Whedon, Miss Mary B. Vail, Miss Inez Turner. Gen- 
tlemen— H. L. Coe, W. H. Wright, R. C. Kann, C. E. Chamberlin, L. H. Clark, E. Pors, 0. 
P. Melin, G. W. Foster, Rev. R. C. Parsons, William A. Pors, George Parsons, James P. 
Whedon. 

The Whimsical Mirror. — " Reflecting the whims of women and the follies of men." " You 
shall not budge until I have set you up a glass wherein you may see the inmost part of you." 
This journal was kept before the society for a short time when it was succeeded by the Allspice, 
edited by Harvey L. Coe and Mrs. E. S. Turner, under the following motto : 

" Of all those arts in which the wise excel, 
Nature's chief masterpiece is writing well." 

The contributors to the Allspice were : Ladies — Mrs. I. G. Daniels, Mrs. A. W. Bolds, Mrs 
lone Wright, Mrs. Nettie E. Coe, Miss Lottie Moore, Miss Inez Turner. Gentlemen — Rev. 
Brooks, George W. Foster. 

The Star was among the first to appear, but was of so short a duration that sample copies 
were not preserved. These literary journals have been the means of adding materially to social 
enjoyments, besides creating a desire for knowledge and advancing the people both morally and 
intellectually, some of the productions are worthy of publication, and would no doubt command 
a place in the periodicals of the day. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

The first newspaper published in the village of Port Washington was the Washington 
County Democrat, established by Flavius J. Mills in the summer of 1847. At that time, the 
Democratic party was divided as to county politics. Mills took sides with the predominant fac- 
tion in order to control the county printing. The opposition then set on foot a project for the 
establishing of a new paper, which was carried into effect in the month of June, 1849, when the 
Washington County Blade made its appearance under the management of Rhenodyne A. Bird, 
who had been induced to come from Madison and embark in the enterprise. James W. 
Vail was soon afterward admitted as a partner, the Blade being published under the names of 
Bird &. Vail. The paper gained prestige rapidly, and in less than one year succeeded in making 
a clean sweep of its cotemporary, and the Democrat was subsequently emerged into the Blade. 

When the question of dividing the county came before the people, Bird was inclined to favor 
the division, while Vail vigorously opposed it, taking the ground that the people, as a majority, 
were against it, and would not sustain them in such a course. Failing to convince Bird by his 
manner of reasoning, Vail sold out his interest. Bird then continued to publish the paper alone, 
but, as Vail had predicted, met with such a serious loss of patronage, on account of his advo- 
cating a division of the county, that, at the end of one year, he was compelled to abandon the 
enterprise. Bird then moved his type to Horicon, Dodge Co., where he published a paper in 
support of C. H. Larrabee, at that time prominent in State politics. The Port Washington 
Zeitung (German), was established January 1, 1855, by A. Heidkamp, and has since been con- 
tinuously published. A full sketch of its founder, who died during the month of July, 1881, 

M 



522 HISTOKT OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

can be found in the county history of this book. The Advertiser, edited by John R. Bohan, was 
removed to Port Washington from Grafton in 1859, and has ever since maintained its place as 
the official paper of Ozaukee County. During the same year, G. W. Foster started the Port 
Washington Republican, but as the political food of Ozaukee County was not of the kind on 
which a Republican paper was wont to thrive, at the end of eighteen months Mr. Foster was 
obliged to abandon the enterprise. The Weekly Star, edited by Hon. E. B. Bolens, first made 
its appearance in Port Washington November 1, 1879. The paper is ably edited and is fast 
gaining in patronage and the support it justly deserves. Mr. Bolens also runs a job office in 
connection with his paper. His office is equipped with new type, and the work turned out com- 
pares favorably with that of larger cities. 

LIGHT-HOUSE. 

The light-house was established at Port Washington in 1849. The building is situated on 
"North Bluff," on a lot which was donated to the Government by Solon Johnson. The build- 
ing and natural elevation, have together, an altitude of 200 feet. The first keeper was C:ipt. 
Worth, father-in-law of A. M. Blair. In politics, the Captain was a stanch Whig. After 
Worth, came Capt. Tutliill, bearing all the characteristics of Dickens's Captain Cuttle, with the 
exceptions of a lame arm and pot-hook. Tuthill's successors were Bernard Simmer, who died 
in office ; F. L. Hoyt, P. Kehoe, and Capt. Lewis who held it until the time of his death. The 
house is now in charge of his widow. The salary was first set at $351 per year. The present 
salary is $540. The light-house is built of brick. The basement story is set off into apart- 
ments for the family of the keeper. 

DOCTORS. 

The pioneer doctor of Port Washington was Dr. P. H. Clark, who came to the village in 
1847. He kept the first drug store on Franklin street, where Maj. John C. Schroeling now 
lives. The pioneer dentist was Dr. Powers, afterward proprietor of the Powers House, which 
was destroyed by fire shortly after the county was organized. Dr. Clark's successors were 
Drs. Osgood, Stillman and Fisher. The present doctors are Messrs. Scholl and Smith. 

POSTMASTERS. 

The first post office in the village was established sometime during the year 1843. 0. A- 
Watrous was the first Postmaster. The office was kept in a frame building which stood on the 
ground where the court house now stands. Watrous was succeeded by Dr. Powers. Walter 
Lyon, S. A. White, Lyon Silverman, R. L. Gove and Norman S. Turner. When the name 
of the office was changed from Ozaukee to that of Port Washington, Harvey L. Coe, the 
present incumbent, was appointed to the place. 

LAWYERS. 

The early lawyers were Henry Allen, G. M. Watigh. G. W. Foster, Hopewell Cox, Le- 
land Stanford and L. Towsley. The pioneer Judges were Andrew Miller and Charles II. Lar- 
rabee. The present lawyers are W. A. l'ors, James Iledding, Eugene S. Turner, D. M. Jack- 
son, G. W. Foster, L. Towsley and Harvey L. Coe. 



TOWN OF MEQUON. 

This large and populous town forms the whole of the southern boundary of Ozaukee 
County, and comprises all of Town 9 in Itange 21, and a fractional township in Range --. 

EARLY BBTTLBE8. 

The first white settlers of Mequon were Isaac Bigelow and Daniel Strickland, who emi- 
grated with their families from the British possessions and settled in the town of Mequon in 
1836. The territory at that time was one dense wilderness, the only thoroughfares, if such 



HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 523 

thev/ could be called, 'were the Indian trails, leading in different directions through the vast 
country which lies north and west of the village. The pioneers followed one of these trails 
north until they came to Mequonsippi or Pigeon Creek, where they proceeded to erect for 
themselves rude shanties out of such material as could be found until they could replace them 
with more substantial log structures. In 1837, James W. Woodworth and his brother Ephraim 
came and took up claims near by. In 1838, William Worth, Taylor Haverlin, John Weston, 
Peter Turck, Reuben Wells, Isham Day, Joseph Loonier and several Irish families made settle- 
ments in the town. During the month of August, 1830, William F. Opitz, in company with his 
father, mother, sister and brother-in-law, Adolph Zimmerman, came and settled in what is now 
known as Mequon proper, one-half mile south of where the village of Theinville is now situated. 
They were the first German settlers. A month later, they were followed by five German fam- 
ilies, consisting of Andrew Geidel, Michael Mueller, Andrew Lanzendorf, W. Schumann and 
Gottfried Baer. During the same year, the Bonniwells, William, George, James, Charles, 
Henry and Alfred came from England and settled that portion of Mequon now known as the 
Bonniwell District. Next after the Bonniwells came the Friestadt Colony, numbering about sixty 
families. These people sheltered themselves at first in tents. Timothy Wooden, the first set- 
tler in the town of Grafton, and a neighbor of his, helped the Germans to erect their log houses. 
A year later, the colonists erected a log meeting-house, the first structure of the kind built in> 
old ''. ashington County. In the month of May, 1840, Edward II. Janssen, Henry Heisen and 
John Thompson located in Mequon, and at once set about clearing the lands and interesting 
themselves in the general welfare of the community. Edward H. Janssen was the first Ger- 
man school teacher in the town. He was a man of great enterprise, and soon ' came an active 
worker in the politics of the county. Besides holding important offices in the town, he was- 
made a member of the Constitutional Convention, was elected for two terms to the office of Reg- 
ister of Deeds, and, in 1851, was elected to the important office of State Treasurer. In 1854 r 
he in company with his brother and a man by the name of Gaitsch built the Hamilton Grist-Mill, 
a large stone structure located on Cedar Creek, a mile south of the village. He was afterward 
elected County Superintendent of Schools, which office he held at the time of his death, which 
occurred during the year 1877. 

CHURCHES. 

The Methodists were the first to hold services in the town. The first religious gathering 
took place at the house of Isaac Bigelow in the spring of 1838, when a number of the old set- 
tlers met for the purpose of forming themselves into a class. Rev. Frink, an Indian missionary, 
preached the first sermon at the house of Jonathan Loomers, sometime during the same year. 
Peter Turck, a native of Pennsylvania, and a zealous pupil of the Baptist faith, endeavored to 
press upon the minds of the early settlers the importance of immersion ; but, according to the 
statement of James W. Woodworth, did not meet with much success in making converts. Turck 
was a man of considerable enterprise during his early life, and sought to measure his genius 
with men of almost every profession. Besides preaching the gospel, be undertook to rival the 
students of Blackstone, at the same time endeavoring to perform the important functions of a 
physician. He held for quite a number of years the office of Justice of the Peace, and was 
elected by the county to the State Legislature. He erected the first saw-mill in the town of 
Mequon, in 1838. With age came the derangement of his mind, and he finally died in an 
insane asylum. 

The German Lutherans and Catholics are the only two sects now holding services in the 
town of Mequon. The Catholics have now only one meeting-house in the town, located in Sec- 
tion l'4, Range '22. In early times they had a log meeting-house on the town line of Cedar- 
burg and Mequon, but of late years this place has been abandoned, the congregation now mak- 
ing the village of Cedarburg their place of worship. The German Lutherans have erected 
meeting-houses at convenient points throughout the town, the most important being at the 
Friestadt settlement. 



524 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school held in the town of Mequon was taught by Miss Helen Upham in a log 
house owned by James W. Woodworth. The school was opened during the fall of 1839. The 
first schoolhouse, a log structure, was erected by the Bonniwells in 1840. Miss Eliza Bonni- 
well. William Worth and Edward H. Jansen were the pioneer teachers of Mequon. The school 
reports made for the town of Mequon for the year 1844 were as follows : Bonniwell District, 
No. 1 — Male children under the age of sixteen, 37 ; female under same age, 19 ; total, 56. 
Public money, $49.50 ; by tax, §1!>~.U2 : total, $68.82. Harrison School District, No. 2, had 
32 scholars. No further report. 

Van Buren District, No. 3 85 scholars. 

Washington District. No. 6 36 scholars. 

Friestadt District. No. V 104 scholars. 

Attenberg District, No. 8 27 scholars. 

New Berlin District, No 9 35 scholars. 

The whole number of scholars enrolled for the year 1844 were 375. Daniel Strickland 
and Levi Ostrander were the first School Commissioners ; their jurisdiction extended at that time 
throughout the whole county. In 1849, Mequon adopted the Town Superintendent system. 
Frederick Stock was appointed first Superintendent. 

EARLY TIMES. 

In 1839, John Weston and Timothy Wooden took a contract for cutting out the Green Bay 
road. Previous to that time, Weston had entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, which 
he sold to John Willett. He then bought a quarter section, the site on which the village of 
Theinville is situated ; this he afterward sold to Henry Thein. Weston was the first Postmaster, 
and kept the office in a little log house located on the old Milwaukee and Green Bay road, about 
sixteen miles north of Milwaukee. The mail was delivered twice a week by a carrier on horse- 
back. Weston remained in Mequon for several years, when he emigrated Westward. It is 
thought by some that he is still living, but in what part is not known. The first Justice of the 
Peace in the town was Frederick W. Horn, who came into Mequon in 1841. He has figured 
more prominently in politics than any other resident of the county, and is still a leading citizen, 
residing at present in the village of Cedarburg. John Henry Thein. the founder of Theinville, 
first located in Mequon in the year 1842, where he erected the first grist-mill in the town, and 
proceeded to lay out the village. A year later, he built a storehouse and saw-mill. He con- 
tinued in the flouring business until the time of his death, which occurred July 6, 1863. The 
grist-mill, a lame stone structure, is now in charge of Frederick Memmler, of Cedarburg. An 
excellent water-power is obtained at this point from the Milwaukee River. Besides the mill, 
the village contains two stores, two wagon and two blacksmith shops, one tailor and two shoe- 
shops, three saloons, one hotel and a post office. The latter is now in charge of William 
Carbvs. A large cheese-factory was erected near the village, in 1880, by Louis C. Wagner. 
The dwelling-houses of Theinville number about fifty, all handsomely set in fine yards, bordered 
with shade trees. There is also a public park, where the people meet at various times to quaff 
the favorite beverage, and spend an hour or two socially. The village is very cozily situated on 
the north bank of the Milwaukee River, and on the line of the Wisconsin Central Railroad, 
sixteen miles north of Milwaukee City. One-half mile south of Theinville, on the old Green Hay 
road, is the home of Adolph Zimmerman, the oldest German settler now living in the town of 
Meqnon. His house is surrounded by a dozen or more cottages, ("lining a little hamlet, which 
is known as Mequon proper. It was here that W. F. Opitz. brother-in-law to Mr. Zimmerman, 
built the first hotel for the accommodation of travelers. The building is still standing, but 
since the railroad displaced the old stage line, the hotel has been abandoned. The Friestadt 
settlement is the only other place in the town of Mequon which can be called a hamlet. It 
contains two churches, one store and post office, kept by Charles Schneider, two blacksmith and 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 525 

wagon shops, with about two dozen dwelling-houses. The land is now mostly all under an 
excellent state of cultivation, the county at large presenting the appearance of one vast chain 
of gardens, with good, substantial frame and stone dwelling-houses, and, as is characteristic with 
the Germans, most of them have elegant yards decorated with neatly arranged walks and flower- 
beds, while the ever famous cottonwood commands a prominent place in front of the houses. 
The farmers have adopted the Eastern custom of building large barns for the storing of grain 
and other purposes. 

The town was incorporated by act of the Legislature January 21, 1846. Prior to that 
.time, there had been a yoting precinct in the township, but no town organization distinct from 
the comprehensive organization of the "Town of Washington," which embraced all the town- 
ships in old Washington County, with voting precincts here and there, as new settlements 
sprung up. Below is a copy of the records of the 

FIRST TOWN MEETING. 

" At a town meeting held pursuant to law in the town of Mequon, at the house of Henry 
Thein, on the first Tuesday in April, A. D. 1846, it being the 7th day of said month, the 
meeting was called to order at 10:30 o'clock, A. M., and it was on motion resolved that a Mod- 
erator and Clerk be chosen by the electors now present, by acclamation. Patrick Dockery was 
chosen Moderator, and Edward H. Jansen, Clerk. The officers chosen appeared and took the 
oath of office before F. W. Horn, Justice of the Peace, which is prefixed to the poll-list. On 
motion of F. W. Horn, resolved, that the wages of the town officers not settled by law be §1 
per day. On motion, resolved, that the Boards of Town Supervisors are hereby authorized to 
prescribe the necessary amount of taxes to be raised in this town for the different purposes not 
voted upon by this meeting. Proclamation of the opening of the polls was now made. Resolved, 
that this meeting do now vote by ballot for the different officers. On motion, resolved, that one- 
half of 1 per cent shall be raised for the support of common schools. 

"The whole number of votes polled at the election was 140. For State Government, 128 ; 
against State Government, 9. For town officers, 71. For county seat at Hamburg, 35 votes; 
Port Washington, 65 ; Cedarburg, 22 ; Middle, 13 ; West Bend, 2 ; Centre, 2 ; County Lot, 1. 
The officers elected were : Supervisors, Edward H. Jansen, Patrick Dockey, J. M. Clarke ; 
Commissioners of Highways, Charles Kauffung, Samuel C. McEvony ; School Commissioners, 
Edward H. Jansen, J. P. Bailey, Adolph Zimmerman ; Assessors, Stephen Wescott, Andrew 
Geidell, Henry Keomer; Fence Viewer, Philip Herbold ; Constable, Jacob M. Sutton; Town 
Clerk, James Cleare ; Collector. W. F. Opitz; Justice of the Peace, F. W. Horn.'' 

Number of votes polled at second election, April 6, 1847, were cast as follows : For 
license, 110 ; against, 4. For equal suffrage to colored folks, 4 ; against, 219. For Constitu- 
tion, 275 ; against, 13. For town officers, 126. The officers elected for 1847 were as follows: 
Supervisors, Edward H. Jansen, William F. Opitz; Town Clerk, James Cleare; Treasurer, 
Frederick Milbrath ; Road Commissioners, Charles Milbrath. Michael Heuter ; Collector. 
Adolph Zimmerman ; School Commissioners, Edward H. Jansen, Gottleib Roedell, Michael 
Geidell ; Fence Viewers, Edward H. Jansen, James Tupham, Michael Miller. 

Town officers for 1848 — Supervisors, Edward H. Jansen, Ephraim Woodworth, James 
Cleare; Treasurer, John Bublitz : Collector, John W. Milbrath ; Road Commissioners, Martin 
Tandy, Stephen Loomer, Simon McGrath ; School Commissioners, John Schaus, M. Miller, 
Joseph B. Loomer ; Assessors, John Bone, John Federspiel, Ludwig Zimmerman ; Fence 
Viewers, Edward Simlen, F. Falkner ; Pound Keeper, William F. Opitz ; Town Clerk, James 
Cleare. 



52 li 



HISTORY Of WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



TOWN OF GRAFTON. 

Old Grafton was formed January 26, 1846. It then comprised the whole of Town LO, in 
Ranges 21 and 22. In L849, the town of Cedarburg, until then a part of Grafton, became a 
separate and independent organization. The first town election was held at the house of Ben- 
jamin II. Moore, April 7, 1846, when the following vote was polled: For State Government, 
63 vntes; against State Government, 32 votes; to retain the county seat at Grafton Village, 39 
votes; for a removal to Cedarburg, 78 votes; for northwest quarter of Section 2, Town 10, 
Range 20, 9 votes; for Port Washington, 11 votes; for northeast quarter, Section 3, Town 10, 
Range 20, 1 vote; against tax on county buildings, 129 votes; fir tax on buildings, 8 votes. 
The first officers elected were: Supervisors, Benjamin H. Moore, William Schroeder and Will- 
iam Rice; Town Clerk, Harvey G. Turner; Treasurer. P. Smith ; Collector, Michael Gorman ; 
Assessors, Egbert G. Shute, James S. Colton and John F. Greenlnurer; Commissioners of 
Highways, Hopewell Cox, Joseph Carley and Harvey G. Turner; Constables, Luther Wetter- 
ben, Patrick Mathers and George Fisher; Fence Viewers, Hugh McElroy, Timothy Ketchum 
and Thomas Murphy; Sealer of Weights, Reuben Wells: Justice of the Peace, Timothy 
Wooden. It was voted to hold the next regular meeting at the village of Cedarburg. Almost 
the first business transacted by the Board of Supervisors, was to apportion certain of the town 
moneys for the support of a number of charitable applicants recommended to the board as being 
worthy of public aid. The first -visiting physician was Dr. Peter Moore. It was decided by 
the hoard that he should receive pay as follows: For all patients visited under the distance of 
two miles, 50 cents per visit, and extra pay for medicines ; for all visits made, the distance 
being over two miles, §1, and extra pay for medicines. Professional men in those days were 
obliged to content themselves with moderate fees. Ministers considered themselves lucky if 
they were once a month made the happy recipients of a §10 piece. School teachers received 
§10 and S12 per month and boarded themselves, while lawyers would walk ten, twenty and 
sometimes as far as thirty miles to try a case before some pioneer Justice, for a fee of $2, and 
should this amount, through some fortunate circumstance, be increased to Si the student of 
Blackstone hailed the acquisition as an omen that Dame Fortune was about to adopt him as one 
of her favored sons. As near as can be ascertained, a man by the name of John Drake was 
the first to settle in the town of Grafton, as the early settlers of Mequon, who came into that 
section as early as 183'.*, found Drake living in a little log and bark shanty, ami it was thought 
that In- had located there two years previous to that time. Timothy Wooden followed close on 
the heels of Drake, and some believe that he might honestly claim to be the first settler. In 
tart. -Tim," as he was familiarly known by the old settlers, was quite a character in himself. 
He used to say. when asked where he came from, that he did'nt come at all, but grew up with 
tin' country, and from his originality of character, and the manner in which he used to thrive 
without work (for Tim never denied being lazy), many were led to believe that he really was a 
favorite child of the forest. Yet with all his eccentricities, and antipathy to anything which 
required physical or mental exertion, Tim Wooden succeeded in acquiring considerable prop- 
erty from which his widow, who now lives in Chicago, derives a revenue sufficient to maintain 
Iter in the best of circumstances. This peculiar trait in Tim's character is fully illustrated in the 
following story, told by one of his early biographers : " It is related that a party of Menotnonee 
Indians, who probably understood his character, once enticed him out to Milwaukee Falls, now 
Grafton Village, and then led him to believe that they wanted his scalp. They fastened him to a 

tree, and piling W 1 around him, with all the semblance of true ferocity made preparations 

to buru him. When these were completed, the chief whispered in Tim's ear that the whites 
had on a former occasion shown mercy to him, and in return, he would cut his bonds and 
let him return to Milwaukee, provided he never informed wdio did it. " Walk twenty miles!" 
ejaculated the heroic Tim, whom fire could not intimidate; " If you'll lend me one of your 
horses, I'll agree to it ! " 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 527 

Many stories, similar to the one above related, are told by the old settlers in regard to Tim's 
peculiarities, but with all due deference to himself and friends, it is but just to say that most of 
them are without foundation, and are told only for effect. The following, concerning his death. 
is vouched for as a fact : A common saying among the old settlers, when questioned about any 
particular job in which they might be engaged was to answer, " Well, I ain't doin' anything 
else." Wooden was taken down with the cholera. When in the last stages of the disease, one 
of his friends approached him and said — 

" Tim, I believe you are dying ; " to which Tim replied- — 

"I ain't doin' anything else." In a few hours after, he was dead. 

The first event of importance which took place in the town of Grafton, was the building of 
the dam across the Milwaukee River, and the raising of Dilble's sawmill, in the fall of 1841. 
Among the old settlers, who participated in the memorable work, were Fred W. Horn, now 
of Cedarburg, T. A. Holmes, Timothy Wooden, William Worth, Reuben Wells, Peter Turck, 
Ephraim Woodworth, Timothy Ketchum, Hugh McElroy, and a large number from the German 
settlements in Mequon. There were no dwelling-houses in those days, the only accommodation 
in the way of shelter being an old shanty, half log and half bark, which had been erected on the 
bank of the river a few years previous. In addition to this, the Indians had built quite a num- 
ber of wigwams under which the men found shelter for the night. Notwithstanding the poor 
accommodations, they had come fully prepared to have a good time after the raising was over. 
A fiddler, as they were called in those days, who had been engaged for the occasion, called the 
crowd together, and the forests were made to ring with music, and the gladsome shouts of the 
merry pioneer dancers. " Never," says Mr. Horn, " have I enjoyed a dance as I did the one 
at the old saw-mill raising." 

The first school teacher in Grafton was Miss Emoline Teall, daughter of Col. William 
Teall, and now the wife of Harvey G. Turner, one of the first lawyers of the town, but now a 
resident of Manitowoc. 

Miss Teall taught in the Hamburg District, where the village now stands. When Phineas 
M. Johnson, Jacob Adreana and William T. Bonniwell built the stone block formerly occupied as 
a court house, they i-e-christened it, and gave it the name of Grafton. The following year 
Charles E. Chamberlin taught % school in the adjoining district. Says Mr. Chamberlin : " I 
received $11 per month and boarded myself, out of which sum I saved money, but it cost very 
little to live in those times. A suit of jean answered for Sunday as well as for week days. Game 
of all kinds was plenty, fish were caught in abundance, fuel cost only the labor of preparing it, 
wheat was 50 cents a bushel, potatoes but 10 cents, sugar and coffee could be bought from 6 
to 10 cents per pound, while the very best of whisky was sold for 15 cents a gallon. Those 
were the days in which we enjoyed pure independence. The freedom of the forest is sublime, 
and possesses a grandeur unequaled by any of the magnificent displays of refined and cultured 
society." J. A. Brown started the first newspaper in the town, under the heading of the Wash- 
ington Count// Eagle. The Advertiser, now of Port Washington, was also started in the village 
of Grafton, by a number of influential men, who were opposed to a division of the county. C. 
E. Chamberlin did the first mechanical work, while the press work was done in Milwaukee. 
Benjamin F. Moore kept the first store, and opened his house for the accommodation of the 
traveling public. Benjamin Sebring was the next to engage in the hotel business, and held the 
field until 1848, when John Simon came in and opened the Wisconsin House. Coe & Moore 
were also engaged in the same business, and accommodated travelers in a little frame building, 
which was called the Grafton House. At that time a stage-line was running between Sheboy- 
gan and Milwaukee. Davis & Moore were the first to embark in this enterprise, and engaged a 
man by the name of Stephens as driver, who wielded the lines for a short time, when Datus 
Cowen took charge of the reins, and became the recognized pioneer stage-driver of the old Green 
Bay and Milwaukee route. The establishment of this line by Messrs. Davis & Moore, was 
looked upon as a great undertaking, and was greeted with considerable enthusiasm by tne old 
settlers, as it opened to them the conveniences of a mail, and afforded what was considered in 



528 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

those days excellent facilities for travel. A large grist-mill was erected in 1846 by P. M. 
Johnson, T. A. Holmes and others, and was run by water-power obtained from the river. The 
fall at this point is sixteen feet, and the power the best on the Milwaukee River. The dam has 
been washed out twice since 1841. The first and most destructive flood was in the spring of 
1865, the second in 1881. It has been thoroughly repaired, and affords excellent power by 
which the grist-mill, and a large woolen factory, a hundred yards below, are run. The flouring- 
mill is now owned by H. C. Smith & Co., and has a capacity of 100 barrels of flour per day. 
Their principal brand is the "White Lily." In 1846, Lamberson & Gill built a dam three- 
quarters of a mile below the old saw-mill site, from which they obtained a fall of twenty feet. 
A building was erected with a view to starting a paper-mill, but it was afterwards converted into 
a furniture factory for the manufacture of chairs and bedsteads. It changed hands several limes 
until I860, when it became the property of William Reynolds. From 1864 to 1872. it was 
under the management of R. L. Parsmore and B. A. Williams, when Mr. Reynolds once more 
assumed control, and kept it in operation until 1873, since which time it has been standing idle. 
In 1881, the dam was swept away by the spring flood. John Steinmetz built a brewery in 1846, 
which is still in a flourishing condition. 

The village of Grafton is one of the oldest in the county. Buildings were erected 
and a town plat laid out as early as 1843. It is very pleasantly situated on the west 
bank of the Milwaukee River, at a point twenty-six miles north of Milwaukee. The early 
white settlers were attracted by the water-power, which they saw could be readily utilized from 
the falls, while it was resorted to by the Indians as a favorite seat of council. Quite a large 
Indian village, of several hundred wigwams, was supposed to have been built here, as the first 
white traders found many of them still standing, but mostly in a decayed state. A few of the 
aborigines still lingered in the vicinity, descendants of the Menoraonees and Sacs. They were 
always quiet and peaceaUe. and friendly toward the whites in many ways, bartering with them 
all kinds of game for provisions and fire-arms. Deer were plenty in those days, and the Indians 
had a way of hunting them by night. They knew about what places the animals would con- 
gregate, and would prepare a light to attract them, and then concealing themselves, awaited 
their opportunity. Soon the report of half a dozen rifles would resound through the forest, 
and, as an old Bettler puts it: "We always felt sure that Waubeka and his dusky followers 
were securing us venison for the coining day." 

The lime interests of Grafton form one of the principal revenues. Timothy Higgins ranks 
as the oldest lime-burner in this section, he having built a kiln as early as 1846. The largest 
one now in operation is that controlled by J. W. Ormsby and 0. W. Robinson, of Milwaukee. 
This kiln was started in 1874, under the name of the Ormsby Lime Company, and Charles 
Stewart, of Grafton, made foreman ; he employs regularly twelve to fifteen men, and turns out 
1l'~> barrels of lime per day. The village of Grafton at present contains one large woolen-mill, 
one grist-mill, a chair and furniture factory, one brewery, one cheese factory, some twenty-five 
business houses, two wagon and blacksmith shops, and three churches — one Catholic, one (-Jerman 
Lutheran and one Presbyterian. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The corner-stone of the church edifice bears the date October 17, 1847. The congre- 
gation was first visited by Father Sailer. His successors were, first. Father Wickmann, Father 
Fabian. Father Store, Father Schranenbach and Father Strickner as Visiting Priests. Resi- 
dent Priests wen- Father Mors. Father Zingshein, Father Gstash, Father Zimmer, Father Mar- 
shal, Father Woet'ell, Father Karfbage and Father Andrew Ambauen, the present incumbent. 
The church has seventy-five families. The present Trustees are George Bach, Peter Spehn and 
Jacob Bielein. Father Ambauen for several years past has worked assiduously toward estab- 
lishing B school. Sufficient funds have now been subscribed by the members to complete the 
project. The Bchool will be under the charge of the Sisters of St. Xavier's Society. A small 
Congregation, numbering about twenty-five families, residing in the adjoining district in Town 
10, is also under the charge of Father Ambauen. who visits them regularly on Sunday. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 529 

The German Lutherans and Methodists have also flourishing churches in the village. 

The town of Grafton is second in importance in the yield of agricultural products, and is 
one of the oldest farming communities in the county. The land is mostly in an excellent state of 
cultivation, and, when properly tilled, yields bountiful harvests of wheat, oats, corn and barley, 
fine crops of potatoes, and an abundant supply of the grasses common to the country. 

The enumeration of scholars at dates named has been as follows : 1847, whole number, 
210; 1852, 382; 1860, 774; 1862, 815; 1867, 780; 1872, 796; 1877, 772; 18"80, 664. 

The Supervisors and Town Clerks since the organization of the town have been as follows : 

1846 — Supervisors, Benjamin H. Moore, Chairman, William Schroeder, William Rice; 
Clerk, Harvey G. Turner. 

1847 — Supervisors, Reuben Wells, Chairman, Benjamin Sebring, Patrick Smith ; Clerk, 
Charles E. Chamberlin. 

1848 — Supervisors, Benjamin Sebring, Chairman, William Rice, Patrick Smith : Clerk, 
William Halpin. 

1849 — Supervisors, P. M. Johnson, Chairman, L. L. Sweet, James McNamara : Clerk, 
Washington Moore. 

1850 — Supervisors, Benjamin Sebring, Chairman, Henry Clousing, James Ruddy ; 
Clerk, Patrick Riordan. 

1851 — Supervisors, P. M. Johnson, Chairman, Henry Clousing, John Lawler ; Clerk, 
J. T. Adriance. 

1852 — Supervisors, B. G. Gill, Chairman, John Lawler, George Fleischmann ; Clerk, P. 
Moore. 

1853 — Supervisors, H. G. Turner, Chairman, Andrew Schletz, Hiram Frisby ; Clerk, 
Aaron B. Gates. 

1854 — Supervisors, J. C. Downs, Chairman, John Cottingham, F. A. Schletz ; Clerk, P. 
Moore. 

1855 — Supervisors, J. C. Downs, Chairman, Moritz Butzer, P. Spehn ; Clerk, P. Moore. 

1856 — Supervisors, J. C. Downs, Chairman, R. Smith, P. Spehn ; Clerk, P. Moore. 

1857 — Supervisors, J. C. Downs, Chairman, Peter Spehn, A. Viesselmann ; Clerk, John 
Ahlers. 

1858 — Supervisors, H. G. Turner, Chairman, Nolan Godfrey, Gottfried Noltze ; Clerk, 
John Ahlers. 

1859 — Supervisors, John Ahlers, Chairman, Nolan Godfrey, John C. Schoer ; Clerk, 
George Miller. 

1860 — Supervisors, John Ahlers, Chairman, John C. Schoer, John Lawler ; Clerk, 
Anton Steiner. 

1861 — Supervisors, John Ahlers, Chairman, Peter Laabs, William Brumbach ; Clerk, 
Peter Spehn. 

1862 — Supervisors, William F. Tibbets, Chairman, J. A. Janssen, G. Noltze; Clerk, A. 
Steiner. 

1863 — Supervisors, John Ahlers, Chairman, William Ulrich, J. A. Janssen ; Clerk, M. 
Demrath. 

1864 — Supervisors, John Ahlers, Chairman, Fred. Burhop, Charles Zeige ; Clerk, M. 
Demrath. 

1865 — Supervisors, John Ahlers, Chairman, Peter Laabs, Charles Zeige ; Clerk, J. L. 
Semmann. 

1866 — Supervisors, Peter Spehn, Chairman, H. Schnege, William Coulson ; Clerk, J. L. 
Semmann. 

1867 — Supervisors, William Ulrich, Chairman, Ed. Ritterbusch, William Bohne ; Clerk, 
J. Ahlers. 

1868— Supervisors, William F. Opitz, Chairman, William Pomplitz, D. Burhop; Clerk, 
J. Ahlers. 



530 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AXI> OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

1869 — Supervisors, William F. Opitz, Chairman, D. Burhop, D. Bruns; Clerk, J. Ahlers. 

1870 — Supervisors, Peter Spehn, Fred Burhop, Fred Musbach ; Clerk, John Aiders. 

1871 — Supervisors, Peter Spehn, Chairman, Henry Schumaker, Joseph Von den Bergen ; 
Clerk, John Ahlers. 

1872 — Supervisors, William F. Opitz, Chairman, Henry Schumaker, Joseph Von den 
Bergen ; Clerk, John Ahlers. 

1873 — Supervisors, Peter Spehn, Chairman, Henry Schwengel, John B. Schneidisch : 
Clerk, John Ahlers. 

1874— Supervisors, Peter Spehn, Chairman, Henry Schwengel, Joseph Von den Bergen; 
Clerk, John Ahlers. 

1875 — Supervisors, Peter Spehn. Chairman, Henry Schwengel, Joseph Von den Bergen ; 
Clerk, John Ahlers. 

1876 — Supervisors, Peter Spehn, Chairman, Charles Schlegel, F. Musbach ; Clerk, 
John Ahlers. 

1877 — Supervisors, Charles Mintzlaff, Chairman, Charles Schlegel, Gustav Noltze ; Clerk, 
John Ahlers, 

1878 — Supervisors, Peter Spehn, Chairman, A. Kreutzer. H. Mintzlafi': Clerk, T. W. 
Mahegan. 

1879 — Supervisors, Charles Schlegel, Chairman, Andrew Kreutzer, Joseph Muncs : Clerk, 
T. W. Mahegan. 

1880 — Supervisors, Charles Mintzlaff, Chairman, Gustav Noltze, Aug. Klug ; Clerk, 
T. W. Mahegan. 

1881 — Supervisors, Charles Mintzlaff, Gustav Noltze, Aug. Klug ; Clerk, G. C. Fleisch- 
mann. 

GKAFTON VILLAGE. 

The village of old Grafton, once the county seat of old Washington County, is situated on 
Section 24, in the western part of the present town, on the Milwaukee River. It has the marks 
of age upon it. The stone and other buildings are mostly clustered about the square. Some 
of them, still standing, were among the earliest built. The old stone block, built for county 
purposes when Grafton had county seat aspirations, is still standing. The excellent water- 
power was early utilized. Between 1842 and 1844 a dam was built and a saw-mill started. 
also a flouring-mill. I. Edwards, William Bonniwell and P. M. Johnson owned the flouring- 
mill, and it is stated by old settlers that they built the first dam. John Simon, still living in 
the village, gives the following account of it, in 1848, when he fust arrived : " When 1 came, 
the stone block was already built, and so was the dam ; then there were two saw-mills, and a 
grist-mill with three runs of stones. It was a part of the same mill that is running now. 
Three old-fashioned limekilns were burning near where the kilns are now. At that time we got 
mails by stage, daily, by line running between Milwaukee and Port Washington, on the Green 
Baj road. Datus Cowan drove the stage. There was also business done at Milwaukee Falls, 
a mile down the river. Lamson and J. B. Gill had a turning-shop, and made bedsteads ; 
and on the other side was a chair-factory, run by George Miller. For many years Grafton 
lay in a state of rest, showing little life or enterprise. It has lately awakened from its Rip 
\ an Winkle slumber, and started into new life with all the vigor of youth." 

'I'll- principal manufacturing industries of the place are: 

The woolen mill, built in 1880. It is built of stone, contains two sets of woolen machinery 
and one of worsted. It manufactures woolen and worsted yarns of the best quality. Its 
worsted machinery is imported and of the most modern kind. This is the only worsted mill in 
the West. It is owned and run by the Cedarburg Woolen Company. Derdrech Wittenberg is 
the President and business manager. It employs, when in full operation, one hundred hands. 

The flouring-mill, situated a few rods north on the same dam, is now run successfully by 
II. Schmith & Co. It has five runs of stones, all the modern improvements, and a capacity for 
the manufacture of one hundred barrels of flour per day. The products find a constant sale to 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 531 

the bakers of Milwaukee, the brand, " White Lily," being a favorite with the trade. The mill 
creates a constant and reliable market for wheat. 

The water-power is one of the best on the Milwaukee River. The fall, at the dam, is six- 
teen feet, and at the woolen-mill, a few rods below, 20 feet. 



TOWN OF CEDARBURG. 

The town of Cedarburg was set off from Grafton and organized in 1849. Among those 
"who took an active part in the organization were C. E. Chamberlin, John McGill, John Roth, 
John Dunne, John Smith, Frederick Hilgen, William Schroeder, C. Rentleman, Charles Deb- 
berpool, J. Arndt, Reuben Wells, Michael Gorman, John Seidell, James Gafferney, Dr. H. 
Boclo, Dr. S. Hartwig, Edward Nolan, L. L. Sweet and James Ruddy. The Board of Super- 
visors, composed of the following gentlemen, William Vognitz, Henreich Krohn and Edward 
Nolan, met at the house of George Fisher, in the village of Cedarburg, April 23, 1849, where 
they proceeded to lay out the different road districts of the town. The oldest settlement 
was that known in early days as the New Dublin District. It derived its name from the fact 
that the majority of the settlers had emigrated from Ireland. 

As nearly as can be ascertained, Joseph Gardinier. better known among the old settlers as 
'• Miserly Joe," was the first white man to make an onslaught and break the solid phalanx of 
the forests in this section. Joe was employed by the agents who had charge of the survey and 
construction of the old Milwaukee and Green Bay road, and made his headquarters in a little 
log shanty near Cedar Creek, where the Hamilton Mills now stand. Samuel Place, L. Fox, 
Valentine Hand, I. S. Brown and Daniel Strickland were the first to make improvements in 
the district. Valentine Hand built a hotel, which served as an excellent rendezvous for the old 
pioneers in which to crack their jokes and sample the bourbon of "Mine Host." It was at one 
of these meetings that a resolution to change the name of the district was offered. The proposi- 
tion met with considerable opposition, but was finally passed, and, in 1847, New Dublin Dis- 
trict was re-christened, and has ever since been known as the Hamilton District. Of I. S. 
Brown, an old settler relates the following : "Brown had evidently met with reverses in the 
East in money matters, which was the principal cause of his seeking the seclusion which the 
wilds of Wisconsin afforded. He was highly educated, a perfect gentleman, courteous in his 
manners and charitable in disposition. These excellent traits of character won for him the 
esteem of all who knew him. But some hidden secret of his past life seemed to weigh upon 
his mind. Melancholy had taken full possession of his being, creating a desire for solitude. 
The old settlers soon came to understand and respect his feelings, leaving him to seek, as was 
his delight, the hidden retreats of the forest undisturbed, and to seek intercourse with his 
fellowmen only at such times as his own inclinations might prompt him." Of his home, the 
following lines of Spenser form an excellent description : 

" A little lowly hermitage it was, 
Down in a dale, hard by a forest's side; 
Far from resort of people that did pass 
In travel to and fro." 

EDUCATION. 

The development of the public-school system, and the establishment of school districts com- 
manded the attention of the early settlers from the first, and the rapid advancement made in 
this important branch reflects much credit on the pioneers. The first School Commissioners in 
the town were Daniel Strickland, H. V. Bonniwell and Levi Ostrander. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

The streams of Ozaukee County afford excellent facilities for water-power. The early 
settlers in this section were not slow to discover these natural advantages, and, as some old writer 



532 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

has put it, " necessity is the mother of invention," so these men, cast into the wilderness, out 
of the reach of civilization, and destitute of a market or the means of manufacturing bread- 
stuffs, were entirely dependent on their own exertions to supply the deficiency. Log shanties 
were built which served them as a shelter, where they cracked the kernels of the grain by hand, 
until saw-mills to make their lumber and grist-mills to grind their flour could be erected. Reu- 
ben Wells was the first to come to their relief, by erecting a combined saw and grist mill on 
Cedar Creek, near where the village now stands, "in 1844, Frederick Hilgen, the father and 
founder of Cedarburg, in company with William Schroeder, another worthy pioneer, came out 
from Milwaukee to Hamilton on the Green Bay road, from which point they cut a new road to 
the site upon which the village of Cedarburg now stands. They found the four Kroth brothers, 
Carl Dapperpool, Patrick Smith, Hugo Pool and Thomas Brokaw living in the vicinity, whore 
they had made for themselves a few small clearings and erected a number of rude huts. They 
purchased thirty-five acres of land, at $35 per acre, from the Kroth Brothers, and immetiately 
set about hewing timber with which to lay the foundation of a grist-mill, which they completed 
the same year — a half log and half frame structure. The following year they built two or three 
dwelling-houses, and a building for store purposes, the first in the village of Cedarburg. In 
1847, they added a saw-mill, and mad^ improvements on the dam which had been affected by 
high water. In 1855, the frame mill was taken down and a large stone one, six stories high, 
erected in its place. In 1865, Mr. Hilgen sold his interest to Joseph Trottman, the present 
partner of Mr. Schroeder. The latter, though now silvered with age, still retains his posi- 
tion in the mill, which has now a capacity of 120 barrels of flour per day. The cost of the 
building was §22,000. Mr. Schroeder was the first store-keeper, and was also appointed the 
first Postmaster of the village. 

The Columbia Mill, located three-quarters of a mile east of the village, on Cedar Creek, 
was built in 1846 by Dr. Luming & Bros. Objections were made by some of the early settlers 
who lived in close proximity to the mill, to the dam, which caused the water to overflow their 
land. This dam was subsequently torn down, and a new one built further east on the creek, 
when everything proved satisfactory. The mill property was purchased by Gustav Pfiel in 
1851, at sheriff's sale. Pfiel made several improvements, and run the mill for a period of two 
years, when he sold it to Joseph Trottman. who held possession until 1864, when lie sold out to 
E. Hilgen, E. Stallman and Charles Barthel. The latter was succeeded by William Rahn, in 
1865. One year later, E. Stallman disposed of his interest to Hilgen and Rahn. The mill 
again changed hands in 1875, Mr. F. Hoehm this time being the purchaser, lloehm met with 
poor success, and the property was foreclosed. It was then rented for a period of three years to 
Bodendoefer & Zaun. At the expiration of the lease, September 1, 1880, the mill was sold at 
Sheriff's sale, to the Northwestern Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee. On June 1, 1881, 
the company sold to Mr. Zaun, who rebuilt the dam, which hail been washed away by the spring 
flood n[ the same year. The mill is now in good running order, has four sets of stone, and a 
capacity of eighty barrels of flour per day, besides custom work. The fall at this point is thir- 
teen feet. Hilgen & Meyer opened a store at the mills in 1874. This undertaking proved 
unprofitable, as their buildings were destroyed by fire two'years later, after which disaster the 
enterprise was abandoned. There are two other grist-mills in the town of Cedarburg. 

The Excelsior Mill is a large stone structure, built in 1875, by II. Wahausen & Co., at a 
cost of $21,000. The property is now owned by Henry Colway. The power at this point is 
the finest on Cedar Creek. The fall obtained is twenty-five feet. The mill is located in Sec- 
tion 26. 

The Hamilton Grist-Mill was built by Edward II. Janssen in 1854. It is now the property 
of Andrew Bodendorfer. 

Ranking high among the manufacturing interests of the village of Cedarburg, is the Hilgen 
Manufacturing Company, established in 1872, by Frederick Hilgren & Son, at a cost of $25,000. 
In 18711, the business was purchased by the following-named gentlemen : Diedrich Wittenberg, 
J. W. Johann, J. II. Wittenberg, from the F. Hilgen estate. J. II. Winner is President. The 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 533 

company manufactures doors, sash, moldings, blinds, glazed sash and Straub's Wash Machines. 
They also handle lumber in large quantities, and employ regularly seventy-five men. The mill 
is run by a forty-horse-power engine, and does a business of $125,000 annually. The company- 
have warerooms at 458 to 466 Third street, Milwaukee. 

The Cedarburg Woolen-Mill, run by water-power obtained from Cedar Creek, was built in 
1865, at a cost of $30,000, by Hilgen & Wittenberg. The business was carried on under this 
name until 1872, when the mill was incorporated as the Cedarburg Mill, D. Wittenburg, Presi- 
dent ; H. Wittenburg, Treasurer; J. W. Johann, Secretary. The principal productions of the 
mill are yarns, blankets and flannels. The company employ on an average about forty-five 
hands, and does a business of $100,000 per annum. The mill contains twelve broad and three 
narrow looms, three knitting-machines for scarfs and jackets, and three for other purposes. The 
work is divided into apartments as follows : Basement, finishing, washing and dyeing ; first 
floor contains four sets of carding machines; second floor, weaving and spinning; the upper 
floor is used for twisting, reeling and storing goods. This company built a branch mill in the 
village of Grafton, in 1880, at a cost of $40,000. This mill manufactures worsted yarns, and 
is the only one of the kind west of Philadelphia. The machinery was imported from England. 
The mill is in charge of Joseph Isles, formerly of Philadelphia. He has in his employ sixty 
hands, and does a business of $125,000 annually. 

The pioneer blacksmith of Cedarburg Village was Joseph Carley, who made a clearing in 
1844 and built himself a shop and dwelling house. He obtained heat from charcoal burned by 
himself. The first doctor was Theodore Hartwig, who came into the village in 1846, and, in 
company with Hugo Boclo, opened the first drug store. Mr. Boclo still flourishes under the 
pharmacy sign. The brewing interests of the village were started in 1848, by Engels k 
Schaeffer. 

Frederick Hilgen, the founder of Cedarburg Village, came to this country in 1844, and 
located in the city of Milwaukee. During the same year, he, in company with William Schroe- 
der, started on a prospecting tour through what was then the wilds of old Washington County. 
They followed the Green Bay road north until they came to what is now called Hamilton, when 
they proceeded to cut a road from that point through the timber to the site where the village of 
Cedarburg now stands — a distance of one mile. Being favorably impressed with the facilities 
afforded by the creek at this place for water-power, they at once began preparations for building 
a grist-mill. This enterprise was completed the following year, when both Mr. Hilgen and Mr. 
Schroeder decided to make this their permanent abode, and immediately set about clearing the 
land upon which to erect homes for themselves and families. From that time, Mr. Hilgen em- 
ployed every means within his power to build up and advance the interests of Cedarburg. 
Naturally enterprising, he seemed to possess the faculty of inspiring others with the same lofti- 
ness of spirit. Let any new project be started worthy of support, Mr. Hilgen would be among 
the first to aid in its completion. In 1864, Mr. Hilgen, in company with D. Wittenberg and 
Joseph Trottman, commenced the erection of the Cedarburg Woolen-Mill. The following year, 
he exchanged his interest in the grist-mill with Mr. Trottmann for his share in the woolen-mill, 
when the factory was run under the firm name of Hilgen & Wittenberg. In 1872, Mr. Hilgen 
engaged with his son in the lumber business, when he built the large planing-mill now known 
as the Hilgen Manufacturing Company. The Hilgen Spring Park, a favorite summer resort, was 
laid out by him in 1852. The park comprises seventy-four acres, thirty acres of which is forest. 
The grove is one of the finest in this part of the State. There ars two good hotel buildings, a 
band stand, spring and bath-house, besides several fountains in connection with artistically-de- 
designed flower-beds and fine gravel-walks, which intersect at various points throughout the 
parks. The grounds and hotels are now the property of the Hilgen heirs, and are at present 
in charge of John F. Hilgen, who is keeping them in repair until a sale of the estate can be 
consummated. The spring has become quite popular, and is visited every summer by people 
from St. Louis, Chicago and New Orleans. Air. Hilgen was also interested in the Bank of 
Cedarburg, which was organized March 20, 1868, under his supervision. These are among the 



534 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



principal enterprises in which he was the prime mover, and which now stand as grand witnesses 
of his energetic and useful career, which was brought to a close by the never-failing agent, March 
27, 1879. Mr. Ililgen's death was deeply deplored by the community in which he lived, and 
when the imposing obsequies giving back his remains to mother earth had ended, scarcely a 
heart in all the town of Cedarburg but mourned the loss of "Father Ililgen," a name given to 
him by the old settlers. Mr. Hilgen was the father of thirteen children, eight of whom are still 
living. 

This bank was organized March 20, 1868, by the following-named stockholders : Fred- 
erick Ililgen, William Schroeder, Henry Wehausen, Frederick Schatz, Juenjen Schroder, Jo- 
seph Trottmann and Adolph Zimmerman. The capital stock was fixed at §25,000, anil divided 
into 250 shares of $100 each. These shares were held as follows : Frederick Hilgen, William 
Schroeder and Juenjen Schroeder, fifty shares each ; Henry Wehausen, Frederick Schatz. Joseph 
Trottmann and Adolph Zimmerman, twenty-five shares each. This institution did not prove a 
success financially, and was discontinued at the end of three years. 

VILLAGE OF CEDARBURG. 

The village of Cedarburg was founded by Frederick Hilgen and William Schroeder in the 
year 1845. The village possesses natural advantages rarely surpassed by a town of its size. 
Cedar Creek, besides furnishing excellent water-power, has in connection with its small tributaries, 
chiseled out ravines, along which arc a dozen or more elevations of greater or less mag: itude, 
forming grand foundations which have been utilized for resident sites. The business portion of 
the village rests on a level tract of land, ,' .• storehouses and public buildings being mostly of 
stone and brick. Considerable enterprise has been manifested by the people of Cedarburg in 
both their private and public buildings. In the way of manufactures, the village ranks among 
the first of its size in the State, the capital invested in the various manufacturing enterprises 
being estimated at $250,000. The village has a population of 1,000, and is afforded an nutlet 
for its manufactured and farming products by the Wisconsin Central Railroad, which touches the 
eastern portion of the town, near to the Hilgen Spring Park, a favorite summer resort, one of 
the many enterprises established by " Father Ililgen." as he was familiarly termed l>y the old 
settlers. The village has good public schools, several parochial schools, four church edifices, three 
Lutheran and one Catholic, the latter being one of the finest buildings of the kind in the county. 
It is located on an elevation at the head of Main street, and forms one of the principal attractions 
of the village. It is a magnificent stone structure, and was erected at a cost of S-W.iltiO. The 
Lutheran Church edifices are neat, unpretentious buildings, one of wood, and two of stone. 

The Fire Company was organized March, 1867, with thirty-one members. The officers 
were: Fred Schatz, Chief; William Bettburg, First Assistant; I'hil Koth, Second Assistant; 
Charles Wilke, Secretary ; P. Wehausen, Treasurer ; John Weber, Hose Captain ; F. Berg- 
mann. Assistant Hose Captain ; A. Graef, Captain Hook and Ladder Company: John Roth, 
Assiatanl ; George Strihle, Janitor. The house now owned by Hugh McElroy, and used as a 
dwelling, was built for the company, and for an engine-house. This company had a hand-engine, 
with about 500 feet of leather hose; cosl $800. Soon after its organization it was merged in 
the Turner Society, and remained so until April 27. L875, at which time it again became a 
separate organization, and in the fall of the same year built their present engine-house, a frame 
building 18x88, on a lot for which they obtained a perpetual lease from School District No. 2. 
The Company has discarded the old leather hose, ami now lias "nil feet of rubber hose. Inl> s ", 
a hook and ladder department was added at a cost of $250. The present officers are B. Lang- 

heinrech, Chief ; Henry Roth, First Assistant ; A. Boemer, Second Assistant ; G. Burthmann, 

Hose Captain; C. lioxhorn, Assistant 1 lose Captain ; 1'. I\ Dietrich, Hook and Ladder Captain; 
G. II. Wirth, Assistant; John Brass, Treasurer: II. Wehansen, Jr., Secretary; II. C. Nero, 
<;. II. Bilgen, Robert Pfleger, Treasurer. The company holds a meeting on the first Friday of 

each month, and practice the day following. They have not been called out to a fire for about 
two year-. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 535 

The Turn Verein was organized August, 1853, as the Cedar and Hamilton Society, with 
forty-five members. In 1867, the Hamilton members withdrew and formed a separate society, 
since which time the Cedarburg members have taken the name of Cedarburg Turn Verein. They 
built their present hall in 1868. It is located on Sheboygan street, and is a fine stone building 
costing over $5,000. The society hold their meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. 
Present officers are Charles Vogel, First Speaker ; Joseph Trottmann, Second Speaker ; G. 
H. Hilgen, Secretary ; A. R. Bomer, Treasurer ; P. P. Dietrich, Assistant Treasurer ; H. 
Wehausen, Jr., First Turn Master ; G. A. Bomer, Second Turn Master ; Theo Krause, Jan- 
itor ; John Weber, G. Wurthmann, H. Wehausen, Jr., Trustees. 

Astrea Lodge, No. 104, A., F. and A. M. was removed from Port Washington to Cedar- 
burg in 1863, being organized in the former place on the 2-tth of March, 1858. Its first officers 
were: William A. Pors, W. M.; C. Beyor, S. W.; B. Schommer, J. W.; S. A. White, Treas- 
urer ; Ulrich Landolt, Secretary; L. Eghart, S. D.; C. W. Bials, J. D.; E. J. Dodge, Tiler. 
On March 4, 1863, a committee, consisting of Charles Wilke, H. Boels and Dr. Theo. Hartwig, 
was appointed to find a new location for the lodge, on account of the disturbance caused by the 
draft riot, and Cedarburg was decided upon. The present officers are Edward Langheinrich, 
W. M.; Henry Hentsche, S. W.; William Lehmann, J. W.; Andrew Bodendoerfer, Treasurer; 
Charles Wilke, Secretary ; Gustave Banze, S. D. ; John W. Johann, J. D.; Ehrg. Zschommber. 
Tiler. 

The I. O. 0. F. of Cedarburg was organized in Newburg. a, charter granted July 13, 1862, 
and the lodge removed to Cedarburg, December 20, 1873. Fust officers were: E. H. Gilson, 
N. G.; G. E. Vandercook, Vice N. G.; J. B. Kendall, R. Secretary; E. Frankenberg, P. 
Secretary; J. F. Collins, Treasurer. The present officers are William Rettberg, N. G.; John 
Mueller, Vice G.; Charles Wilke, R. Secretary; Charles Law, P. Secretary ; George Anschatz, 
Treasurer. 

The post office was first kept by William Schroeder, then by Hugo Boclo, who held the 
office for about fifteen years. Louis Burgstaal was the next incumbent, succeeded by John W. 
Johan, who is now Postmaster. 

The Hamilton Mill is owned by Andrew Bodendoerfer, who bought the place in 1860. The 
village has one flour-mill, a marble-yard, one wagon-shop and a blacksmith-shop. 

There are three hotels — the Cedarburg House, Washington House and Hartford House. 

The Cedarburg House is a stone building built in 1861, by Andrew Kruther, who has since 
that time made various improvements and additions to the property. It is now valued at $1,000. 
Mr. Kruther still remains proprietor of the house. 

TOWN OF SAUKVILLE. 

The town of Saukville was set off, and made an independent organization April 4, 1848. 
Prior to that time, it formed a part of old Port Washington. It now comprises Town 11 in 
Range 21. Settlements were made as early as 1845, and improvements began in 1846. The 
first traces of civilization on the present site of the village appeared in the latter year. The In- 
dians had made several attempts at clearings at various points along the Milwaukee River, where 
they had in a small way cultivated the maize. They lingered in and around the vicinity of 
Saukville for a number of years. After the whites began to take up lands they finally withdrew 
from the scene, leaving the pioneers in full possession of their hunting-grounds. 

During their sojourn they furnished the settlers with fish and the game common to the forests, 
but as inroads were made into the dense timber, they gradually receded, migrating to the north 
and west until the last had disappeared. Among the first to settle in this section were George 
C. Daniels, Lott Blanchard. Joseph Fischbein, William Foster, E. Wadsworth, William Payne, 
Lemuel Sezer, Stephen Mcintosh, Jonathan Tibbetts and Joseph Fowler. In 1848, William 
Payne and Jabez H. Foster built a dam across the Milwaukee River, three-quarters of a mile 
north of the village, where they obtained a fall of fifteen feet. The first building erected was a 



536 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

saw-mill. A year later, they built a frame grist-mill. Payne & Foster had entered some 
1,200 acres of land which was designated " The Mill Property." They continued to do a profit- 
able business until 18-51, when their grist-mill was destroyed by fire, after which disaster a dis- 
pute arose between them as to the sharing of the property. A lawsuit ensued which resulted in 
the court deciding that the property should be divided into equal shares, each one taking half. 
Payne then sold out his interest including water-power to William H. Kittridge for $17,500. 
The site upon which these buildings were erected was given the name Mechanicsville, but sub- 
sequently became a part of the village of Saukville. In 1849, a turning-shop was added to the 
saw-mill, where the manufacture of bedsteads and chairs was carried on until 1858, at which time 
the business was abandoned. Alexander M. Allen, Joseph Fowler and John Barnum, were the 
last to engage in the enterprise. W. H. Kittridge had conveyed the property to his mother, 
Cinderella Kittridge, who sold it to Maxon Hirsch and Charles II. Miller in 1863. A year later, 
they sold to Adam Nauth, who rebuilt the saw-mill and dam. Nauth retained possession until 
December 31, 1870, when he sold out to Thien & Guettler, who rebuilt the grist-mill, a four-story 
stone building. They also repaired the dam, and made other necessary improvements. The 
business had but fairly got under headway when the grist-mill was again destroyed by fire. The 
property was sold in 1879 to August Koenig. by a foreclosure of mortgage During the same 
year Koenig was joined by Charles Schlegel, when they rebuilt the mill. They now run five 
set of stones, and have a capacity of 100 barrels of flour per day. Relics of the old saw-mill 
are still standing. The dam was considerably damaged by the spring flood of 1881, when the 
Milwaukee River rose to the highest point ever known, overflowing the country for several miles 
on each side of its banks. The village of Saukville was inundated two to four feet, and a great 
many families were forced to abandon their houses and find shelter with their neighbors who 
were more fortunately located on the higher grounds. In 1860, Ernst Schmidt built a dam and 
erected a saw-mill in the town of Saukville, four miles north of the village in Section 3, Range 
21, on the Milwaukee River, where he continued to do a profitable business until the year 1875, 
when V. Voelker became a partner and added a frame grist-mill to the saw-mill. The flouring- 
mill is now run by Voelker & Jonas. The saw-mill was swept away by the flood of 1881, as 
was also the dam. The later was immediately rebuilt. This place is designated " Voelker's 
Mills." George Kendall kept a store and saloon at the mills for quite a number of years. 

The organization and first election of the town of Saukville took place April 4, 1848, at 
the house of Lott Blanchard, when the following town officers were elected: Lemuel S. Sizer, 
Moderator; Elisha Wadsworth ami Charles O. Senderburg, Judges of Election; William Fos- 
ter and Joseph Fischbein, Clerks of Election. There were 43 votes cast, with the following re- 
sult: For Town Supervisors and Commissioners of Highways. William Payne, Lemuel S. 
Sizer :iml .lames Hurley: School Commissioners, Lott Blanchard. Jonathan Tibbetts and Joseph 
Fowler; Justices of the Peace, William Payne and Joseph Fischbein; Constables, William For- 
sythe and Daniel S. Sizer; Collector, William Forsythe; Assessors, Stephen Mcintosh, .Mi- 
chael Harrington and Anton Boesewetter ; Town Clerk and Treasurer, Joseph Fischbein. 

VILLAGE OF SAUKVILLE. 

This picturesque little hamlet is situated on the west bank of the Milwaukee River, twenty- 
eighl miles north of t lie State metropolis, and is touched by the Milwaukee & Wisconsin Cen- 
tral Railroad, two express trains passing each way daily. The business portion of the town is 
laid out in the shape of a triangle, and contains four stores, three hotels, two wagon and black- 
smith shops, and a number of dwelling-houses. There are two churches, a Catholic ami a Ger- 
man Lutheran, and two schoolhouses, one public and one private. The first house in the village 
was built by George C. Daniels, in 1846. In 1848, a foot bridge was built across the river at 
this point at a cost of $500, the county furnishing one half of this sura. In 1873, the town 
voted to build a new bridge. The contract was given to William Rettlerg, of Cedarburg, for 
(3,735. The bridge is a substantial wood structure, and is well protected by breakwaters. The 
first storekeeper was Joseph Fischbein, who was also made the first Postmaster, in 1847. In 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 537 

1848, William Payne erected a building for a hotel, of which William Richards took posses- 
sion, christening it the " Pulaski Hotel." This pioneer inn is still standing in a well-preserved 
state, but is now used as a~~pfivate residence. The Eagle Hotel, the principal one now in the 
village, was opened to the public by Anthony Ahlhauser, in 1861. Mr. Ahlhauser came to 
Saukville in 1856, and started a mercantile business, which he afterward exchanged for that of 
" mine host." 

There are eight public schoolhouses in the town of Saukville, four stone and four 
frame structures. These buildings are in grounds of three-quarters of an acre each, and are 
furnished throughout with all modern school apparatus. The first officers elected were, in 1848, 
for School District No. 1, Director, Stephen Mcintosh ; Clerk, Henry Hedges ; Treasurer, John 
Fitzpatrick. A little frame schoolhouse was built the same year, and Miss E. Tucker was em- 
ployed by Mr. Mcintosh to take charge of the school, it being the first taught in the town of 
Saukville. The highest number of children enrolled during this term was twenty-one. Mr. S. 
Whitchurch succeeded Miss Tucker as teacher, taking charge of the school the following year. 
The school tax for 1848 was $76.71. The cash value of school property in the town for the 
same year was $475.55. Number of children attending private schools, 132 ; whole number of 
children in town, 1,095. Cash value of school property, public and private, in 1881, $9,728.75. 
Total receipts for school purposes for the year ending August 31, 1880, for District No. 1, $3,- 
273.58 ; expenditures, $2,491.73 ; amount on hand, $781.85. 

The town officers for 1881 were : Supervisors, Anthony Ahlhauser, William Brombach, 
Edward Lutzen ; Clerk, Charles Stopper ; Assessor, M. Louterbach ; Treasurer, Peter Haan ; 
Poundmaster, B. Johnson ; Justices of the Peace, Charles Schlegel, A. Ahlhauser, J. W. Lul- 
pring ; Constables, B. Johnson, Claude Augustine, Joachim Horn. 

" Slave to no sect, who takes no private road, 
But looks through nature up to nature's God." 

Such was the religion of the pioneers of Saukville ; they knew no creeds, but were gov- 
erned by the grand universal law of nature. They were linked together by one common inter- 
est, and sought to establish the principles of morality on a broad foundation. The forests served 
them as a place of worship during the summer months, and in the winter they would repair to 
the public schoolhouse to offer up their humble devotions. As the country began to fill with 
people from foreign lands, sectarian lines were drawn and organizations formed under the pre- 
scribed rules and formulas of their respective dogmas. 

The Methodists were the .first to organize, and held their services in the public schoolhouse 
for a period of twelve years, when the church was disbanded. There are five church edifices in 
the town, of which the two principal are in the village. The German Evangelical Lutheran 
Church, in the village of Saukville, was organized June 16, 1876. This congregation is visited 
by Rev. Frank, of Port Washington. 

Catholic Church. — This denomination held its first services at the house of John Fitzpatrick, 
Father Bradley officiating. The church was regularly organized February 20, 1856. Alois 
Stopper, John Seng and Paul Suennen, Trustees. The business was transacted at the house of 
Alois Stopper. A little stone meeting-house was erected in 1858. There were present, at the 
laying of the corner-stone, Bishop Martin Henni, of Milwaukee ; Father X. Sailer and Father 
Dougherty. The church has been presided over by the following priests : First, after Father 
Bradley, Father X. Sailer, from 1858 to 1860 ; from 1860 to 1865, the priests to visit the 
church were J. B. Wickmann, Father Fusseder, Father Fabian, Father Stohr and Father George 
Strickner. The resident priests were Father J. Voissem, Joseph M. Albers and the present 
Father, John Friedel. In 1875, a new church edifice, 55x125 feet, was erected. The building 
is a handsome stone structure, and is the largest in the county. The half-acre lot, on which it 
stands, was donated to the church by Alois Stopper. The center altar, an elegant piece of 
architecture, was donated by the members of the church. The two side altars were a gift from 
Father J. M. Alhers. The young men of St. Joseph's Society presented the church with a 



538 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

pulpit. The windows are of stained glass, and were contributed by individual members. The 
names of the donators are engraved upon the panes. A parsonage and schoolhouse were erected 
in 186a. The school is in charge of three "Msters from Notre Dame, of Milwaukee, and has an 
average attendance of 100 scholars. Seven acres of land were purchased by the church, upon 
which to erect these buildings. The church and school buildings, including the land, cost 
§21,000. The church, in 1850, numbered ten families; at the present, 120 families. 



BELGIUM. 

The town of Belgium forms the northeast boundary of Ozaukee County, and comprises all 
of Township 12, Range 22, and a fractional Township 12, Range 23. 

It was set off from the original town of Port Washington, and incorporated in 1848. Among 
those who took an active part in the organization were John Weyker, Nicholas Sosley, Anthony 
Bartol, S. Wilgen, Nicholas Watry, Nicholas Reading, Peter Buwer, Theodore Pierson, John 
P. Watry. Bernard Schomer, Nicholas Langers and Nicholas Watry. The first regular meeting 
was held at the house of John Weyker, July 11, 1848. John Weyker was appointed Moderator. 
and Samuel Reynolds, Clerk of the Election. The first school meeting was also held at the 
house of John Weyker, when the following officers were elected : District No. 1 — Trustees, 
Dominique Wolf, Nicholas Reading and Anthony Bartol ; Collector, John Weyker. District 
No. 2 was formed in 184!>. 

The population of Belgium is composed principally of Germans and Luxemburgers, who 
adhere to the customs of their native countries. Their principal occupation is farming, the prod- 
ucts of the soil making up the bulk of their resources. Next in importance to agriculture, is the 
manufacture of cheese. There are five large milk and cheese dairies in the town, which are 
pushed with considerable enterprise, adding materially to the revenue, besides creating a profit- 
able market for the farmers to dispose of their surplus milk, which otherwise would be of little 
value to them. While there are no villages in the town, stores are stationed at central points 
where the farmers are accommodated with a market for their produce. There are two post 
offices conveniently located; one taking the name of Holy Cross, and the other that of Belgium 
Station, established on the line of the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railroad. The farmers 
of Belgium are noted for their industry, and have, in a remarkably short time, changed what 
was once a dense forest, into well-cultivated farms, each one possessing a good dwelling-house 
and barn. There are two Catholic Churches in the town, this being the only denomination 
represented. The meeting-houses are substantial stone structures, and are designated by the 
names of Holy Cross and Lake Church, the latter being located in the eastern part of the town 
near the lake, and presided over by Rev. George Leetner. The Holy Cross congregation num- 
bered, in 1846, twelve families. They held services at first at private houses; Rev. Anthony 
Meyer was the first visiting priest. In 1848, a log meeting-house was erected as a place of 
worship. This rude structure was replaced by the present edifice, a handsome stone building, 
elected in 18l>.">, under the supervision of Rev. Fusseder, and dedicated by Bishop Ilenni, of 
Milwaukee. In 1881, the congregation added a two-story stone building, at a cost of SI, nun. 
for school purposes. The school is in charge of three Sisters of the order of St. Dominique. 
Both the German and English languages are taught in the school, the average attendance being 
about eighty. The church has also erected, at various points along the public highways, shrines 
or places of prayer. These buildings are painted white, and are handsomely decorated throughout 
with artistically designed crosses and holy emblems of the church. The public schools of Bel- 
gium have not been neglected. The town is divided into eight districts, each of which contains 
either a frame or stone schoolhouse, surrounded with grounds sufficiently large to accommodate 
the children, with ample room for their out-door sports. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 539 



TOWN OF FREDONIA. 

The town of Fredonia was set off from Port Washington, and incorported in the month of 
April, 1847. It comprises all of Township 12 in Range 21. The first town meeting was held 
in the spring of 1847, at the house of Hiram King. The officers of election were chosen, 
Hiram King being made Moderator, and Henry Orentt, Clerk of the Election. The following 
sums were then voted for the purposes herein mentioned: For incidental expenses, $25; for 
support of the poor, $80 ; for construction of bridges, $80. It was voted further that the town 
officers be compensated at the rate of $1 per day. It was also voted that the fences in the 
town should be five feet high, and that there should be no cracks in the fences within two feet 
of the ground to exceed four inches in width. The following town officers were then elected: 
Supervisors, Isaac Carmen, William Kelly and William H. Bunce; Town Clerk, R. H. Man- 
ney ; Justices of the Peace, Lemuel Hyde and Edward Bunce ; Collector, Jacob M. Sutton ; 
School Commissioners, John H. Hovey, J. T. Irwin and Sylvester Whiting ; Assessors, Thomas 
Irwin, Joseph Mooney and John Wonderly ; Highway Commissioners, Daniel M. Miller, Will- 
iam Bunce and Homer Johnson; Constables, Alanson Arnold and Hugh Kelly; Sealer of 
Weights and Measures, William Bell ; Fence Viewers, William R. Davis, Lemuel Hyde and 
Albert Read ; Treasurer, William R. Davis. The following poll-list taken from the first elec- 
tion held in 1847 will show who the early settlers and founders of Fredonia were : 

POLL-LIST FOR 1847. 

William Bunce, Edward Shubert, George Kollor, Joseph Lichart, Joseph Rix, Frantz 
Bear, Thomas Ruland, Julius Schubert, George Briedgert, Peter Nerberst, Adam Wachter, John 
Kollor, Martin Kollor, George Feirreisew, William Beger, Charles Beger, Christ. Beger, Charles 
Rudolph, Andrew Liebel, George Beck, August Ohrling, Charles Miller, William Kelly, Jacob 
M. Sutton, William Heinberg, Edward S. Bunce, Thomas McCowen, Joseph McCowen, George 
W. Virgil, Jeremiah Lott, Isaac Carmen, Clark Boughton. Hamilton Bunce, William Hudson, 
C. S. Griffin, Hiram King, E. Tollett, Henry Orcutt, John Wonderly. Michael Bratt, Thomas 
Kelly, Joseph Smith, King Case, Oren Case, Michael Casler, Joseph Mooney, B. Patch. Hiram 
Hills, Lemuel Hyde, Hugh Kelly, Arlanson Arnold, R. H. Mannty, W. R. Davis, Thomas 
Johnson, I. L. Irwin, J. K. Hovey, Daniel W. Miller, Albert Read, Samuel Shaff, Joseph 
Shaff and B. S. Cassell. Total, sixty-one. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first white man that settled in the town of Fredonia was Hiram King, who took up 
quarters in 1844, in a wigwam located on the Indian trail which followed close to the Milwaukee 
River, and now forms the present site of the village of Waubeka. King was well advanced in 
years, having served as a soldier in the war of 1812. He, in company with his wife, fitted up 
a sort of hotel for the accommodation of travelers who might chance to pass that way. The 
old man took an active part in the organization of the town, and was elected to several import- 
ant offices. He remained in the town for a number of years, when he sold out his property and 
emigrated to the western part of the State, where he is still living in the ninety-second year of 
his age. The first post office in Fredonia was kept by William Bell, on the line of the old 
Fond du Lac road. The office was established in 1848. Previous to that time, the nearest 
post office was the one in the village of Saukville, kept by George Tischbein. In 1846, Clark 
Boughton and Lemuel Hyde were appointed to superintend and construct the Sheboygan road, 
from the Saukville bridge, north to the Sheboygan line. The road was surveyed by Col. William 
Teall, of Port Washington. 

The first school district of Fredonia was formed as early as 1846, by the School Commis- 
sioners of Port Washington. The district was called Number 3, and comprised all that part of 
Town 12, Range 21, lying east and north of the Milwaukee River. School district Number 4, 



.540 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

was formed March 7, 1847. The pioneer teachers were: Mrs. Emily Bunce, Miss Harriet 
Cochran, Mrs. Julia Orentt, Charles M. Kreysig and Joseph Carroll. The report of the School 
Commissioners for the year 1847, was as follows : 

Total number of scholars enrolled 54 

Number of districts 4 

Number of schoolhouses 1 

Number of teachers 2 

Amount of money raised for school purposes $64 76 

School report for the year 1880 : 

Number of scholars enrolled 496 

Number of whole districts 8 

Number of fractional districts 2 

Number of teachers employed 11 

Number of schoolhouses 10 

Cash value of school property in the town $0,230 00 

Amount of money raised for school purposes 3)899 99 

Total expenditures 2,442 26 

Balance on hand August 81, 1880 957 73 

The pioneers of Fredonia were m°n of high moral character, and strict observers of the 
Sabbath. Representatives of the various sects met in common fellowship, as no one denomina- 
tion was strong enough to work independently of the others. As was common in those days, 
services were held at private houses, until the public schoolhouse could be utilized for church 
purposes. The Catholics were the first to erect a church building, a log structure, built in 1849, 
in the Kollor District, on Section 19. The building was replaced several years afterward by a 
handsome stone edifice. The church numbers about sixty families, and is at present in charge 
of Rev. A. H. Reininger. 

The Catholics have also quite a large congregation in the village of Wabeka, numbering 
about sixty-five families. A stone meeting-house was erected in 1872, at a cost of $3,700. The 
building was dedicated by Bishop Henni, of Milwaukee, and Rev. Louis Mueller, from the Holy 
Cross Church, in the town of Belgium. 

The Methodists and German Lutherans are the only other two denominations now represented 
in the town. Both congregations have handsome frame church edifices in the village of Wabeka. 
The churches are visited bv ministers residing in the village of Port Washington. 

VILLAGE OF "WAUBEKA. 

This romantic little village, resting on the knolls divided by the Milwaukee River, wa 
named after an old Indian chief who lived in the vicinity for quite a number of years after the 
whites began to settle the country. Waubeka had made several clearings, at various points along 
the Milwaukee River, where his tribe cultivated corn patches, their principal occupation, how- 
ever, being that of hunting and fishing. The Indians were very fond of goodnatosh (whisky), 
and would give the settlers almost any quantity of game and fish for a demijohn full of the 
tempting liquor. The village of Waubeka was surveyed and laid out in town lots by George W. 
Foster, now a prominent lawyer of Port Washington. Mr. Foster, in company with H. J. 
Turner, built the first dam across the Milwaukee River at this point. They soon discovered 
that excellent water-power could be obtained, and at once commenced the erection of a saw and 
grist mill. These buildings were erected on the north bank of the Milwaukee River. The 
grist-mill was entirely destroyed by fire a few years after its completion. The saw-mill is still 
standing, but in a dilapidated state. Part of the old relic was swept away by the spring flood of 
1881. The present grist-mill, a large frame structure, was built by J. B. Schauble. The mill 
has a capacity of eighty barrels of flour per day. 

In 1871, Burnett Zindell erected a plow and machine foundry in the village, at a cost of 
$12,000. The foundry has changed hands several times; the building is now standing idle. 
Korman & Lapharn were the last to engage in the enterprise. In connection with this, the vill- 
age contains two pump factories, one cheese-box factory, one cheese factory, owned by J. H. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 541 

Klessig, one large tannery, run by M. S. Neuens, three blacksmith-shops, two wagon and car- 
riage shops, five stores, three hotels and three churches. The bridge which spans the river at 
this place, was built in 1870, at a cost of $6,000. The post office was established in the village 
of Waubeka in 1851, under the name of Fredonia. The first Postmaster was John J. Race. 
The office is now in charge of B. S. Cassell, who has held it for the last twenty years. Mr. 
Cassell kept the first store in the village. 

FREDONIA STATION. 

This thriving little place is situated on the line of the Wisconsin Central Railroad. It 
contains two large warehouses, one store, and one hotel bearing the double name of " Fredonia 
and Filmore House." The building was erected in 1871, by Peter Martin. It is now owned by 
John P. Coltax. The post office was established at this place in the spring of 1880. C. C. 
Learing was the first Postmaster. The office is now in charge of John P. Coltax. A large 
steam saw and turning mill was erected in 1874, by John J. Race and C. F. Cooley. The mill 
is run by a fifty-horse-power engine, and turns out work to the amount ot $25,000 per annum. 
The population of Fredonia, for the year 1880, was 1,839. Of this number five sixths are 
Germans, the remaining sixth being composed principally of Americans and Irish. Farming is 
the principal occupation, and from this source the revenue of the town is obtained. 

The town officers for 1881 were elected as follows : Town Clerk, C. H. Witt ; Supervisors, 
J. J. Race, N. Rheingans and Peter Jung ; Treasurer, H. Groteluschen ; Assessor, F. E. 
Oehme ; Justices of the Peace, Charles F. Cooley, Francis Smith, N. E. Becker and Fred Be- 
mer ; Constables, John Fuetzen, B. R. Burrell and August Thompson ; Sealer of Weights, 
Charles Zetter. 

The only crime ever committed in the town of Fredonia was perpetrated by an inhuman 
wretch, bordering on the brute creation, by the name of John Conrad, Sr. Conrad had an 
idiot son whom he would, on the least provocation, beat unmercifully, and it was through this 
manner of treatment that the boy was brought to the deplorable state of an idiot. His misera- 
ble existence was terminated May 17, 1880, by his brutal father throwing him down a pair of 
stairs. Conrad then fled to Buffalo, N. Y., where he was arrested May 19, 1880. He 
was brought back and lodged in the Ozaukee County Jail, at Port Washington, to await his trial. 
At the June term of the Circuit Court he was arraigned for murder, and pleaded not guilty. His 
bail was fixed at $10,000, which sum he failed to obtain. At the January term of Court, 1881, 
Conrad's counsel, Eugene Turner, asked for a change of venue to Sheboygan County, sta ing 
that his client had made an affidavit to the effect that he believed Judge D. J. Pulling to be prej- 
udiced against him. The prisoner was subsequently sent to Sheboygan County, where he was 
tried, and found guilty of manslaughter in the second degree. He was sentenced by Judge 
Gilson to four years in the State Prison. 



. r >-J-' BISTORT OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



CHAPTER VI. 
OLD SETTLERS' DRAWER. 

General Harbison — Solon Johnson — Leland Stanford— Letter from Timothy Hall— Jesse 
Hubbard— Barton Salisbury— Earl's school Teachers— Jansen's Ordeal— Fourth of 
July, 1843— Early Piety— German-English— Tribute of Edward II. Janssen. 

In this chapter are given such personal sketches and reminiscences of the early settlers and 
founders of Wisconsin City, as can be gathered from the few survivors who were their contem- 
poraries. 

Wooster Harrison, or Gen. Harrison, as he was familiarly termed by the old settlers, 
was a native of New York, and a full-blooded Yankee. What he lacked in education was sup- 
plied by a wonderful gift of natural wit. His reputation for story-telling extended throughout 
the whole of Eastern Wisconsin. Although never holding office or establishing any fixed princi- 
ples in life, he was a man much sought after by the early settlers when any great gathering was 
to be held, to create mirth for the crowd. He was always of a restless turn of mind, engaging 
in all sorts of wild speculations, mostly of a kind that proved detrimental and unprofitable to 
himself. The old man often deplored his own weaknesses, but these fits of melancholy were 
never of long duration, and at the first opportunity afforded he was again mingling with his fel- 
lows, amusing them with some fanny episode in his own career. He was a clockmaker by trade, 
and spent most of his time in repairing watches and clocks, traveling from house to house. Once 
having esconced himself under the roof of some worthy pioneer, he scarcely ever departed with- 
out a fair share of patronage, the charges always being to the credit of the General, his host 
vowing that the entertainment he had enjoyed was more than an equivalent for the provender 
the General may have dispatched. Somewhat of an inventive turn of mind, he ventured on a 
patent winch cost him his little fortune. lie remained in this stranded condition until the 
breaking-out of the war, when he departed for the State of Michigan. Stopping at Detroit, he 
enlisted with the Michigan volunteers. One night while off duty, he strolled down to the 
wharf, walked out on one of the river piers, and the night being dark, he lost his footing, and 
was precipitated into the merciless waters of the Detroit. Death tipped the glass, spilling the 
few remaining sands, thus ending the career of the first white trader and settler of Port Wash- 
ington, a man of whom it could be justly said, " His worst enemy was himself." 

SOLON JOHNSON was the first man elected to the State Legislature of Wisconsin, from 
Port Washington. In his physical make-up Johnson was slim ia body, lank in limbs and con- 
siderably over the average height, being six feet five inches tall ; in character somewhat eccen- 
tric ; in disposition kind and magnanimous; while, underlying these traits was a vein of quiet 
mirth which every now and then would break forth in the drollest manner. Shortly after he 
had been elected as a Representative, lie paid a \isit to Milwaukee and purchased a new suit, in 
which to make his debut in the Legislature at Madison. Usually he was somewhat slovenly in 
his dross, and to see him rigged out in a new suit of broadcloth and a plug hat, would have 
created no small sensation among his chums in Port Washington. Solon surmised this, and 
concluded that the new suit should not be donned until the time of departure for the State 
Capital had arrived. Accordingly, he had the wearing apparel neatly done up and judiciously 
stored away to await the grand event. But, as ill luck would have it, the secret leaked out. 
When the fact became known around town a caucus was held, Wooster Harrison presiding. A 
scheme was concocted, plans submitted and resolutions passed, by which it was unanimously 
agncd that Solon be compelled to "wet" the new suit, as the expression went, which meant a 
treat all around for the boys. Accordingly Wooster Harrison was appointed as a committee of 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 543 

one to wait upon the newly-elected Representative. The ruse worked to perfection. Harri- 
son found Solon in his room. " Good morning, your honor." " Good morning," replied John- 
son. " I have called," began Harrison, in a very impressive tone of voice, " to pay, to pay — 
well, you know, Solon ; pardon me for addressing you by your given name ; but, believe me, 
my motives are prompted by the purest friendship." " I can assure you," said Solon, " no 
apology is necessary." "My object in calling," continued Harrison, "was to compliment you 
on your success in attaining to the very high and honorable position of representing our new 
State in the maiden Legislature. The responsibilities are great, as the laws formed at this ses- 
sion will serve as precedents for all coming generations, and we feel confident as to your ability 
to represent judiciously the interests of Washington County." " You dome a great honor," replied 
Solon, very much affected by his friend's sincerity. " I know not how to express my gratitude to- 
ward my friends for this manifestation of their sympathy and good wishes, and I shall try and prove 
myself worthy of the great confidence they have imposed in me." " And now," continued Harri- 
son, " that my humble mission is at an end, I have one request to make. I know you will think me 
foolish, but then you will pardon the whim. What I wish, my friend, is to see you dressed out in 
your new toggs. I have heard that they are worthy of the high office you are to represent, and have 
a great anxiety to see how you look in them." " Well, I have a new suit," remarked Solon, 
somewhat flattered ; " and, although it is not so grand as you may have imagined, I will comply 
with your request." At this, he proceeded to invest himself in the new " toggs," as Harrison 
expressed it, his visitor expressing himself in the most complimentary manner, as each particular 
piece of wearing apparel was fitted to its place. When everything was properly adjusted, the 
toilet completed and Harrison in apparent ecstacy over the excellent appearance of his friend, 
a loud knock was heard at the door ; a sudden commotion in the hall below, and a loud voice 
was heard to exclaim in the most excited manner, " Where is Mr. Johnson ? I must see him 
at once." By this time, Solon had opened the door, when in rushed the messenger, almost out 
breath, and as pale as a ghost. He succeeded in gasping out, " Are you Solon Johnson ?" " I 
am ; what can I do for you ?" " A friend of yours has been seriously hurt, and desires to see 
you at the hotel at once." " Who is it?" " I don't know; I couldn't catch his name ; they 
told me to come to you with all possible speed." " You had better go at once," suggested 
Harrison, in an innocent way. Solon did not wait for the second bidding. Taking up his hat, 
he accompanied the two men to the hotel. On their arrival there, they found a large crowd 
gathered. Solon demanded to know where his friend was, and how seriously he had been hurt. 
His only answer was a loud laugh, and three hearty cheers from the crowd. A suspicion began 
to run through his brain that he had been deceived. " Harrison, you old rogue, this is another 
of your diabolical tricks." Another hearty laugh from the crowd assured him that he was 
correct. " Well, boys, you have earned your treat." " Landlord, they all drink at my 
expense." After which, three hearty cheers were given for the Representative of Washington 
County. Solon had been compelled to show his new suit. It is said of him, that shortly after 
his arrival in Madison, he gave a grand dinner, on which occasion considerable wine was drank, 
and numerous toasts given. Solon, wishing to do the agreeable, had courted Bacchus with too 
much zeal for his own good. He had at the time an important bill before the Legislature, which 
he intended to speak on the same day. No sooner had he entered the legislative hall, than he 
began to address the Assembly. Being out of order, the Speaker reminded him that he was 
violating the rules. " Order, or no order," exclaimed Solon, " I wish you to understand, Mr. 
Speaker, that I am here to represent the interests of the great county of Washington ; and, if 
my bill is not passed, I will tear this house down over your heads." Some of his friends 
succeeded in quieting him, and he was conveyed to his room, where he had time to reflect over 
the situation. With all due respect to him, it is just to say that his bill was afterward passed. 
as were many others which he offered and pushed to their final passage with great vigor and fair 
ability. He remained in Port Washington until sometime in 1856, where he left for California. 
He is now living in Montana. The old settlers often recall with pleasure their relations with 
the pioneer legislator of Washington County. 



544 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

Lelaxd Stanford came to Port Washington sometime during the year 1848, and remained 
in the village until 1852, when he left for California. His experience as a lawyer in old Wash- 
ington County wa3 fraught with disappointment and but little success. His first aspirations were 
nipped in the bud by an overwhelming defeat he met with as a candidate for District Attorney, 
his opponent, Eugene Turner, carrying the polls by a large majority. This disastrous failure 
completely discouraged him, he never afterward having the courage to venture into Washington 
County politics. One of the moving causes which led him to leave the county is detailed by an 
old settler, as follows : 

'•Nicholas Langers had been arrested for assault and battery, and was arraigned before 
Judge Hopewell Coxe. In this case Leland Stanford was retained by the prosecution, and 
George W. Foster for the defendant. When the court convened, it was noticed that the Judge 
was in a somewhat distracted mood. The case, however, was called, and after the witnesses had 
been examined pro and con, and the defendant, Mr. Foster, closed for the defense, Leland Stan- 
ford undertook to show, in a very earnest and well-rounded speech of a half hour's length, why 
the man should be punished, and closed his argument with an appeal to the Judge to give him 
the full extent of the law. Judge Coxe, squaring himself as though to deliver a grand charge, 
dismissed the case as follows : 

" ' Mr. Stanford, that's a good speech, but I see no plausible reason why Mr. Langers 
should be punished. You have given me no proof, Mr. Stanford, of an assault having been 
committed. The case is dismissed and the prisoner discharged. The Court now stands ad- 
journed.' Stanford threw down his law books in utter disgust, with an expression emphasized 
by a Texas adjective, to the effect that he would never, so long as he lived, try another case in 
Washington County." 

He kept good his word, and shortly afterward left for California, with what result is known 
to every reader throughout the United States, ami it might also be added, throughout the civil- 
ized world. He was elected to the highest office in the great State of California, drove the 
golden spike on the completion of the Central Pacific Railroad, and his wealth is counted by 
the millions. Old settlers of Ozaukee County claim that his defeat for the District Attorney- 
ship of old Washington County and the summary manner in which the court dismissed his as- 
sault and battery case, were the principal causes to which may be attributed his great success. 

Ml II B I H"M TIMOTHY HALL. 

. Spring Lake. Micb., June 21, 1881. 

I can pve yon no foots concerning (lie settlement of the eastern pari of Washington County, '"it can give you 
sonic incidents concerning the western towns 

I, with my wiii', came from Vermont to Milwaukee, bought an ox-team, and, with my earthly goods, drove to 
what is now the township of Hartford, and settled on Section 12, front the 14th t" the ITtli of July, is):;, near which 
' round a Canadian squatter namcil .Ichial Case, who only stayed a few months ami moved to the Foi River country 
in the north, which left me t/n only x<til<r in Hartford for <> months, where I continued to resole until within a few 
years past. Alfred I trendorf I found then the only settlor in Addison, on the old Fond 'lu Lac road. < >n Limestone 
Creek, the same season, (Trie! P. Wordsworth settled two miles beyond him. 1 found also William Williamson five 
miles from inc. toward Milwaukee, who was the first settler in the town of Polk. In November following, came Dins- 
more W. Maxon, ami settlcl on Cedar Creek, where he now resides. 

1 frequently went long distances to log rauini/s; one, I rememher. was to I . S. Wordsworth's, inward Fond du 

■ "ii iiiili-s, on foot, where I stayed overnight to finish work the next day. Also went to Hartford \ 'illagi 

ii lines and blazed trees, to help raise two houses, Hartford Village was located hy .lames A. Rossman, in 1844. 

The late Dr. E. B Wolcotl was the leading spirit in locating the water-power and site of West Hend. He ami 
his party Stopped on their way there at in y house over night, thence through the woods by blazed trees and compass. 
U the lime I came in, tlerinantown and Richfield were the only towns in what is now Washington County that had 
any inhabitants, and those were quite scattering. 

The night before arriving j>, Hartford Township, my wife and self stayed in the woods. Sleeping was out of 
the question, in a sultry July night, witli a pack of wolves howling around our wagon, but a short distance off, all 
night making merry music for our blood, and what notes they failed I" put in the mosquitoes made up in lotto. We 

were perched on the top of our load of g Is by :> bright t'in\ which was all that kept the wolves at bay. We were 

lost, as the trail was 90 dim we failed to follow it. Such are " times that try men's souls, even if one chances to 
have ii StOUl one. 

Some of the incident* I have mentioned may not be what you want, hut, as I felt the spirit moving me, I put 
them in. They are mutter- of history, which all pioneers have in plenty. 

Respectfully y.mrs, Timothy Hall. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 545 

Jesse Hubbard, now residing in Milwaukee, was an early settler in Mequon. The fol- 
lowing reminiscences were gathered from an interview. He came in June, 1840, and took up 
240 acres in Section 10, in what was known as the Bonniwell neighborhood. The Bonniwells, 
an English family of brothers, had come in the year before and settled on Sections 9 and 10. 
Peter Turck was also there. He took up 160 acres in Section 9 before the Bonniwells came. 
(The date of Turck's entry is November 16, 1838). A little stream called Pigeon Creek, ran 
through the section, emptying into Cedar Creek, some three miles to the southeast. Peter 
Turck built the first saw-mill on this creek. Barton Salisbury came in in 1840, and built 
another mill half a mile down the stream. He called his place Good Hope. The name was 
characteristic of the man. Reuben Wells was another early mill-builder ; it is a question as to 
whether he built before Turck or not. His saw-mill was on Eden Creek. He put in a run of 
mill-stones, and his own was either the first or second grist-mill in the county. Soon after, 
Thein came in and put up a grist-mill at Thienville. The villages at that early day were not 
very large. Saukville, where the mail-carrier stopped for dinner on his way to Sheboygan, 
consisted of one log house. The village of Mequon had one log house and two frame buildings. 
Good Hope consisted of Salisbury's saw-mill and a log house. Theinville, before the mill was 
built, consisted of the log house of John Weston, who had located on the site, and kept the post 
office. 

They did not lack for preachers, although religious services were not held at stated times. 
Peter Turck, E. S. Bunse, James Wood worth, who lived on the river and kept school, Reuben 
Wells, and several others were local preachers and exhorters. The preachers quarreled more 
than the other neighbors. 

The German Lutherans had meetings at their settlement in another part of Mequon, in 
1840. The Methodists held their first meeting in 1842 or 1843, at the house of Datus Cowan, 
who kept a tavern on the Green Bay road. Elder Whitcomb, a circuit preacher from Prairie- 
ville, now Waukesha, preached on the occasion. Datus Cowan was rather an odd genius. He 
was one of the early stage-drivers or mail-carriers, kept a tavern, was good natured, but not 
naturally pious. He got religion on this occasion, and was quite zealous in the cause for some 
months. He afterward blackslid somewhat. Other early settlers, say in 1841 to 1844, who 
were quite active and respected citizens, were Fred W. Horn, William Opitz, William Worth, 
Adolph Zimmerman and Taylor Havilon. 

Barton Salisbury was, without doubt, the most energetic laborer among the pioneers of 
Washington County. He seemed to be possessed with an uncontrollable and constant energy, 
which only found expression in the planning and carrying out of undertakings involving hard 
labor, and great power of endurance. He established the sites of two villages during the few 
vrars he lived in the country, and but for his early death, would doubtless have been the leading 
spirit in every undertaking, looking to its material advancement. His death was an irrepara- 
ble loss to the community. The material for the following sketch was obtained during an inter- 
view with Mrs. Barton Salisbury, who is still a resident of the county.. 

At the age of nineteen, Barton Salisbury removed from Jefferson County, N. Y., to War- 
rensville, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, and at that place was married on the 26th of August, 1834, 
to Miss Armina Litch. With his only property, a horse and buggy, he started for the wilder- 
ness of Wisconsin in 1839, and located in Town 9, on the Bonniwell settlement, in what is now 
the town of Mequon. By selling his horse and buggy, he was enabled to procure land and 
build a small saw-mill on Pigeon Creek, half a mile east of that owned by Peter Turck. He 
boarded with Mr. Turck a portion of the time while building his mill, and also after the arrival 
of his wife, until he could build a log shanty of his own. 

In this log shanty, after he was elected Justice of the Peace, he held his primitive court, 
and was sometimes obliged to subpcena his wife to testify to words unwarily uttered by parties 
after entering his house, she being the only available witness. 

After two years, Mr. Salisbury exchanged his mill property for a valuable farm of 160 
acres, with frame house and barn, situated on the old Green Bay road, and owned at that time 



546 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

by Mr. Lyon. The exchange was a profitable one for Mr. Salisbury, the house being suffi- 
ciently large to serve as a pioneer tavern. This farm he owned until he decided to locate in 
Barton. 

In addition to milling, farming and " dispensing justice," he was, during those busy years, 
both surveyor and carpenter. His knowledge of surveying, although '"picked up," was so 
intelligently and carefully picked up, that he was able, after procuring his instruments, to make 
it profitable to himself and useful to his neighbors. His knowledge of carpentry resulted in 
the erection of a frame house before he left the Turck neighborhood. 

About three years after Mr. Salisbury purchased the Lyon farm, he went on a surveying 
expedition up the Milwaukee River, as far north as the present site of the village of Barton, and 
with his usual sagacity, decided that the fine water-power and other natural advantages of the 
place rendered it a desirable point at which to locate, and purchase property. 

Mrs. Salisbury, with several years' experience of the hardships and discomfort of pioneer 
life, dreaded to move again into the wilderness. It was accordingly decided that she with her 
children should return to her old home in Ohio until her husband should be able to make a new 
one for her in his chosen location, he meantime encouraging her by the assurance that, if she 
staid a few months, he would " have lots of settlers on the new place " when she returned. 

In the autumn of 1845, Mr. Salisbury built the first log house in Barton. It was on the 
north side of the river nearly opposite the present mill. 

In accordance with his assurance to his wife, his first step after he entered his land, was to 
induce other settlers to move to the place, and during the winter he had the satisfaction of seeing 
Mr. Foster, the Buck brothers and many others located around him. Mrs. Salisbury returned the 
following June with her children, Mrs. Dr. Hunt, her daughter, being at that time four or five 
years of age. 

Through Mr. Salisbury's representations, William Caldwell and his brother Edward 
were induced to invest money to build a mill. Mr. Salisbury taking the contract for its con- 
struction, and putting the work under the superintendence of his brother, a niill-wright. whom 
he brought from Ohio for the purpose. 

In the early part of the winter of 1840, a frame house was built for Mrs. Salisbury on the 
south side, near the present site of the Catholic Church, and the family moved into it in December. 

The first saw-mill at Barton was built by Mr. Salisbury, and afterward, when he had de- 
cided to build Newburg. sold to Mr. Caldwell. It was one of his strongly marked traits " never 
to let go of one rope until he had hold of another." 

In the winter of 1 s 4 7 — 4 s , Mr Salisbury induced a man named Watson to build a log 
house at the point he had selected as the site of the prospective village, in order that he might 
have, at least, a "local habitation " on his prospecting tours. 

This place was afterward purchased by Mr. Frisby, father of I. N. and L. F. Frisby. 
of West Bend, and occupied by himself and wife, when they were early Newburg pioneers. 

On removing to Neiyburg, Mr. Salisbury purchased of Government 160 acres of land, and 
erected a saw-mill and grist-mill, an ashery for the manufacture of "black salts," a residence 
for himself and several other buildings. 

In the fall of 1841', he was erecting a large building for a hotel (the building now known 
as the Webster House). The contract for the work was let to two young men — relatives of his, 
but at the time of " raising," the townspeople feared that "young Still well and Salisbury"' 
wire too inexperienced for the task, and requested Mr. Salisbury to oversee them. He put his 
hand to the work, with his usual energy and coolness, but a rotten timber did its fatal work, 
ami lie was precipitated from the top of the building to the cellar, striking timbers as he fell, 
and reaching the ground bleeding and unconscious. In this state he remained from 4 o'clock, 
the time of the accident, until 1 1 o'clock of the same night, the Nth of October, 1849, when 
he breathed his last. 

Mr. Salisbury was a young man at the time of his death — only thirty-six years of age. 
" He was of medium stature, light complexion, blue eyes and quite dark." He was quiet and 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 547 

thoughtful, perhaps somewhat reserved ; an honorable, just and charitable citizen ; a man who 
always knew how to keep his own spirit under control, and therefore one who could control 
others: a man of great executive ability, and of superabounding energy. 

We can easily see the young man with his fair Saxon complexion and blue eye, eagerly 
hewing his way through the old Wisconsin forests, and as the log shanty gave way to more 
pretentious evidences of civilization, pressing forward in his restless energy still "sighing for 
more towns to conquer." 

EARLY SCHOOL TEACHERS. 

Miss Helen Upham taught the first private school in the fall of 1839, in a log house owned 
by James W. Woodworth. in the town of Mequon. 

So far as is known, William Wirth was the first American school teacher who taught a 
public school in Washington County. He taught in District No. 1, near Thienville in 1840. 
He had seventeen scholars. He taught three months for $12 per month, boarding himself. 
He gave one acre of land on which the log schoolhouse was erected. He came into the county 
in 1838, and is still living (1881) in the town of Grafton. 

Charles Chamberlin taught in the town of Grafton in 1842. 

G. W. Foster, of Port Washington, was also 'an early teacher, and, it has been stated in a 
historical sketch of the county, was the first "Yankee schoolmaster." The date of his first 
school in the county is not accessible. 

E. H. Janssen was the first teacher ; he taught a Grammar school in 1839. 

The following account of an early examination of Janssen, by one of the School Commis- 
sioners, is given by an old settler : 

The first School Commissioners were Daniel Strickland, Harry V. Bonniwell and Levi Ostrander. Strickland, 
soon after his appointment, assumed the responsibility of examining -Mr. Janssen, who had applied for one of the 
schools. Thinking to be rigid with the pedagogue, Strickland approached him with an air of self importance 
and put the following arithmetical problem: '• Now, sir, suppose that I were to sell you one hundred bushels of 
wheat at 75 cents a bushel, how much money would you have to pay me?" "$75," promptly answered Janssen. 
"Good enough, you are a smart fellow to answer a question like that so readily." Strickland then scratched his 
head, and as he could think of no more difficult problems in mathematics, concluded to try some other branch, and, 
accordingly, switched off on to geography. A happy thought struck him ; he had, during his younger days expe- 
rienced considerable of ocean life, and, while on oue of his extended voyages, had been wrecked on the island ot 
Madagascar. Here then was where he would corner Janssen. With all the assurance imaginable, he approached 
the anxious candidate, for something in his looks warned the aspirant that some great question was about to be pro- 
pounded. " Well, sir," said Strickland, "perhaps you can tell me where the Island of Madagascar is located . 
This was a puzzler, and might have sealed Janssen's doom, but for the kindly assistance of a friend who stood near, 
who had heard Strickland relate his adventure on this island. He whispered the location to Janssen, who at once 
replied, " Off the coast of Africa." That was enough : Strickland grasped him by the hand and exclaimed, "J " 
are the smartest man I ever met, you can have the school right off ! " This was, the relator claims, the first school 
examination in the county. 

The day was celebrated by the Germans who had settled in Mequon and vicinity. They 
had seen the thing done once or twice, and concluded to attempt a hilarious demonstration of 
love of their new country in true American style. Sufficient money was raised to get a keg of 
Owen's best ale or beer from Milwaukee, and to hire a fiddler, who lived across the river. The 
celebration came off at Opitz's Tavern. The services were entirely in the German tongue, and 
consisted in the reading of the Declaration and patriotic speeches. The dancing commenced in 
Opitz's big room, early in the day, and was kept up until the musician was exhausted. Among 
those present on that occasion were Fred W. Horn, of Cedarburg ; C. Miller, of West Bend, and 
Adolph Zimmerman. 

The Methodists are said to have held the first Protestant religious services in the county, at 
the house of Isaac Bigelow, in Mequon, in 1837-38, at which time a class was formed. It is by 
no means certain that this was the first service, as Peter Turck, an ardent preacher of the Bap- 
tist faith, was already .living on Pigeon Creek, and doubtless preached as soon as he could get 
together any hearers. There is no mention or tradition of his preaching till a year later. In 
1838, Rev. Frink, a Methodist Indian missionary, preached at the house of Jonathan Loomer. 



548 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 

TRIBUTE TO EDWARD H. JANSSEN. 

Edward H. Janssen was the only officer ever elected from old Washington County to a 
State office. He served as State Treasurer, and, while at Madison, " fell among thieves." Hon. 
Charles E. Chamberlain, of Port Washington, pays the following just tribute to his friend : 

" With regard to Edward H. Janssen, I may say that I knew him by reputation as a citi- 
zen of Mequon, and Register of Deeds of Washington County for several years prior to 1853, 
but had merely a speaking acquaintance with him. He always had the confidence and respect 
of his neighbors in Mequon, and held some local office of trust as long as he resided there. He 
was elected Register of Deeds of the county and Treasurer of the State while a citizen of that 
town. In 1852 or 1853, I think, he with his brother, Theodore Janssen, and a young man by 
the name of William Gaitzsch bought the saw-mill and water-power at Hamilton, and built the 
Concordia Mill (so named, as I understood, at the time, on account of the feeling of concord 
and good will between the partners), and also built a residence at the same place which they 
occupied. Within two years after the partnership was formed, Theodore Janssen and William 
Gaitzsch died. During the erection of the mill, Edward was filling his second term as State 
Treasurer. By virtue of his office as State Treasurer, he was, ex-officio, one of the Board of 
School Land Commissioners of the State. During his term the school lands of the State (Sec- 
tion 10 in each township) had to be personally examined and appraized by the State School Com- 
missioners, which took Edward away from Madison several months in a year. During his absence 
his business affairs were in the hands of a Deputy, not of his own choice, but one he was com- 
pelled to take as a condition upon which his land would be appraized. The Deputy was employed 
on a salary of $800. but before his term expired I have heard he dealt in railroad bonds, had a 
fine mansion, and drove a first-class carriage. Edward's term closed with a deficit in his accounts 
of over $30,000. He had been made the victim, through his deputy, of Barstow and the forty 
thieves. I never, for a moment, believed Edward was criminally culpable in the matter. He 
was a man of humane, kindly impulses, and, in all my relations with him, I ever found 
him honorable and just, even to generosity. I believe him to have been incapable of 
participating in or sanctioning fraud of any kind. Stepping from the arena of rural life, unprac- 
ticed in the political knavery of the age, into the theater of Madison politics, he was imposed 
upon and robbed by those who professed the most ardent friendship for him. Legally, he was 
undoubtedly responsible for the deficit ; morally, I believe him innocent in the matter. The 
event beclouded his life for a number of years. He deeply felt the odium which these "wolves 
in sheep's clothing " had fastened to his name. The Republican papers, from partisan motives, 
frequently alluded to the affair as an evidence of Democratic corruption, but not one of those 
writers, I think, ever believed Edward himself to have been a participant, or had any knowl- 
edge of the great wrong that was being committed against himself and the State. At last, after 
a number of years had passed, the silver lining 'neath the cloud appeared, and he was chosen 
Superintendent of Schools of Ozaukee County, served one term, was re-elected, and died March 
30, 1877, before completing his second term. No man is faultless, but the virtues and good 
qualities in the character of Edward Janssen greatly overbalanced his faults." 

Conrad Horneffer, one of the early settlers of Cedarburg, was born at liothonberg-Kur- 
hessen. Germany, Vugust II. L815; learned the saddler's trade, and. in I83r>, emigrated to 
the United States, landing at New York City in the month of June. He soon went to Newark, 
New Jersey, where lie followed his trade with good success for a few years, then removed to Lan- 
caster, Pennsylvania, where, in 1839, he was married to Mary Ilaldy. In 1843, came to Mil- 
waukee, and made the first leather trunk ever made in that city. In isjti. he settled at Cedar- 
burg, built the Washington House, and commenced hotel business, which he followed with few 
exceptions during the remainder of his life. He also kept the first harness-shop in Cedarburg, 
but, as his health faded, he was obliged to drop his trade and abandon the business. 

He was an active worker in the Democratic party. He served one term as Treasurer of 
old Washington County, as Sheriff of Ozaukee County one term, and. in 1S05. was a candidate 
on the State ticket for the office of State Prison Commissioner. 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON AND OZAUKEE COUNTIES. 



549 



He was commissioned as Colonel of the Wisconsin Militia, by Gov. Dodge. Of his twelve 
sons and daughters, nine are now living. Anna, now Mrs. Judge Leopold Egart, of Port 
Washington ; Henry and Frederick are book-keepers fh Milwaukee ; Mena, now Mrs. Charles 
Wilke, of Cedarburg ; Caroline, now Mrs. C. W. Lehmann, of Cedarburg; Willie, a traveling 
salesman, of Milwaukee ; Mary, died in 1881 ; Louis is a clerk in Milwaukee ; Conrad is en- 
gaged in boots and shoes in Milwaukee, and Emma lives with her sister at Port Washington. 

Mr. Horneffer belonged to several societies ; was one of the founders of the Cedarburg 
Turnverein, also the Cedarburg Rifle Company, of which he was First Lieutenant; was always 
known as an honest, upright citizen, and a friend to everybody. His death took place August 
4, 1878. The funeral services were conducted by the Masonic Lodge, and the funeral 
was attended by the Old Settlers' Club, the Cedarburg Fire Company, and many friends. 

Mrs. Horneffer died in May, 1877. 




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Co Company or county I W. V. I Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry 

W. V. A Wisconsin Volunteer Artillery P. Post Office 

W. V. C Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry | st street 



WEST BEND. 



SAMUE.L S. BARNEY, of the law firm of Barney & Kuechenmeister, son of John and 
Adeline A. (Knox) Barney, was born in the town of Hartford, Washington Co., Wis., Jan. 31, 1846, and 
is said to be the oldest living white person born in that town. His parents were New England people, who 
came to Wisconsin in 1842, and located at Prairieville, now Waukesha. October, 1845, they moved to 
Town 10, Bange 18, now Hartford. S. S. was educated at Lombard University, Galesburg, 111. On com- 
pleting his course, in the fall of 1867, he engaged as Principal of the High School of Hartford, which 
position he held five years. In the summer of 1871, he moved to West Bend, and commenced the study 
of law in the office of Frisby & Weil, of West Bend. During the first year of his law studies, they were 
pursued during vacations at Hartford, and at leisure hours while teaching. Was admitted to the bar in 
March, 1873, and to the Supreme Court in May, 1874, at which time he became a partner of the law firm 
of Frisby, Weil & Barney, which connection was continued until October, 1879, when he withdrew, and 
formed a partnership with Mr. I. N. Frisby, under the firm name of Frisby & Barney ; this partnership was 
dissolved in the fall of 1S80, by mutual consent ; on December 1 of this year, the existing partnership of 
Barney & Kuechenmeister was formed. Mr. Barney was Superintendent of Schools of Washington Co. 
four years, commencing Jan. 1, 1876. Was married, May 18, 1876, at West Bend, to Miss Ellen S. 
McHenry, daughter of Col. D. and Sarah ( Hurlbut) McHenry ; Mrs. Barney was born in New York ; 
two children were born to them — John and Sarah C. 

4>EOR(iE Li. BASTIAN, general blacksmithing, wagon and carriage-making ; shop estab- 
lished in 1871 ; employs three men. Mr. Bastian was born in that part of the town of West Bend now 
Barton, Wis., Jan, 26, 1849; son of Joseph and Elizabeth Bastian ; the father was from Stromberg and 
the mother from Wintersheim, Germany, and came to America in 1844. The subject of this sketch 
learned his trade in young America, beginning in 1864 and serving three years ; worked in the wagon-shop 
one year; then came to West Bend Village and worked a few months ; next went to Savannah, 111., where 
he worked at his trade two years ; at the expiration of that time he went to Prairie du Chien, where he 
remained a few months; then, in 1871, he returned to West Bend and opened his present shop. He was 
married in the town of Barton, Jan. 9, 1872, to Miss Anna Winkler, daughter of Phillip VViukler ; Mrs. 
Bastian was born on Long Island Sound, N. Y.; they have one child (by adoption) Hanna Mayer Bastian, 
adopted in 1 873. 

JACOB BASTIAN, Jr., farmer and agent for the sale of farm machinery, Sec. 16 ; P. 0. 
West Bend ; son of John Jacob and Elizabeth ( Braun ) Bastian ; was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 1 9, 1844 ; 
came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1845, and direct to the town of West Bend, where they made their 
home on Sec. 14. Mr. Bastian has served six terms as Constable, and is serving in that capacity at this 
writing. He was married in the town of Trenton, Feb. 26, 1867, to Miss Margaret Arnet, daughter of 
Henry and Catharine (Arnet) Arnet. Mrs. Bastian was born in Bavaria, Germany; they have three 
children — -Henry, Jacob and George. In 1868, he located on his present farm, Sec. 16, where he owns 
60 acres, 20 of which are in the town of Barton. 



552 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

JOSEPH BAUER, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. West Bend; settled in the county in 1855; has 
214 acres of land. He is the son of John and Elizabeth Bauer; was born in Rhine, Bavaria, Germany, 
May 1, 1843, and came to the United States, and directly to Wisconsin, in 1855, making his home in the 
town of West Bend. He was married, Jan. 18, 1870, at the village of West Bend, to Miss Gertrude 
Wagner, a daughter of Phillip and Ann M. Wagner ; have eight children, seven sons and one daughter — 
John, Stephen. Henry, Phillip, Frank, Peter, George and Katie, the two last being twins. Mr. Bauer has 
served as a member of Board of Supervisors for the town of West Bend two years. 

DR. OTTO BOESE WETTER, veterinary surgeon, was born in Saxony, Germany, Feb. 
IS, 1S40. Began his education in his native land ; came to the United States with his father, and directly 
to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1854; spending one year in that city, he then came to the town of West Bend in 
1855, where his father purchased 400 acres of land ; remaining only one year in West Bend, he then went 
to St. Louis, Mo., where he studied for the profession of veterinary surgeon. In the spring of 1861, at 
the first call for volunteers for the late war, he enlisted in Co. C, 1'th 111. V. I. After one month's service, 
he was detailed to the Western Department as 1st Assistant Veterinary Surgeon under Dr. Volintin ; was 
discharged in 1862 for disability. He returned to Illinois, and was married in Ogle Co. June 19, 1862, 
to Miss Sophia Kunkwitz, daughter of Charles and Dorothea Runkwitz. Mrs. B. was born in St. Clair Co., 
111.; they have had eight children, of whom four only are living — Oscar (deceased), Johanna, Richard 
(deceased;, Emma, Albina (deceased), Thekla (deceased), Edward and Hattie. The Doctor practiced his 
profession in St. Clair Co., 111., until 186S, when he moved to West Beud and established a hospital, which 
is the only one in the county ; since locating here, he has by successful treatment of the cases intrusted to 
him, acquired a reputation that has extended his practice far beyond the limits of his own county. The 
Doctor has served as Coroner of Washington Co. eight years. The Doctor's father was a physician and 
surgeon, and practiced twenty-eight years in Germany previous to coming to America in 1854. He prac- 
ticed one year in Milwaukee, one at West Bend, and then moved to St. Louis, Mo.; a short time ago, he 
met with an accident that disabled him for active service ; at that time, he had been in the practice of his 
profession fifty years, and was considered a skillful and successful physician. 

PETER ItODEX. Sheriff of Washington Co., Wis., proprietor of Germania Hall, Billiard and 
Sample Rooms; was born in Prussia July 25, 1820; son of .John and Margaret (Sehmal) Boden ; came 
to the United States, and directly to Wisconsin, in 1843, with his parents; located in Germantown. Wash- 
ington Co.; three years later, came to West Bend and engased in tanning. Was married in the town of 
Barton, Nov. 12, 1853, to Miss Margaret Deutsch, daughter of Michael and Margaret (Stein) Deulseh ; 
tiny have had five children, of whom only two are living — George P. is Under Sheriff of Washington Co., 
residence, West Beud; John died when 7 years of age; Susan died when 5 years old; Mathias P. is a 
clerk in B. Goetter's store, West Bend; Peter died when 3 years of age. Mr. Boden was Supervisor of 
Barton two years: moved to West Bend and served as Village Trustee four years; was Under Sheriff dur- 
ing 1874 and 1S75 — Under Sheriff to Louis Miller; was elected Sheriff in 1SSO for the vears 1SS1 and 
1882. 

PETER BODEX, farmer, Sec. 18; P.O. Aurora; has lsn acres of land; was born in Prussia 
Sept. 2, 1833 ; son of Joseph and Lena Boden ; came to America in 1853, and direct to Washington Co., 
Wis., and settled on his present farm. Mr. Boden was married at West Bend April 211, 1857, to Chriwa 
Bever. Mrs. Boden is a native of Germany; they have eight children — Joseph, John, Lena, Susanna, 
Peter, Catharine. Margaret and Anna. 

.MICHAEL KOI! VV Sr. (deceased), was born at College Bill, parish of Teniplotnore, 
County of Tipperary, Ireland, in 1788. Was married, in 1820, to Annastasia Russell, of the parish of 
Templi tmikey, in the same county. Mr. Bohan was a farmer by occupation, and an earnest Liberal and 
"Repealer" in politics, being a warm supporter of Daniel O'Connell. In 1846, he immigrated to the 
United States, being the first farmer of family known to have undertaken the enterprise in that locality 
He reached Wisconsin in May, 1846, and located in Washington Co.. Town 111, Range 18, afterward 
called Hartford, where he continued to reside till the date of his death, which occurred April 3, 1864. He 
left a family of five sons and four daughters — the eldest. Ann, is now Mrs. Francis Russell, of Minnesota ; 
next, John, resides at Ozaukee, Wis. ; Daniel is a resident of Minn, sota ; Michael died in his childhood; 
Bridget, now Mrs. I'. Unssell, of Minnesota; Catharine, now Mr-. M. StapletOD, of Trenton, Dodge Co., 
Wis.; Michael, of West Bend, Wis.; Thomas, of MankatO, Minn.; Mary, now Mrs. P. Filand of Min- 
nesota, and Edward, also of Minnesota. The thcr, Mrs. Bohan. died Feb. S, 1873, at Mankato, Minn. 

Mr. Bohan, though never active in political matters in his adopted home, was still a very prominent mem- 
ber of the community in his neighborhood, being always in the front in educational matters ; was an hon- 
ored and respected citizen, whose memory is cherished by a large circle of relatives and friends. 



WEST BEXD. 553 

MICHAEL itOil A \. editor of the West Bend Democrat, was born in College Hill, parish 
of Templemore. County of Tipperary, Ireland, June 22, 1832; son of Michael and Annastasia (Russell) 
Bohan ; came to the United States with his parents in May, 1S46, located in the town of Hartford, Wash- 
ington Co., and engaged in farming. He received an academic education at Notre Dame, Ind.; was en- 
gaged in teaching from 1851 to 1859; during 1859-60, served as Deputy Clerk of the County Board of 
Supervisors, Washington Co.; was elected Clerk of the County Board for the term of 1801-62, and re- 
elected each successive term until 1871, and during his term of office made his home at West Bend ; he 
then purchased an interest in the Fond du Lac weekly Journal and Star job office. During the Greeley 
campaign he ran a daily called the Daily Journal ; continued his connection with this office until the fall 
of 1873, when he accepted the position of Financial Clerk in the office of the Secretary of State, Peter 
Doyle, and held that position four years ; was then elected Engrossing Clerk of the Assembly. After the 
close of the session of 1878, he accepted the agency for a school-book publishing company ; during the 
year 1879, he was traveling in the mining regions of Colorado, in the interest of a collection agency ; on 
his return from the West, he acted as shipping-clerk for a Chicago lumber firm until Nov. 12, 1880. when 
he accepted his present position as editor of the West Bend Democrat, Mr. Bohan was married, at Mil- 
waukee, Sept. 2, 1872. to Miss Elizabeth Claire Baker, of West Bend, daughter of Joseph and Martha 
( Boddington) Baker. Mrs. Bohan was born in Birmingham, England, in 1849, and came to the United 
States with her parents in 1854. They have three children — Arthur M., Edmund R. and Martha B. 

HEXRY ISOHX, Sr., farmer, residence Sec. 25; P. 0. West Bend ; son of Henry and Cath- 
arine Bohn ; was born in the Rhine country, Bavaria, Oct. 20, 1809. Was married, Jan. 13, 1831, to 
Miss Catharine Mueller, daughter of John and Elizabeth Mueller ; they have had seven children of whom 
five are living — -Eliza, now Mrs. M. Gayhart, of Appleton,Wis.; Catharine, now Mrs. John Wittemann, of 
the town of West Bend ; Anna Mary, now Mrs. F. Loreuz, also of West Bend ; Henry, Jr., married to 
Izora E. Wright, daughter of George W. Wright, Jan. 30, 1S72, and resides in the town of West Bend. 
Mr. Bohn, Sr., came to America with his family in 1854, and located in the town of West Bend. 
Henry Bohn, Jr., and wife have three children — Henry, Frank J. and Charles G. In the spring of 1881, 
he was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors for the town of West Bend. 

CHARLES A. BRLEDERLE, editor and manager of the Deutscher Beobachter, a 
weekly Democratic German paper, published every Friday, at West Bend, by William F. Weber. This 
paper was established in October, 1880, and has a circulation of 500 copies. Mr. Bruederle was born in 
Landau, Bavaria. Germany, Feb. 14, 1854 ; came to America in 1865, with his mother and family, and 
direct to Fond du Lac, Wis.; learned the printer's trade in the office of the Fond du Lac Ztituny, pub- 
lished by Theo Friedlander ; in 187S, he published a Greenback paper at Fond du Lac, called the Freie 
Volks 1'resse; established a branch office at YVatertown, with a paper called the Watertown Volks Stimme. 
and another at New Holstein, called the New Holstein Wochenb/att ; the business at Fond du Lac was 
continued two years; the others, being campaign papers, were short lived; in October, 1880, he enlaced 
in his present enterprise. 

JOI3 X ItrKt'KHARDT, proprietor of livery and sale stable ; business established in 1874 ; 
capital invested, -82,500. Mr. B. was born in the village of West Bend July 12, 1849; son of John and 
Katharine (Schenkal) Burckardt; received a common-school education, and spent his early years in his 
father's hotel, the Farmer's Home, at West Bend, which they kept for twenty-five years. In 1870, they 
traded the hotel property with Dr. Ottli for other property. In 1868, Mr. John B. started a soda-water 
factory ; this was the first of the kiud in the place ; continued this business till 1874, when he sold out 
and engaged in his present business. Mr. Burckardt was married, in September, 1878, to Augus a Horn, 
daughter of Frederick Horn, of Jackson, Washington Co., where Mrs. B. was born ; they have two chil- 
dren — Laura and John. Mr. B. has served as Constable three terms. 

I>R. J. WARREN CAMERON, physician and dental surgeon; son of Richard and Jane 
I Toungs) Cameron ; was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., July 6, 1846. In the summer of that year, he 
came with his parents to Walworth Co., Wis.; when 3 years of age, he removed with his family to Sun 
Prairie, Dane Co., where he received a common-school education. In 1876, he commenced the study of 
medicine at the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago (a homoeopathic institute) ; took a two-years' 
course of lectures and received his diploma in 1878. He then established himself in practice at Waukon, 
Iowa, where he remained until Sept. 3, 1879, when he came to West Bend and entered upon the practice 
of his profession, practicing both in medicine and dentistry. He was married, May 23, 1881, at West 
Bend, to Miss Emma M. Lange, daughter of Jacob and Amelia Lange. Mrs. Cameron was born in St. 
Louis, Mo. 

o 



554 



BIOC.KAPHICAL SKETCHES : 



WALTER DEMMOX, tanner, Sec. 2(> ; P. O. West Bend; date of settlement November, 
1846; has 213 acres . was Imrn in Jefferson Co.. N. Y., Feb. 28, 1812: when 3 years of aue, he went 
with his parents to Onondaga Co., remaining there two years, the family then moved to Wayne Co. He 
was married in the town of Wolcott of that county, Feb. 1, 1838, to Miss Hilyann Cox, daughter of Lewis 
and Effie Cox. Mrs. Deinmon was born in Rockland Co., N. Y. Mr. D. and family came to Wisconsin 
in February, 184ti. and, in November of that year, located on the site of his present farm. Thirty five 
years of patient labor has made a well-cultivated farm and comfortable home. He has served eleven years 
as Justice of the Peace; Chairman of the town six or seven years; was elected the first Town Assessor of 
West Bend, and re-elected the following year. Mr. and Mrs. D. have been blessed with ten children, of 
whom nine are living — Elias H., married to Jennie Luscomb, residing at Omro; Joseph W., married to 
Maryette Rose, also living at Omro; Lucy A.; Mary, now Mrs. Charles H. Potter, of the town of West 
Bend; Clarissa; Daniel, married to Sarah Churchill and living at Kau Claire ; Millard, married to Ella 
Potter, also of West Bend ; Horace, married to Annie Clapham, of the same town ; Maliuda at home, nil 
George F., deceased. 

FRAXZ DEETSCH, undertaker, manufacturer of and dealer in furniture; business estab- 
lished in lsiis. Mr. Deutsch was born in Prussia Aug. 24, 1826; is the son of Michael and Margaret 
'Stein) Deutsch; learned his trade in his native country; came to America in 1846, and direct to the 
town of West Bend, Washington Co., Wis., and engaged in fanning. In 1868, he started the business in 
which he is now engaged, while lie has still kept his farm of til) acres. He was married in West Bend in 
1854 to Elizabeth Licht, daughter of Michael and Eva Licht ; twelve children were burn to them, of 
whom only six are living — Mattie. John, Frederick, Barbara. Jacob and Anna. Mrs. Deutsch died March 
in. 1875; Dec. 6, of the same year, Mr. Deutsch was married to Mrs. Johanna Lorentz, widow of Eman- 
uel Lorentz ; three children were b irn of this martiage — George, Mary and Frank. Mr. Deutsch has 
served fourteen \ears as Supervisor of the town of West Beud. and twelve years as Deputy Sheriff. 

.lOilN A. ECKSTEIX, lessee of the West Bend Mills ; son of Christopher and Kunigunda 
Eckstein; was born in Milwaukee Feb. 20, 1850, and May 1, 1851, came to West Bend with his parents. 
He received a common-school education, and took a regular course in the Commercial College of Bryant, 
Stratton & Spencer, of Milwaukee. On his return from Milwaukee in 18(55, he engaged with Mann & 
Eckstein, millers at West Bend . was in the employ of that firm till its dissolution, and subsequently with 
his father as partner in the mill till 1875 ; he then rented the mill and has run it to this spring, when the 
dam was carried away in the L'reat flood ; at this writing the dam is being rebuilt, and he will soon have 
the mill in operation again. Mr. Eckstein was married Feb. 21. 1ST!', at Milwaukee, Wis., to Anna Roll- 
out, d, in-liter of Viet Kohoiit, Sr.; they have one child — Phillipine M. Mr. E. was elected Justice of 
the Peace in the spring ,,1' [881 for two-years' term. 

(jtEORttE II. ENGELHARD, boot and shoemaker. West Bend, Wis.; son of George M. 

Engelhard; was born in Bavaria, Germany, Dec. 31, 1819; served a regular apprenticeship of three years 

at his trade in his native country ; then worked as a journeyman in various places till I S to. when he came 
to the United States. Remained in New York City a few months, then went to New Jersey, was there a 
nl then returned to New York. He next engaged as colporteur for the American Tract Society 
with headquarters at the city of Rochester, N. ST.; continued this connection four years; he then returned 
to New York, and went from there to Brooklyn, where he worked at his trade three years. In ISfili, he 
came to West Bend, Wis., and engaged in business for himself, where he has continued to this writing 
1881 i. Mr E. was married. Jan. 7. 1849, iii the city of New York, to Miss Sophia L' Homme, daugh- 
ter of Louis L'Homme. Mrs. Engelhard was born in France; they have eight children, of whom all but 

the youngest have been school teachers — Sophia M. is now .Mrs. L. E. Adams, of Chicago, 111.; Catharine 

II.. now Mrs. Martin Blackmunn, of Trenton. Washington Co.; M. Georgine; George 1'. is of the firm of 

Chandler & Engelhard, publishers, Chicago, III. Be was recently married to Miss Carrie E. Soroggin,and 

at Chicago; Sarah, now Mrs. Riohard B. Salter, attorney at law, of Colby, Wis.. Pennine, Hor- 

tense and Samuel L. at home. 

JACOB ENttMAWN, farmer and proprietor of Mineral Spring, Sec. 15; P.O. Wesf Bend; 
i- the -on of Balthasar and Margarette Engmann ; was born in Hesse Darmstadt, I lermany, May 21.1 825 
learned the brewer's trade, and came to the United States in 1848; made his home one year in Williams- 
burg, N. Y . where he worked ;it his trad.-. In 1849, he came to West Bend and engaged with Mr. Goet- 

ter in the brewery ; OOntinued at this work five years, when he went on to a farm in the towu of Barton 
Alter two years' residence on the farm at Barton, he returned to West Bend, and spent one year in Mr. 
I ioelter's employ ; be then went to the village of I'igville, ( lerinaiitown ; here he kept hotel and farmed three 
years. His next venture was in the brewery and saloon busine-s at Waukesha, where he continued till 



WEST BEND. 555 

1871, when he came to West Bend and bought his present farm. Finding the brook formed by the nu- 
merous springs on his place suitable for the culture of " trout," he has improved the stream and stocked it 
with that fish. His noted mineral springs are situated one mile due west from the West Bend Court 
House. Full descriptions and analysis of the springs are given in the history of the town of West Bend, 
as well as an account of his trout-raising enterprise. He was married at West Bend May 19, 1851, to 
Elizabeth Immel, daughter of Peter Immel, who was born in Bavaria; they have two adopted children — 
Applonia and Emma, the elder of whom is now Mrs. William Miller, of W 7 est Bend. 

M. A. T. FARMER, son of Thomas and Rosanna (Thompson) Farmer, was bom in Edin- 
burg, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Aug. 19, 1808 ; while quite young, went with his parents to Susquehanna Co., 
Penn.; finding this a barren and sterile land, with certain starvation staring them in the face if they re- 
mained, they again moved, this time to a place in Bradford Co. in the same State ; at this time, the sub- 
ject of this sketch was about 13 years of age. May 27, 1832, he was married to Miss Mary Verbeck, 
daughter of Amos and Abigail (Wardwell) Verbeck, at Windham, Bradford Co., Penn.; Mrs. Farmer 
was born in Bradford, Penn., March 22. 1813. Iu 1845, they moved to Washington Co., Wis.; spent 
the first summer at Menomonee, on a claim of Mrs. Farmer's brothers, and where they raised a very 
abundant crop of coarse grain ; early in the fall of that year. Mr. Farmer pre-empted the southwest quar- 
ter of Sec. 24, Town 11 north, Bange 20 east, now partially included in the Ullage of West Bend; a 
shanty was built, and part of the household gpods brought up and stored for a few weeks ; Nov. 9, 1845 r 
the family moved to their new quarters, and, though surrounded by Indians, they found their goods undis- 
turbed ; at this time, the only other settler in the town was Mrs. Farmer's brother Isaac, who with his 
family had a log shanty, roofed with troughs, situated on what is known as Battle Creek ; Mr. Farmer's 
shanty was constructed in the same manner, the only difference being that he had no window or door for 
some weeks after his occupation of the premises ; here Mrs. Farmer passed many a night alone with her 
young children, with only a blanket hung across the opening for a door as a protection from intrusion 
either from Indians or wild animals, both of which were quite numerous in the woods about them; Mrs. 
Farmer's brothers, Joseph aDd William Verbeck, settled near them at the same time; from that on, the 
little settlement grew quite rapidly, as described elsewhere in this work. Mr. Farmer served one term as 
Justice of the Peace, and several times held some of the minor town offices. Mr. and Mrs. F. were blessed 
with four children — two sons and two daughters; the eldest (Abigail) was married to Mr. Frank Everly 
(deceased), and is now the wife of Mr. William Johnson, of West Bend; Huldah C. was the wife of Mr. 
David Comfort; her death occurred at the age of 27 years; Samuel D. died when 13 years of age - r 
Thomas, now married and a resident of W r est Bend, while he is engaged as telegraph operator for the C. r 
M. &. St. P. B. R. in Illinois. 

.IAJIFS FIXXEijiAX, Superintendent of Schools of Washington Co., Wis.; son of Patrick 
and Catharine (Duffy) Finnegan ; was born in the North of Ireland Jan. 12, 1840; came to the United 
States with his parents in May. 1841 : the family made their home in Northern New York for a short 
time ard then temoved to Vermont, where they remained for about three years, moving again to Northern 
New York; in 1S50, they came to Washington Co., Wis., and settled in the town of Barton. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was educated at the State University at Madison ; in 1866, he took a course at the 
Worthington Commercial College, of Madison; after completing his studies, he was engaged several years 
in teaching and farming; also devoted seme time to the study of law ; moved to Kewaskum in 1^<7<*; 
while, a resident of that place, served one term as Justice of the Peace; was elected County Suptrinlend- 
ent of Schools in the fall of 1879 ; holds his office in the court house : since the spring of 1870, has 
made his residence at West Bend. 

J. FI\K &. CO., general painters and decorators; business established in 1871; employ six 
men ; Frederick, the elder of the two brothers composing this firm, is the son of Mathew and Elizabeth 
(Smith) Fink, was born at West Bend, Wis., Dec. i7. 1850 ; received a common school education ; set ved 
a regular apprenticeship at the tinner's trade: spent two years clerking for G. J. Wilmot; afterward 
clerked for Potter & Miller, and, in 1872, he engaged with his brother in the painting business. Mr. 
Fink was married at West Bend Dec. 11, 1875, to Catharine Lauermann, daughter of Peter and Philo- 
pena (Hassingeri Lauermann. Mis. Fink was born in (iermantown. Wis. ; they have had two children one 
of whom only is living — Martha F. ; the other, Lizzie, died in infancy; Jacob Fink was born at West Bend 
May 22, 1854 ; received a common school education; when only 12 years ol age, he began to practice 
painting; served three years with Mr. William Johnson; then went to Milwaukee, where he served two 
years at carriage painting, working afterward one year as journeyman ; he next went to Fond du Lac, 
where he practiced the various branches of his business, working several years at house, sign and fresco 
painting; also worked some time in the La Belle W r agon Works, and at ear painting in the shops of the 



55U BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Chicago & North- Western Railway ; returning to West Bend in 1871, he established himself in his present 
business, and, in 1ST-, took his brother Frederick as partner. Mr. Fink was married June 8, 1876, at 
West Bend, to Miss Dora M. Wendelborn, daughter of Henry Wendelborn. Mrs. Fink was born near 
Milwaukee. Wis. ; two children were born to them ; the eldest, Cora, died in infancy; the younger, Min- 
nie, is now :.' years old. 

.1IATHKW FINK (deceased), father of the Fink brothers; was born in the city of Wir- 
tenberg, Germany, in 1821; came to America in 1840; resided in Ohio six years, and came to West 
Bend, Wis. in 1 S47. He was married in ( iermantown, Wis., Feb. 4, 18411. tu Miss Elizabeth Smith. 
Mrs. Fink was born in Oppenheim. Germany. Mr. Fink was a tailor by trade, and followed that business; 
his death occurred Aug. 4, 1854. Mrs. F. was married again April 10, 1859, to Charles Gruenwald, of 
West Bend. i» 

WILLIAM FBANCKEXBRRG, of the firm of Franckenberg & Karsten, general 
merchants; dealers in general merchandise and all kinds of farm produce; average stock, from $10,000 to 
$15,000; business established Aug. 18, 1873; also general life and fire insurance agents, and agents for 
the Red Star, American and National lines of steamships. The firm is now building a fine brick block 
30x80 feet, two stories high, with an addition 10x30; estimated cost, $7,000, without lot, which they will 
occupy when completed. William von Franckenberg LudwiiisdorfT was born in Mohringen, Hanover, 
now Prussia, April 27, 1847; son of Frederick William and Emma (von Alton i von Franckenberg Lud- 
wigsdorff; on completing his studies, he served a regular apprenticeship in the mercantile business : in 
L864, he came to the United States, and directly to Washington County, Wis., where he engaged as 
clerk with his brother Einil in a general country store at Farmington; on his brother's removing to West 
Rend one year later, he accompanied him and continued in his employ till the time of his death, which 
occurred in 1868; on his brother Ernst coming into possession of the West Bend store, he entered his 
employ and continued with him until Aug. 18, 1873, when, in company with Mr. Charles W. K listen, he 
purchased his brother's stock and organized the firm of Franckenberg & Karsten ; in 1874. they com- 
pleted the first elevator in the village, and purchased the first load of wheat on the track of a fanner 
named Peter Walter, from the town of Trenton ; they handle about 100, lino bnshela of grain annually. 
Mr F. was married June 'I'.',. 1^70. at West Bend, to Miss Louisa Luekow, daughter of August Lnckow. 
Mrs. F. was born in Germany; they have had five children, of whom only three are living — Amaoda, 
Jennie and Alfred; Oscar and Ottile died in infancy. Mr. Franckenberg served as Village Trust..- in 
1878 ; the father. Frederick William, emigrated to the United States, when 80 years of age ; and died at 
West Bend in hi- 88th year. For business convenience Mr. F. writes his name William Franckenberg. 

EKXST FRANCKENBERG, proprietor of the Bank oi West Bend. This bank was 

ished in the fall of 1867, with a capital of $25,000. Its principal stockholders were James Volinar, 
Christopher Eckstein, R. R. Price, C. II. Miller, Albert Semlcr, Charles Broich, 15. Goetter, dames Gar- 
bade and E. Franckenberg. Until 1869, it was managed by its Cashier, Mr. ('. II. Miller, Christopher 
Eckstein being ita President. In I860. Maxon II irsch became its owner by purchase; in 1875, he sold 

to its present owner. Was born in Bovenden, Hanover, Germany, Nov. 1, 1.^27 ; served an apprenti 

-hip of five ;.' i- al the mercantile business; then six yean as clerk. In the fall of 1853, he oame to 
America with a brother and sister, and direct to Milwaukee. Wis.; there be was employed as clerk two 
years in the hardware store of Arnold ,v. Suelflohn ; during this time, he. in company with his brother Emil, 
established a general country store at Thiensville, Ozaukee Co., whiofa was continued about a year and a half, 
when they changed their location to Horn's Corners, in the same county. .Mr. Franckenberg was instrumental 
in procuring the establishment of the Horn's Corners Post Office, of which he was appointed Postmaster, 
which position he held while a resident of the place, ((wine t,, [| le return of the owner of the building 
iii which they were doing business, by the terms of the lease, they were obliged to change the location of 
business, after only one and a half years' residence. He then moved to Newburg, Washington Co.; here 
he established a general store; while in business al this point. Mr. E. Franokenberg was appointed Post- 

i of Newburg, in place of Mr. Frisby, deceased ; several years after, he was succeeded by Miss Anna 
E. Salisbury, who held the office till her marriage with Dr. Hunt, when Mr. F. was re-appointed, and held 
the office during the remainder of bis stay at this place; while at Newburg, he was also interested in a 

branch store at Waubeka. atel another at Fillmore, Washington Co.; at lie same time he was half-owner 
of the Newberg mill property, and of the store opposite. In company with Mr. Charles Keller, he built 
a large brick store in 1862. lie was elected to the Wisconsin Legislature for the year 1865 ; he also was 
appointed a Notary Public, and held said office all the time while in Newburg, and also elected as Justice 
of the Peace for one term. Before coming to Newburg. he was married at Horn's Corners, July 15, 1857, 
to Mi.,- Mary Dangers, daughter of Louis and Christine Dangers, Five children were born to them, of 



WEST BEND. •>•" 

whom only one is living — Arthur F.. now a clerk in his father's bank. Mrs. Franckenberg died July 27, 
1868. About tl is time, on the death of his brother Emil, who was in the mercantile business at West 
Bend, Mr. F. came to this place, and purchased the stock left by his brother, and continued the business 
four years at the old stand now occupied by B. Goetter as a store. He retained his interest in the New- 
burg business until a year after he left the place, when he closed it out. He was married Jan. 6, 1869, 
to Emma Reisse, daughter of John Reisse, of West Bend ; Mrs. F. was born in Washington Co. Mr. 
F. continued business at West Bend till the fall of 1873, when he sold out to Franckenberg & Karsteu, 
and moved to St. Paul, Minn., where he invested $15,000 in the dry goods business, under the firm name 
of Cathcart & Co. This business: proving unsatisfactory, he sold out after one year's experience, and returned 
to Washington Co., Wis., and in 1875, he bought out the banking interest of Mr. M. Hirseh iu the Bank 
of West Bend, also the West Bend Democrat office ; a year later he sold a half interest in the Democrat 
to William M. Walters, and his remaining interest Nov. 1, 1879, to John Merthe. Mr. F. has lately 
bought a farm of 105 acres lying in the village limits of West Bend ; also four lots near the county build- 
ings, on which he is about to build a fine residence ; the plans are let on an estimate of 8-5. 50(1. Mr. F. 
has continued the banking business at West Bend to this writing. In bis native country Mr. Francken- 
berg's proper name was Ernst vnn Franckenberg Ludwigsdorf. Since coming to America, Mr. F. has 
shortened his name to plain E. Franckenberg, for business convenience. 

I. N. FRISBY', attorney at law, West Bend ; son of Lucius and Lovina I Gary) Frisby ; was 
horn in Mesopotamia, Trumbull Co., Oh», March 6, 1820 ; spent his early life ou a farm ; commenced 
his education in the common schools, and subsequently graduated at the Academy at Farmington, and 
commenced the study of law. Mr. Frisby was married at Nelson, Ohio, Aug. 13, 1846, to Sylvia Bar- 
ber; two children were born of this maniage — Avis, who was the wife of Edward Avery, died Dec. 16, 
is Hi; the younger, Frederica, is residing with her father; Mrs. Frisby died May 9, L869. June 0, 
L850, he came to Washington Co., and engaged in teaching at Newburg ; in 1853, he moved to West 
Bend and opened a law office with Mr. Nathan W. Tupper ; he was admitted to the bar that year, and to 
practice in the Supreme Court of Wisconsin Sept. 10, 1S67, and to the United States Circuit Court of 
the Eastern District of Wisconsin March 1, 1875; the connection with Mr. Tupper was continued till 
Jan. 1, 1856; Jan. 1, 1862, he entered into partnership with Mr. F. O. Thorp, under the firm name of 
Thorp & Frisby, which was continued until January, 1870, since which time Mr. Frisby practiced his 
profession alone until Nov. 6, 1879, when he formed a partnership with Mr. S. S. Barney, which was con- 
tinued until December, 1880, sioce which date Mr. Frisby has been alone in business. Iu 1863, he held 
the office of District Attorney by appointment. Mr. Frisby was married, Feb. 14. 1S71, at Farmington, 
Wis . to Miss Mary A. Thompson ; Mrs. F. was born in Allentown, Penn., Oct. 20, 1S48; one sou — Al- 
len T. — was born of this marriage, Dec. 27. 1872; Mrs. Frisby's death occurred Sept. 24. 1878. .Mr. 
F. was appointed Court Commissioner in 1868, and has held that office about twelve years ; he is serving 
in that capacity at the present writing. June 8. 1880, Mr. Frisby was married in Greenfield, Milwaukee 
Co., to Miss Mary Alice Case, daughter of Bigelow and Elvira II. Case; Mrs. Frisby was Im.iu in Wau- 
watosa. Wis. 

HOX. LE.4XDER F. FRISBY, of the firm of Frisby & Weil, attorneys at law ; son of 
Lucius and Lovina (Gary) Frisby, was born at Mesopotamia, Trumbull Co.. Ohio, June 19, 1825; the 
parents were from Castleton, Vt., and had settled in Ohio in 1817 ; the family were tanners of limited 
means; the subject of this sketch was obliged to work on the farm summers, trusting to the winter school 
for a foundation for an education ; when 17 years of age, he left the farm to learn the wagon-making 
trade, pursuing his studies as best he could at odd times ; subsequently, he became a student of the Farm- 
ington Academy, in his native county ; by working at his trade Saturdays and vacations, he was enabled 
to save money enough to pay his way until the completion of his academic course; in September, 1S46, 
he emigrated to Wisconsin and undertook to get work at his trade in the village of Fond du Lac ; here 
he was a victim to chills and fever, so common in parts of Wisconsin at that early day ; on recovering his 
health, he engaged in a cooper-shop, earning enough to discharge his obligations ; learning that there was 
a chance for a situation at Beaver Dam, be started for that village in March, 1847 ; his funds — 50 cents 
in all— were spent for supper and lodging at a country hotel ; the following morning, without breakfast 
and afoot, bo continued his journey to Beaver Dam, a distance of ten miles ; at this place he obtained em- 
ployment till July, when he went to Janesville, where he worked at his trade until the following October, 
when be accepted the position of school-teacher at Spring Prairie, Walworth Co., continuing at this place 
until the fall of 1848, when he went to Burlington, Racine Co., and opened an academic school ; about 
this time be began the study of law during his vacations in the office of Blair & Lord, at Port Washing- 
ton ; he continued his school and law studies till ( •etober, 1850, when he was admitted to the bar and took up 



558 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

his residence at West Bend and entered upon the practice of his profession ; the following winter he was ad- 
mitted to practice in the Supreme Court. In politics, Mr. Frisby was a Free-Soiler, and in his first appear- 
ance as a candidate he was defeated in 1S.">2, having been nominated for Clerk of the Court of Washington 
Co.; on the division of the county, lie was elected the first District Attorney of the new county of Washing- 
ton, which office he held two years; in 1853, he was elected Superintendent of Schools for the town of 
Wesl Bend; in the spring of 1854, he formed a law partnership with Judge Mann, the present County 
Judge of Milwaukee Co., which was continued until the spring of 1859, when Judge Mann was elected. 
Circuit Judge. On the assembling of the tirsi Republican State Convention at Madison, July 13, 1854. 
Mr. Frisby was chosen one of the Secretaries; in 1856, he was appointed County Judge of Washington 
Co. to fill a vacancy, which position he held one year: was elected to the Wisconsin Legislature in the fall 
-if 1 si;u ; lie was chosen a delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago, in 1SG0, that nomi- 
nated Abraham Line. .In for the Presidency, and was chosen one of its Secretaries. Iu I860, he formed 
u law partnership with Mr. Paul A. Weil, which has continued twenty-one years: he ran against Hon. 
Charles A. Eldridge for Congress in 1868, being the only Republican candidate in the State who ran 
ahead of Gran) on the ticket ; in 1872, he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention at Phil- 
adelphia ; and, in 1873, was the Republican candidate for Attorney General, and. though defeated like the 
other nominees of the party, he had the satisfaction of leading the ticket throughout the State, while in 
his own county he received a majority of 627, when the balance of the Democratic ticket, except the At- 
torney General, received a majority of 1,871 ; such a home endorsement at once established Mr. Frisby's 
popularity, and placed biiu among the leading men of his party in the State; during the years 1873-74, 
he served as President of the Universalist State Convention. About 1874, Mr. S.S. Barney was admin d 
as a partner in the law firm of Frisby & Weil, and the firm name changed to Frisby, Weil & Barney; 
this connection continued about four years, when Mr. Barney retired and the former firm name was re- 
sumed. Daring tie- yens from 1876 to 1879, he was President of the Washington County Agricultural 
Society, and by judicious management worked the affairs of the society into a healthy condition; in 1878, 
lie was the Republican candidate for member of Congress in the Fourth District, and was defeated by 
only 135 majority in a district that had two years before given a Democratic majority of a ^ i \v votes less 
than 6,000 ; the result attracted attention throughout the country, and re-asserted the popularity of Mr. 
ring the people. At the National Republican Convention of 1SSO. he was the first to suggest 
line of James A. Garfield as a candidate to the Wisconsin delegates. Mr. Frisby is the republican 
candidate for Attorney General at the coming State election of 1881. Mr. Frisby was married at Bur- 

liugton, Racine Co., Wis., Dee. 17, 1854, to Miss Frances E. Hooker, daughter of William and .lane 
I Winnie Booker; three daughters and two sons were horn to them; Alice F. and Almah .). were -radii 

I the class of 1878 of the State University; Marion C. will be of the class of l v -^-; of the son.;. 
L. Frank and Ralph Eugene, the elder (Frank) is a student of the State University, having commenced 
his course in the fall of 1 880 . the younger son is yet at home. In conclusion, it may be Baid that it is in 
the history of the lives of such men as Judge Frisby that young men of limited means and opportunities 
may find hope and encouragement. In spite of the disadvantages of his youth and early manhood, he has 
won a lucrative practice as a lawyer, political distinction among the men of the State, and has, what is 

be8l of all, the esteem and confidence "f his fellow-citizens. 

A. C. FF4wE, dealer in heavy, shelf and wagon hardware, iron, steel, nails, Stoves and tinware. 

also dealer in threshing machines, reapers, Beeders, carpenters', blacksmiths' and coopers' tools, oils, 

etc. Business established dan. 1, 1874; average stock front $5,000 to {6,000. Mr. Fuge was born in 

Prussia April 25, 1837; Bon of Zacharias and Christiana (Nordham) Fuge; ca to the United States 

in 1847, and directly to Washington Co., Wis., making his home in the town of .Jackson with his 
parents; was engaged in farming until 1874, when he came to Wesl Bend and engaged in his present 
business. He was married in the town of Trenton, of this county. Sept, ."., 1873, t> Mrs. Ida Bruns, 
daughter of Charles Mierke. Mrs, Fuge was born in Prussia, mar Berlin ; by her first marriage, she had 

oi hild, named Adelia; two children were bom of the second marriage, named Clara and August 

FRANCIS ©ANSEL, farmer, Sec. 15; P.O. West Bend; is the son of Ambrose and Han- 
nah Gansel, and was born in Prussia, Germany, Nov, 10, 1821 ; he learned the cabinet-maker's trade in 
that country, and came to America with his parents in 1849, locating in Fulton Co., N. Y.. where he 
remained three years, and then removed to West Bend, Wis., and engaged in the furniture business, 
which he followed three years; he then bought bis presont farm, where he has since resided. He was 
married, Nov. 5, 1850, al Johnstown, to Augusta Beindner, who was horn in Germany and came to this 
country in 1 ^ 17. Tiny have five ohildreu, the elder. Ambrose, married to Anna Sohacht, and now living 
in Sheboygau County Adolph, married to Lizzie Durr, residing in the village of West Bend, and Francis. 



west BEND. 559 

Benha and Eddie. Mr. Gansel has served eighteen years as Assessor of the town of West Bend, and as 
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in 1879, 1880 and 18S1. 

HENRY CJLiANTZ, proprietor of City Hall and Sample Rooms ; business established in 1865. 
This is a favorite resort for dancing parties. It is pleasantly situated on the river bank, with a fine park 
in the rear, connected with the hall by a foot bridge. Mr. Glantz was born in Mccklenburg-Schwerin, 
Germany, Feb. 28, 1833 ; son of Jacob and Sophia (Bremer) Glantz; came to America the latter part of 
May, 1855, and direct to West Bend, Washington Co., Wis. Having to depend on his labor for a start, 
he took the job of digging a canal from Cedar Lake to Silver Lake for a saw-mill firm. He next rented 
a farm in Illinois, near Beloit, where he remained two years ; then commenced as wood sawyer for hotel and 
worked up to second clerk ; was there five years ; he then went to St. Louis, Mo., where he speut two years ; 
then ran on the Mississippi River as steward of the packet steamer. Hannibal City, two years, running 
from St. Louis to Keokuk, Iowa ; next went South as Sutler during the first years of the war ; returned 
to West Bend, Wis., in 1863, and engaged in teaming one year; next rented the old ''Sharp Corner 
Saloon." which be ran till 1866, when he bought his present hotel and hall. Mr. Glantz has served four 
years as Village Trustee. He was married, Aug. 2. 1864, in Milwaukee, to Miss Lizzie Mian, daughter of 
William and Magdelena ( Kuhlman ) Mian. Mrs. Glantz was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. 
Five children were born to them — Henry, Louisa, Albert, Ada and William. 

B. CpcOETTER, proprietor of the Washington House, West Bend; son of Conrad and Helena 
(Kissinger) Goetter ; was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, May 24, 1817; learned the cooper's and 
brewer's trade in his native land, and, in 1846, came to the United States, spent a short time in New 
York City, and then came to Milwaukee in 1846 ; he remained there until 1848, working at his trade in 
the brewery of Levi Blossom; he then returned to Germany and was married Aug. 5, 1848, to Miss 
Elizabeth Mayer, daughter of Michael and Maria Mayer, of Mommenheim. In March, 1849, he 
returned to America, and on the 20th of that month arrived in West Bend, then a village of a dozen 
families, where he has continued to reside to this date ; he built a brewery and carried on the brewing 
business two years. The old brewery has been enlarged and altered to suit its increased business, and is 
now the property of Stephen Mayer & Co. On leaving the brewery, Mr. Goetter engaged in mercantile 
and hotel business in 1S52. The hotel was a wooden structure and called the Washington House. This 
was the second hotel in the village. He had a partner in the store, Mr. James Vollmer ; he continued 
in this business until 1854. On the memorable cold New Year's Day, of 1864, during the daytime his 
hotel caught fire and was entirely destroyed, causing him a loss of about $5,000. Early the same year 
he erected his present substantial and commodious hotel, called after the old house, " The Washington 
House." This is a brick structure, 68Ax58 feet, three stories high, with capacity to entertain 100 guests. 
Mr. ituetter has been keeping hotel now twenty-nine years on the same site, and is widely and favorably 
known as a landlord, and is highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens as a man who=e word is as good as his 
bond. Mr. and Mrs. Goetter were blessed with a family of seven children, three sons and four girls ; the 
eldest. Maria, is now Mrs. John Pick, a merchant of West Bend; Charles, married to Maria Becker and 
is residing at Granville ; Elizabeth, Catharine. John, Frank, Lena. One child was lost in infancy. Mr. 
Goetter has a farm of 240 acres situated near the village of West Bend. Mrs. Goetter's father, Michael 
Mayer, was born in Laerzweiler. France, and served six years as a soldier under Napoleon I. He came to 
West Bend in 1849. and died Sept. 9, 1875, in his 89th year. 

B. (jOETTER, dealer in general merchandise, farm produce and farming tools, John Pick and 
John Goetter, managers; business established in 1873; average stock, 812,000; also proprietor of B. 
Goetter's Elevator, which was erected in 1874; from 150,000 to 200,000 bushels of grain handled 
annually. 

JOHN PICK, son of John and Mary (Leins) Pick; was born in Milwaukee, Wis., March 9, 
1849; was educated at the German and Euglish Academy of Milwaukee and took a regular commercial 
course; served awhile as clerk in a dry goods and notion store; moved to Schleisiugerville in 1855, and 
subsequently engaged in the mercantile business with his father and brother under the firm name of John 
Pick & Sons, continued this connection till the dissolution of the firm in 1875 ; he then engaged with 
Mr. Goetter in the business in which he is now engaged. He was married at West Bend Aug. 3, 1872. 
to Miss Mary Goetter, daughter of Mr. B. Goetter ; five children were born to them — Mary E., Katie A., 
Theka. John and Edwin. Mr. Pick's father, John Pick, Sr., was born in Westphalia, Germany ; was 
married to Miss Mary Leins, of Wittenberg; was a pattern-maker by trade ; came to the United States in 
May. 1848; was in the employ of the Milwaukee & La Crosse Railway, and helped build the first loco- 
motive built in Wisconsin ; in 1854, he moved to Schleisingerville, where he carried on the mercantile 
business till his death, which occurred June 18, 1874. 



560 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

VALENTINE GOXRI\<J, farmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Aurora; was born in Luxemburg- 
Germany. Feb. 13, 1820. Was married, January, 1S44. to Angelina Packer, daughter of George 1'aeker : 
one child was bom to them in Germany, which died in infancy. Mr. Gonring and wife came to America 
in 1846, and lived two years in New Jersey, where another daughter was born; now wife of Gerhard 
Peters, of the town of West Bend ; in August, 1849, they moved to the town of West Bend ; 
lived on Section 18 till 1852, when he moved to Cedar Lake, same town, and made his home till 1876 
when be moved to his present residence ; he has one son, born in Wisconsin. 

NICHOLAS GONRING, son of Valentine Gonring. was born in the town of West Bend, 
Washington County, Wis., Nov. 19, 1850. Was married, June 4, 1872, in the town of West Bend, in 
the church of St. Mathias, to Caroline Willkomm, daughter of John and Mary Willkomm ; they have 
had four children, three of whom are living — Angelina. Valentine, John anil Mary; the second died in 
childhood. Mr. Gonring met with a terrible accident while chopping, in December, 1873, which nearly 
cost him his life, a description of which is given among the incidents of interest in the town history of 
West Bend. 

MARVIN GREEN, farmer, Section 23 ; P. 0. West Bend: has 120 acres, he is thason of 
Enoch and Elizabeth (Golden) Green; was born in Carmel, Putnam Co., X. Y.. Oct. 9, 1809; he 
0C >' 'I in the town of West Bend in 1849, where he resided thirteen years; he then moved to the town 
of Trenton and made that hi* home till 1S(>7. when he returned to West Bend and settled on his present 
farm. He married Miss Lava Croft, daughter of Lewis Croft; they have had seven children, of whom 
five are living — Emma C. (wife of Edgar Brown, and a resident of Pierce Co., Wis. I, Allen i married to 
Miss Clarinda Young, and living in Pierce Co.), Hannah (now Mrs. Dr. J. W. David, of Fores) City 
Iowa). Betsy Ann wife of Mr. James Clements, of Dodgeville, Grant Co., Wis.), Lyman (was a member 
of the 9th Wisconsin Battery of Light Artillery. a::d died on the plains during the late war. and was 
buried at Denver, Colo.), Harrison (was also a victim of the late war: he served as a member ol Co. D, 
12th W. V. 1. ; died while in the service, and was buried at St. Louis. Mo.). 

JOHN GITSCIIEXRITTER, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. West Bend; settled in the county 
in 1847 ; has 199 acres nf land : was born in the Upper Rhine country. France (now a part of Prussia), 

in 1823, June 13; is the - I' John and Frances Gutschenritter ; was brought up a fanner: served 

three years in the French Army during the reign of Louis 1'hillip; emigrated to America in 1*1-7 with 
his parents; came .linct to Hartford, Wis., and entered Government land. Was married at Hartford, in 

1851, to Catharine Lacier ; eight children were born to them, five boys and three girls. Joseph I married 

Matilda Huntz, and lives i M the town of Addison i. Peter, John. George, Barney, Margaret now Mrs E. 
Strawmeir, nf Hartford), Madiline and Catharine Mrs. Gutschenritter died March Hi. 1878. Mr. G. 
had 4oii acres of hind lying partly in Dodge Co., 200 acres of which he had cleared and improved with 
his own hands. May 21, 1879, he married Mrs. Catharine Wright, widow of George W. Wright : after 
this marriage he divided his land in the vicinity of Hartford between his sons, and moved to West l'>> ad, 
where he has since resided. 

FREDERICK II. HAASE. proprietor of Eagle Billiard Hall ami Saloon; son ol Henry 
and Sophia (Both) Haase; was bom in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, Jan. •">. 1831; learned i he 
brick maker's trade, and came to the United States in 1855, reaching West Bend. Wis., in February of that 

be established bis home here, although he spent some years in Chicago and Milwaukee working at 
bis trade; was foreman of the brick yards of Charles Lelnke. ill the town of West Bend and Richfield . 
followed thai business > ■ i ■ _r 1 1 1 years, then becoming unfitted for such laborious work, as the result of a severe 
attack of typhoid i'r\f\\ be opened a saloon and billiard hall in 1864 in West Bend: in 1878, he built the 

substantial brick structure which he now occupies; si/..-. 50x32 feet, two Stories. Mr. Haase was mar- 
ried. July 8, 1859, at West Bend, to Mary Ann Schmidt, daughter of Henrj and Sophia Schmidt. Mrs. 
Haase iva.. born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin : six children wire born to them — Augusta, Paulina, Gustave, 
Arthur. Agnes and Frederick Moltke. Mr. Haas has been honored with several positions of public trust ; 
was Under-Sheriff two years under William Sturm; was President of the village of West Bend duriug 
the year- 1-77 78, and is one of the present Board of Trustees; has held the office of Justice of the 
Pet fourteen years, and is serving in that capacity at this writing, 

PATRICK W. HARXS. proprietor 'of West Bend Marble Works, established May, 1875; 

son of Owen and Mar] Campbell llarns. was bom in Wheatland, Monroe Co.. X. V., duly 3, 1849; 
am. to Wisconsin in 1854, with his parents ; settled in the town of Farmington, Washington Co.; -pent 

the early years of bis life on his I'alhor's farm. In the fall ol' 1870, he went to Waterloo. Iowa, where 
he learned the marble business, served three years; then went to Milwaukee and worked at bis trade a 
few months; then to Sheboygan, where be worked till May. 187"). when he came to West Bend, and 



WEST BEND. 561 

established his present business. Mr. Hams has worked up a very promising business, which extends into 
the adjoining counties and into Michigan. He was married at West Bend Dec. 22, 1880, to Miss Lizzie 
W. Miller, daughter of Hon. C. H. Miller; Mrs. Hams was born in Milwaukee. 

HARMS A PETERS, dealers in dry goods, groceries, crockery, ready-made clothing, hats, 
caps, etc.; also deal largely in all kinds of country produce : business established in 1878 ; average stock, 
$5,000. This firm- is now building a branch house at Merrill, above Wausau, which they expect to open in 
July next. 

Adolph Harms, son of J. C. Harms, was born near Hamburg, Germany, Feb. 5, 1854; came 
to the United States with his parents in 1874, and located at Lancaster, Penn., and there clerked in a 
wholesale notion store three years ; came to West Bend, Wis., in 1878, and engaged in his present business. 

William Peters, son of Henry and Minnie (Schuttise) Peters, was born in West Bend, Wis., 
March 15, 1S5S ; received a common-school education, and commenced clerking with Mr. B. S. Potter, in 
1873; continued with him five years, when he formed the connection with Mr. Harms as above stated. 
Mr. Peter's people were natives of Germany, and emigrated to this country in 1848 ; remained in New 
York City eightyears, and came to West Bend in 1857. 

WILLIAM HANDKE, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. West Bend; has 120 acres; son of John 
Handke ; was born in Prussia Jan. 17, 1827 ; came to America in 1843, and located near Buffalo, N. Y., 
in Niagara Co.; remained there nine years ; then came to Wisconsin, and settled in the town of Trenton, 
Washington Co., where he remained till I860, when he came to his present farm in the town of Barton. 
He was married in New York Sept. 26, 1853, to Christiana Miller ; Mrs. Handke was born in Germany ; 
they have had seven children — John. Frances, William, Surah, Charles, Frederick and Katie. Mr Handke 
has recently built a very substantial and tasty brick house on his farm. 

HE\RY C. HAVER & CO.,' merchant tailors; business established in 1875; average stock, 
83,600. Mr. H. C. Hauer was born in Prussia, Germany, Feb. 9, 1851 ; learned his trade in his native 
land, serving four years. In 1869, he came to the United States and located at Mauston, Juneau Co., 
Wis.; there he worked at his trade until 1872. He then spent a year in traveling in various parts of the 
country ; Oct. 26, 1873, he reached West Bend, and engaged with John Pick & Sons, merchants ; was in 
their employ until May, 1875, when he formed a partnership with Jacob Lampert, under the firm name 
of C. H. Hauer & Co., merchant tailors, and at this writing they have built up a satisfactory trade. Mr. 
Hauer was married at West Bend Aug. 30, 1877, to Miss Margaret Lampert, daughter of Jacob and 
Mary fAdenk) Lampert; Mrs. Hauer was born in Switzerland; two children were born to them — Leon- 
hard and Mary. 

JACOB HEIPP, clerk at B. Goetter's general store. Mr. H. is the son of Frank and Mar- 
garet (Fuchsl Heipp ; was born on the Rhine, in Prussia, Germany; came to the United States with his 
parents in 1854. and directly to Milwaukee. Wis.; remained only a short time in that city, and then moved 
to Jackson, Washington Co.; received a common-school education, and engaged as clerk in the store of 
Vollmar & Semler, at West Bend ; continued with them about three and one-half years, when he enlisted 
August, 1861, in Co. G, 26th W. V. I.; received a 1st Lieutenant's commission. Early in 1862, he 
resigned on account of disability ; on returning from the army, he took a regular course at the Lincoln Com- 
mercial College. Milwaukee, and received his diploma. He then engaged with Vollmar & Semler, of 
West Bend, again, as clerk and book-keeper; continued in their employ one and a half years; then, in 
June, 1864, he went to California for his health, and remained two years. On his return in August, 1866, 
he engaged with Mann Bros., of Milwaukee, as clerk, and continued in their employ four years ; he 
then started a general store at West Bend ; shortly afterward, formed a partnership with Mr. J. Hotter 
and Thomas McHenry, and the business was carried on under the firm name of Potter, Heipp & McHeury, 
about a year and a half, when he retired from the business and engaged as clerk with John Pick & Sons, 
which connection was continued four years; in 1877, he opened a sample-room at West Bend, and has 
continued the business till September 13, 1SS1, when he accepted his present position. Mr. Heipp was mar- 
ried, March 16, 1869, at West Bend, to Miss Louisa Weis, daughter of Mathias Weis ; Mrs. Heipp was 
born at West Beud ; they have two sons and two daughters — -Albert, Alvina, Isabella and Frederick. Mr. 
H. served as Clerk of the village of West Bend in 1877. 

CHARLES E. HOPPE, farmer, proprietor of saw-mili, and part owner of the West Bend 
Scheutzen Park ; residence, Sec. 15 : P. O. West Bend ; has 128 acres of land. He is the son of Frederick 
ami Mary Hoppe ; born in Mecklenburg. Germany, Dec. 19, 1835 ; came to America with his parents in 184S, 
and located on his present homestead. His father, Frederick Hoppe. one of the early pioneers of Washington 
Co., was born in Hanover, Germany, Sept. 21, 1805 ; his wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was 
Mrs. Mary Graap ; previous to her marriage with Mr. Hoppe, they reached West Bend July 3, 184S, and set- 



562 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

tied on willd and, and two years later, Mr. Hoppe built a saw-mill on Silver Creek near his house, on t'.ie north- 
west quarter of See. 15 ; there were then two children living — the eldest, now the widow of Charles Kichter ; 
resides at West Bend, and the second. Charles F. Mr. Hoppe. Sr.,died Nov. 16, 1865. In 1S67, Charles 
F. rebuilt the saw-mill which was first built by his father, and the mill has at present a capacity of 5,000 
fee) of hardwood lumber per day, and in it one of the largest of circular saws is used. A description of 
Schoutzen Park will be found in the history of West Bend. Mr. Hoppe was married June 13, 1873, at 
West Bend, to Miss Lizzie Gudex, daughter of John and Mena Gudex, who was born in the town of Bar- 
ton. Washington Co.; they have had four children — Mena, Albert (who died in infancy), Willie and Charles. 

<iiFiOK<»K F. HUNT, M. D., son of Harvey and Mary ( Brown) Hunt; was born in the 
town of Nichols, Tioga Co., N. Y., Aug. 24. 1831. He received an academic course of education at the 
Oswego Academy ; became a medical student at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New Fork City. 
from which he received his diploma as Doctor of Medicine in 1856. Soon after the completion of his 
Studies, he immigrated West, and first settled in Cambria, Columbia Co., Wis., where he commenced the 
practice of his profession, remaining there some three and one-half years. In 1860, he removed to Wash- 
ington Co., first billing in Barton for a few months. He came to West Bend in October, 1861, where 
he has continued to reside to the present time. For twenty-one years, almost his entire life of business 
activity has been spent in West Bend. During that time, he has shown rare diligence and faithfulness to 
the duties of his profession, ami lias attained to a high rank as a skillful and conscientious physician 
throughout the county. He has taken a warm interest and an active part in the political and public affairs 
of the town and county, and has conferred upon him by his fellow-citizens with many offices of trust and 
honor. He was President of the Rock River Medical Society one year, served as Pension Surgeon in 
1864-65; was Postmaster at West Bend from 1 Sljit to 1877 ; Served as President of the Village Board in 
18711 SO, and was elected Slate Senator in 1880 lor the Twenty-third Senatorial District, comprising the 
counties of Washington and Ozaukee, Mr. Hunt was married at Newberg Oct. :io. 1865. to Miss Annie 
E. Salisbury, daughter of Barton and Armina (Litch | Salisbury. Mis. Hunt is a native of ( )ld Washington 
Co. She was born in the town of Mequon, where her father, the most vigorous and enterprising of all the 
early settlers, settled at an early day. They have one son — Frederick. 

i:i IMH.riS JEKLIN, farmer. Sec. '-'7 ; P. O. West Bend ; has 210 acres of land ; son of 
John and Margaret (Fridli ) Jeklin ; was born in Switzerland Dee. 24, 1832 : came to America with bis lather 
in 1847. and located in the town of West Bend, Washington Co.; was married, Nov. 2. 1855, in Wot Bend 
to Anna Besch, daughter of Peter and Anna Besch : they have live children — Anna, now Mrs. Fred Sehla 
mer, of Jackson ; Margaret, now Mrs. John Jekel, of the town of West Bend; Peter, John, Catharine. 

Mr. Jeklin has made bis hom i his present farm since 1854. Mr. Jeklin's fuller. John Jekliu, deceased, 

was tie- son of Rudolph Jeklin, and was born in Switzerland in 1801. He was married in his native 
country to Margaret Fridli; three sons were born to them in Switzerland — Rudolph, Christian and Louie 
The mother died in is 47. and shortly afterward Mr. Jeklin ami hi- son- came to Wise msin and located m 
the town of West B ind on Sec. 22. Mr. Jekliu lived to see a well cultivated firm grow out of the wildor- 

n<~- by the united efforts of himself and sons; his death occurred in 1875. 

itl', V.IAMIX JKKFilj, deceased; was bom in Prussia Jan. 10, 1810; came to America in 
1847, and directly to the town of West Bend, Washington Co., Wis., where In; looated on Sec. 28, on 

wild land. lie wa- married, in 1852, to Miss Lena Arnet . ; six children were born to them — Anna, now 
Mr-. Peter Helgel, of West Bend ; John, married to Margiret Jeklin. and residing in the town of We-t 
Bend; Margaret, wife of Adam Baer, town of West Bend; Lizzie. Caroline and Catharine. Mr. Jekel 
was one of the earliest German pioneers of tin' town . Ins death occurred in March. 1880. 

\\ ll.l.l Vtl JOHNSON. Deputy Postmaster, and agent of the American Express Co.; son 
of David I', and Eliza i Clinton i Johnson ; was born in Scipio, Cayuga Co.. N. Y., Feb. 27, 1817; learned 

the carper-weaver's trade, which he followed for a few ye irs ; next learned til ■• painting business and opened 
a -hop which be ran some year-. He wa- married in the town of Cambria, Niagara Co . in 1835, when 

tee quite 18 years of age, to Mi-- Nancy E. Wicker; one child wa- born to them — William 3., deceased. 
Mrs Johnson died in 1848. Mr. Johnson was mirried again in 1849, to Miss Mary E Clioe ; two sons 

and one daughter Were fun of this marriage — Frank M., who is now expro-s agenl at New Cassel. Wis ; 

James lv. and Kinmi. now residing in Michigan Mr. J. came to Wisconsin in 1852, and settled at Ke- 
Waskum; while here I ■ picked up a knowledge of chair- iii -iking from his brother, and manufactured the tir-t 

chairs in tlewaskum ; continued at this business some time in com tioo with farming, paying in chairs 

lot clearing and improving bis land. He served three terms as Justice of the Peace, and while in this 
pi i'e be lost bi- wife, who ded May 6, L856; after a residenoe of -even or eight years at Cewasknm, be 
moved to Newburg where he was married to Ellen Scott; three children were born to them — George S., 






WEST BEND. 563 

now of Milwaukee ; Nettie and Frederick, living at home. Mrs. Johoson died while here. Mr. J. served 
one term as Justice of the Peace. He resided at Newbury two years ; then came to West Bend in the 
fall of 1862 and engaged as proprietor of the American House, which he kept one year. He then re- 
sumed his old trade of painter, which he followed till the completion of the C. & N.-W. R. R. to this place 
in 1872, when he was appointed agent of the American Express Co., and about the same time he received 
the appointment of Deputy Postmaster of West Bend under Postmaster Hunt; the latter office he held four 
years; continuing as express agent, he was re-appointed Deputy Postmaster Jan. 1, 1880, which position 
he hulds at this writing. Mr. Johnson was married at West Bend, Feb. 3, 1871, to Mrs. Abigail Everly. 
widow of Frank Everly, and daughter of M. A. T. and Mary Farmer, who were the very earliest pioneers 
of West Bend. Mr. Johnson has served two terms as Justice of the Peace while a resident of this place. 

JACOB JUXlw, of the firm of Silberzahn & Jung, was born in Prussia, near Coblentz, April 
t), 1848; son of Christopher and Christine (Rauseh ) Jung. Jacob learned the machinist's and rudder's 
trade in his native country; immigrated to the United States in October, 1867 ; came directly to Fond du 
Lac, Wis., where he worked at his trade with Hiner & White two years; he then moved to Milwaukee, 
and remained working at his trade until December, 1873, when he moved to West Bend and bought an 
interest in the West Bend Foundry and Machine Shop, with Mr. John Kunz ; this connection lasted one 
year, when Mr. K. sold to Mr. Heubner, who was Mr. Jung's partner two years, when he sold out to Mr. 
J., who then carried on the business alone until he formed the existing partnership with Mr. Silberzahn. 
Mr. Jung was married, at Germantown, Wis., Oct. 0, 1872, to Miss Elizabeth Plump, daughter of Nicho- 
las and Margaret Rhine Ganz Plump. Five children were born to them — William. Julia. Jacob. Henry 
and John. 

CHARLES W. KARSTEN, of the firm of Franctenburg & Karsten ; son of Charles and 
Louisa i Kahlj Karsten; was born in Bruel Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, Dec. 21, 1S43 ; came to 
the United States in 1856, with his parents, and direct to West Bend, Wis.; spent three years in school 
and fanning, then learned the mason's trade which he worked at three years, when he enlisted Aug. 13, 
1862, in Co. G, 26th W. V. I.; was promoted until he received a First Lieutenant's commission, and 
served until Feb. 7, 1865. On his return from the army, he attended Liucoln's Commercial College at 
Milwaukee one term, then resumed work at his trade, which he followed until 1873, when he entered into 
the existing partnership with Mr. William Franckenberg. Mr. Karsten was married, Oct. 23, 1867, at 
West Bend, to Miss Wilhelmina Treichel. daughter of Carl and Henriette (Kurth ) Treicliel. Mrs. Karsten 
was born in Frieglaff, Pomerania, Germany. They have three children — Anna M., Adolph C. and Martha 
F. Mr. Karsten has been Treasurer of the West Bend Schools for three years. 

OR. SEBASTIAN KELLER, son of Conrad and Anna Mary Keller; was boru in Bavaria, 
Germany, Jan. 22, 1830 ; studied for his profession in the Julius Medical University and Hospital, at Wirz- 
burg ; completed his course and received his diploma in 1854 ; practiced one year in his native country, and, 
in 1855, came to the United States, and directly to Barton, Washington Co., Wis., arriving in October of 
that year; there he established himself in practice, and continued in that place until 1862, when he re- 
moved to West Bend, his present residence, and entered upon the practice of his profession. The Doctor 
was married, at Barton, April 27, 1865, to Mrs. Mary Lauer, widow of Wtnzel Lauer and daughter of 
Jacob and Wingender Wilhelmine ( Johannette) Seibel. Mrs. Keller was born at Nassau, Germany. Mrs. 
Keller has one son by her former marriage — Florian Lauer — who was married to Lizzie Kreiger, and now 
a resident of Nebraska. Five children were born of the present marriage — Emma, now Mrs. Otto F. 
Wilke, of Lincoln, Nebraska ; Richard, who died when 5 years of age ; Robert, Walter and Selma. 
Dr. Keller has held the position of physician to the county poor for ten years. 

HON. IwEORWE H. KLEFELER, attorney at law and Court Commissioner; was born 
in the city of Rothenburg, of Hesse-Cassel, Germany, June 22, 1826 ; was educated at the University of 
Marburg, Hesse-Cassel ; after a three-years course he received a diploma as surgeon. In the summer of 
18 16. came to the United States, landing at New York ; remained only a short time in that city, wheu he 
moved to Newburg : from the latter place he enlisted in the regular army, in the 8th Regular Infantry, and 
served in the Mexican war under Gen. Worth ; toward the close of the war, he was assigned to hospital 
duty as Assistant Surgeon, where he served until the close of the war, and was mustered out at Jefferson 
Barracks. Mo., August, 1848. He then went to Milwaukee, Wis., and formed a partnership with Dr. 
Luening iu the practice of medicine and surgery ; continued this connection about a year ; he then spent 
some time traveling, and, in 1851 . located at Barton, Washington Co., where he practiced medicine two 
years; in 1852. he served as Town Clerk of Barton; December, 1853. when, having been appointed 
Deputy County Treasurer, he moved to West Bend ; served in that capacity till 1855, when he was ap- 
pointed Deputy Register of Deeds, which position he held two years ; in May, 1857, he was elected Clerk 



564 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of the Circuit Court ; was re-elected and held that office continuously until 1865 ; daring this time he was 
also serving as Justice of the Peace ; having devoted himself to the study of law daring his leisure from 
official duties, he was admitted to the bar in January, 1805; was re-elected Clerk of the Court in 18(57. 
and served two years; in 1868. he served as a member of the Legislature from the Northern District of 
Washington Co.; at the general election of 1868, he was elected District Attorney, and re-elected, serving 
in all six vears in that position : he has since held the office of C mrt Commissioner, and that of Justice 
of the Peace; in 1870, he was elected President of the village of West Bend; was Supervisor in 1S77, 
and served six years as School Clerk. The Doctor was married, at the village of Barton, Feb. 15. 1852, 
to Miss Louisa Seitner, daughter of Hans and Maria Seitner. Mrs. Kleffler was born at Pwegallen, 
Prussia. They have had sis children, of whom four are living — Camilla, now Mrs. Theodore Thielges, of 
West Bend; Catinka, now Mrs. Edward Lucas, of Milwaukee; Jefferson C., night telegraph operator of 
W. C. R. R.; Lotte A.; one died in infancy; Charles M. died when 18 years of age. 

JOSEPH KNIPPEL,, merchant tailor; business established, in 1866, by his father. The 
Bubject of this sketch was born in Cleveland. Ohio, Nov.:;. L848; son of Nicholas and Catharine Knippel. 
In 1 350, the family moved to the town of Wayne, Washington Co., Wis., whore they settled on a farm. 
In Hill, moved to Milwaukee and remained one year; in 1865. they came to West Bend, where father 
and son engaged with Volmar & Sender on tailor work, and continued in their employ two years ; in 
1SIJ7. they opened a shop :is merchant tailors, under the firm name of Nicholas Knippel & Son. and con- 
tinued the business till May, 1881, when Mr. X. Knippel retired, since which lime Mr. Joseph Knippel 
has carried on the business alone. Mr. K. was married, at West Bend, April 2(1, 1^7 1. to Mis- Catharine 
Emboss, daughter of Peter Eridress ; they have four children — Clotilda, Edward. John and Joseph- 

Iil'diO IiOE^fEX, Register of Deeds of Washington County ; son of Carl and Julia Koeneti 
wa< born in Aix La Chapelle. Prussia. Dec. 31, 1830; received an academic education, graduating at the 
Academy of Eohenheim ; in 1854, he emigrated to the [Tnited States, and located in Milwaukee, where 
he remained one year. Was married in that city. Oct. '.'.', 1855, to Miss Elizabeth Schneider, daughter of 
Joseph ami Margaretha > Doll i Schneider ; immediately after his marriage he moved to the town of Addi- 
son, Washington Co.. and engaged in farming; he was elected Assessor of Ins town, ami re-elected fifteen 
nun-; he also served several years as Constable and Deputy Sheriff; he held tin- office of Sheriff three 
different times, while in the intervals he was acting as Assessor and Notary Public ; iii the tall of 1880, 
he was elected Register of Deeds for the years 1SS1-S2; since his last election he has made his home in 
West Bend as he did when serving as Sheriff. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs Koenen, five ol 
whom died in infancy ; those living are Charles, Mary. Anna icw Mrs William Bruhy, of Milwaukee 
• lose) h, Anna ( '. and Emil. 

J. It. KOII I.SIMMir. miller; proprietor of J. It. Kohlsdorfs mills, situated on the Mil- 
waukee River, on the northeast corner of Sec. Li. town of West Bend ; these mills were began in 1874, 
and completed in 1875; size. 16x52 feci, three and a half stories high; has three runs of stone and a 
grinding capacity of sixty barrels of flour per day ; does a general custom and milling business : the dam has 
been entirely destroyed by the recent flood of tin spring of issi ; a temporary dam has been built, and (he 
mill put in operation ; a new substantial dam is being erected in place of the one destroyed . the power is 
ale i in la nt. tie- head being seven feet, and the right of flowage covering 160 aores. Mr. Kohlsdorf is a native 
of Breslau, Prussia; born Dec. 27. 1815 ; learned the trade of practical millwright and engineer and miller in 
his native country. Was married, in the Bpring of 1848, to Miss Bertha Fliegel, daughter of John and 

Anna Fliegel. Mr.-. Kohlsdorf is a native of Prussia; in 1853, -Mr. Kohlsdorf and family came to 
America, and direct to Washington Co., .-pent a short time in Hartford working at his trade, then 

went to Minnesota and followed the business of millwright two years he ift ut I to Hartford ill 1 < .">7 

and worked at In- trade nil the Bummer of 1861, when he enlisted in Co. E. lihh W. V. I.; entering the 

army a- a first Lieutenant, he Was promoted to the Captaincy of the same company; served till 1863, 
when lie resigned to go to Europe to settle up some business that required his personal attention ; taking 
his family with him. he spent six years in Europe, hut retained the citizenship of his adopted country; in 
L869, lie returned with his family lo the Ignited States and made his home in Milwaukee. Wis.; in l v 7n 
he moved to We-t Bend ami bought the farm owned and occupied by Judge Mann, now of Milwaukee, 
where he ha- continued to reside to this writing ; in 1 S72, he purchased the mill privilege and old saw-mill 
!0. 13, and, in 1874, he began the erection of 'lie Kohlsdorf Mill-, as given at the head of this 
sketch. Mr. and Mr.-. Kohlsdorf have four children — Robert < married to Sophia (jesslcr. and residing at 

Milwaukee), Han- (married to Anna Arzbacher, ami a resident of the town of West Bend), Man I. at 
home i and Frank, who is agent of the Silver Springs Station, Chicago & North Western Railway. 



WEST BEND. 565 

VEIT KOHOUT, Jr., gunsmith and locksmith, son of Veit and Dorothea Kohout; was born 
in Bohemia June 15, 1S50 ; came to the United States, and directly to Fond du Lac, in 186G ; having par- 
tially learned the gunsmith trade before leaving his native land, he resumed the business in this country ; 
April 15, 1867, he came to West Bend and engaged with Mr. Charles Heberlein, gunsmith, with whom he 
worked sis months ; he then went to Milwaukee, where he worked at his trade one year ; he then returned 
to West Bend and resumed work with Mr. Heberlein ; continued in his employ to the time of his acci- 
dental death bv drowning in the mill-race; he then remained in Mrs. Heberlein's employ about a year and 
a half (1871), when he bought out the shop, and has been in busiuess at the same stand ever since. He 
■was married at West Bend, May 6, 1872, to Miss Mary Stehula, daughter of Frank Stehula. Mrs. Ko- 
hout was born in Bohemia; they have four children — Edward, Mary, Anna and one daughter unnamed. 

J. V. KOHOUT, manufacturer of and dealer in Havana and domestic cigars; bu^ness estab- 
lished in 1872. Two of the best brands made are " Regal Crown" and "Laureate," while two of the 
common brands are "All Right" and " A 1." About 200,000 cigars are manufactured annually. The 
subject of this sketch was born in Bohemia on June 15, 1827 ; was a farmer; came to America in 1871, 
and directly to West Bend, Wis. The following year he started in his present business. He was married 
in Bohemia previous to coming to this country, Sept. 24, 1847, to Dorothea Valejeck. They had four- 
teen children, of whom only six are living — Veit, Annie (now Mrs. John Eckstein, of West Bend), Joseph, 
Mary, Barbara and Wenzel. 

'HENRY KRIEGER, saddler and harness-maker; business established in 1874; average 
stock, 81,000. Mr. Krieger was born in the city of Milwaukee, Nov. 6, 1853, and is the son of Joseph 
and Elizabeth ( Wheinheiner) Krieger. When he was 2 years old, the family moved to the town of Polk, 
Washington Co., where they lived four years, then went to Walworth Co.; remained three years, and then 
returned to Washington Co. The subject of this sketch, when 13 years old, began learning the harness- 
maker's trade ; served two and a half years at Hartford; then worked as a journeyman nine years, in 
Wisconsin, New York and Canada. Iu 1874 he started his shop in West Bend, starting in a small way; 
he has increased his business, till at this date he has one of the best stocks in the county. He was mar- 
ried at Milwaukee, Jan. 19, 1876, to Miss Mary Roggenbauer, daughter of Silas Roggenbauer. Mrs. K. 
was born in the town of Herman, Dodge Co., Wis. They have one child, Florence. Mr. Krieger was 
elected Chairman of the town of West Bend for the year 1881. 

ADAM KUEHLTHAU, proprietor Eagle Brewery. The original building was built by 
i Chris Eckstein about 1856, and subsequently sold to Adolph Arzbacher, who conducted the business 
until 1873, when he leased it to Kuehlthau & Johnson for five years; during this time the brewery was 
enlarged and improved. Jan. 18, 1879, the establishment was sold at Sheriff's sale, and bought by Charles 
Fleischmann, and sold the same day by him to its present owner, Adam Kuehlthau. The brewery, at 
this writing, is 120 feet in length by 60 feet in width, two and a half stories high in part, and another 
portion one-story. In 1880, a new ten-horse-power engine was put in, with boiler capacity for one of 
twenty-horse-power. The number of men employed average six. About 2,000 barrels of beer are man- 
ufactured annually. Mr. Kuehlthau was born in Erie, Penn., May 17, 1840; son of Frederick Kuehl- 
thau; when 6 years of age he came to Germantown, Washington Co., Wis., where he learned the brewer's 
trade ; next worked seven or eight years in Milwaukee at the same business. From Milwaukee he weut 
to Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked one season ; from there he went to Ohio, and engaged as a brakemau 
on a railroad ; shortly after went to Cincinnati, where he worked at his trade three years. Was married 
in that city, Oct. 3, 1865, to Alvina Ninemann ; one son was born to them in Cincinnati, John R. In 
1867, Mr. Kuehlthau returned to Milwaukee with his family, where he worked at his trade three years ; 
one daughter was born to them during this time, which they named Emma, now deceased. In 1870, Mr. 
K. moved to West Bend, and engaged with Mr. Arzbacher in the Eagle Brewery, working as an employe 
till 1873, when he leased the brewery, and in 1875 purchased it, as previously stated. Since coming to 
West Bend Mr. and Mrs. Kuehlthau have had five children born to them — George, Bertha, Adam. Rosa 
and Louis. 

G. A. KUECHENMEISTER, of the law firm of Barney & Kuechenmeister, of West 
Bend; was born in the town of Farmington, Washington Co., Wis., March 11, 1850; son of Ferdinand 
and Rosini (Stoltze) Kuechenmeister. His parents were from Saxony, Germany, and came to the United 
States in the spring of 1849, and settled in the town of Farmington, of this county. G. A. began his 
education in the district school, and in 1866 went to Berea, Ohio, where he took a two years' course in 
the Baldwin University. In 1868, he went to St. Charles, Mo., where he was engaged in teaching two 
years ; from there he went to Decatur, 111, and was appointed general agent for the " Decatur Sick Relief 
Association," and spent two years traveling in the interest of that society, during which time he visited 



560 



J5IOGRAPHICAL SKETCH ES: 



the principal States of the Union. He returned to Washington Co. in 1872, and engaged in teaching 
music. In ISTtJ. he began the .study ofc law under the supervision of the firm of Frisby. Weil & Barney, 
pursuing his law studies while conducting his music business; was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1879; 
December, 1880, he formed the present law partnership with Mr. S. S. Barney. Mr. K. was married 
July 17, 1873, in the town of Farmington, to Miss Matilda Brinker, daughter of Henry and Amelia 
Brinker. Mrs. Kuechenmeister was born in Paris, France. They have three children — Clara L., Florence 
A. and Martha M. 

STEPHEN C. LANG, farmer and Town Clerk, Sec. 23; P. 0. West Bend ; has 120 acres; 
son of Christopher and Catharine (Schield) Lang; was born in the town of Trenton, Washington Co., 
Wis., Manh 24, 1853. Was married at West Bend, Oct. 18, 1876, to Miss Katie Bonn, daughter of 
Joseph and Elizabeth Bohn. Mrs. Lang was born in Germany, and came with her parents tti America in 
1854. In 1876. Mr. Lang purchased his present farm, and took possession of it. He was elected Town 
Clerk in the spring of 1880, and re-elected in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Lang have two children, a daughter 
and son — Louisa G. and Edwin C. 

4wEOR<*E LEIStwAWii. proprietor of meat mark. 4 ; business established in 1863. Mr. L. 
is the son of Adam and Margaret (Fischer) Leisgang ; was born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 14, is:; I ; 
came to America in 1840, and direct to Milwaukee Co., Wis., where he spent five years on a farm; in 
I 351 he went to Trumbull Co., Ohio, where he learned the trade of practical engineer, remained three years, 
and then returned to Wisconsin in 1854, worked as engineer two years in Milwaukee Co., then engaged as 
fireman on the M. & La ('. 1!. 1!., served three months, when he was set up as engineer; continued on this 
line only a few months, when he came to Hartford, Washington Co., and engaged as engineer in a grist- 
mill where he remained three years ; he then went to La Crosse, there worked two years as engineer and 
machinist in the threshing-machine works ; he then returned to Washington Co., and lived at Barton 
about a year, when he moved to West Bend and engaged in the meat market business in 1863, and has 
Continued it to this writing. Mr. L. was married at Hartford, Wis., Dee. 4. 18(i2, to Miss Anna Krieger. 
daughter of Robert and Anna (Leeks) Krieger. Mrs. L. was born in Bavaria, Germany. Eleven chil- 
dren were born to them, of whom nine are living — Anna, Emma. Rosa, Louisa, Hermina. Laura. Katie, 
George and Frederick ; two were lost in infancy. Mr. Leisgang has been a member of the Village Hoard 
of Trustees five years, for West Bend. 

ii I '.OIS(» E LEIIIiE. merchant, dealer in general merchandise; son of Ernst and Anna 

Leders) Lemke; was born at West Bend, Wis., Jan. :i, l>tlO; received a common. school education; 

spent three years as clerk for Henry Schoellkopf, of Chicago. May 1. \~~~i' 1 . when only 19 years of age, 

he started in business for himself at West Bend, Wis., as a dealer in general merchandise, on a strictly 

cash plan; though warned by older heads that he could not BUC( I in trade without giving some credit, 

he lias adhered closely to bis plan, and is well satisfied with his Success; he carries an average stock ol 
$4,000. Mr. Lemke's parents came to Wisconsin from Germany in 1 s52, spent one year in .New Fork, 
and then came to West Bend in 1853 ; they bave accumulated a large property. 

HEXRY EE.MKE. proprietor of billiard and sample rooms; son of Knot and Anna (Led 
Lemke; was born in the city of Wittenburg, Mecklenburg, Germany, Sept. II, 1st:',; came with bis 
parents to the United States in 1850 ; Bpi nt one year in New York City, then came to West Bend, Wis.; 
learned the mason's trade, and, in 1863, wenl to California; spent two years in Sacramento and San 
Francisco and vicinity, working at bis trade; he then returned to West Bend ami formed a partnership 
with bis father in the mason business ; among the many buildings i re< ted 1>\ thi m is the Catholic Church 
at this place. He was married. Oct. 3, 1868, to Miss Wilbelmine Mathias, daughter of Rudolph Mathias. 
They have sis children Phillipine, Bertha (deceased), Clara, Oscar, Rudolph and Alma. In the spring 
of 1871, Mr. Lemke was engaged in the building of the Northern Hospital for the Insane, at Oshkosh. 
In November, 1 871 . right alter the great Chicago fire, be went to that city, spent four years in helping to 

rebuild it ; he then went to Milwaukee ami Worked tit his trade until 1878, when he returned to West 

Bend. In September of that year, he met with an accident while at work, by which he broke hi,- leg, 
which caused a permanent disability, unfitting him for active duty. In the spring of 1880, he opened the 

billiard and Bample r is which he is now keeping. Mr. I,, ha- Berved one term as Village Treasurer 

of W.-t Bend. 

MH IS lil'CAS. farmer and cranberry grower; residence, Sic. 22 ; was born in tin- south of 
France Dec. I I. L820 ; learned the trade of coppersmith ami machinist. Was married, Aug. 26, 1846, 
in his native province-, to \li-- Eulalie Biohea; three children were born tn them in Franc* — the eldest, 
Mary, lived to he a beautiful and accomplished young lady ; Bhe died in America in 1*7H; the second, 

Edward, died in infancy; the third. Henry, is now a resident of Apphton, Wis. Mr. Lucas and family 



WEST BEND. 567 

moved the United States in 1852, coming directly to West Bend, Wis.; here he opened a tin and cop- 
persmith shop, which business he followed till 1859, when he built the West Bend Foundry and Machine- 
shop ; about 1868, he purchaspd the farm on which he now resides, but continued in the foundry business 
until 1873, when he sold to Mr. Jacob Jung ; after coming to West Bend, two children were born — the eldest, 
Edward, named after his deceased brother, is a resident of Milwaukee, the youngest, Louis, is dead. Mr. 
L. lost his wife in 1873 ; it was after the death of his wife that he sold the foundry, and for some years 
did not follow any established business ; in April, 1880, he began the improvement of the marsh on his 
farm, on Sec. 22, with a view to the cultivation of cranberries ; having about 40 acres available and clear 
of timber, which he can flood at will by damming Silver Creek ; he has nearly two acres planted, and three 
more ready to receive the vines; judging from the thrifty appearance of the vines now planted, and the 
thorough manner in which the ground is being improved, he is likely to make the enterprise a success. 
In 18(31, Mr. Lucas was commissioned, by Gov. Solomon, as a Captain of militia, and has held the com- 
mission to this writing; he served two years as Justice of the Peace at West Bend, and one year as Vil- 
lage Clerk ; since September, 1880, he has made his home on his farm ; he has a large and valuable min- 
eral spring on his place, of which an account is given in the history of the town. 

D. W. LiYBfCH, physician and surgeon ; son of John and Catharine Lynch ; was born in Cedar- 
burg, Washington Co., Nov. 15, 1848. After attending the common school, he spent two years as a 
student of the State University at Madison ; then took a regular course at the Medical College of Chicago, 
receiving his diploma in 1875, and entered upon the practice of his profession at Richfield, Wis. Con- 
tinued in practice there till April 1, 1880, when he went to Europe ; traveled in Germany, France, England 
and Ireland, returning in September of that year. He came to West Bend, and established himself in his 
profession. In the short space of sis months, he has built up an extensive and lucrative practice, which 
is the best guarantee of his skill and success as a physician. The Doctor was married at Philadelphia 
Aug. 23, 1876, during the Centennial Exposition, to Miss Rosalie Meyer, daughter of Herman and Racdel 
(Doyle) Meyer. Mrs. Lynch was born in Pennsylvania. They have three children — John F., Daniel 
W. and a daughter unnamed. 

THOMAS McHESfRY, druggist ; does a general drug and book business ; house established 
in West Bend in 1874. Mr. McH. is the son of William and Mary (Canfield) McHenry ; was born in 
the town of Clayton, Jefferson Co., N. Y., May 17, 1845 ; came to Wisconsin with his parents Octobi r, 
1846. The family located in the town of Trenton, Washington Co. ; he received a common school edu- 
cation, and remained on his father's farm until 19 years of age, when he left home to attend the Eastman's 
National Business College at Chicago, 111. ; then attended the State Normal School, at Whitewater, where 
he was a student two years. While pursuing his studies, he gave special attention to the studies of 
chemistry, botany and physiology, with a view of fitting himself for the business in which he is now en- 
gaged. After completing his studies, he taught school several terms, and, in 1874, went to Milwaukee 
and engaged in the drug store of Dr. Schorse ; continued with the Doctor as clerk and student until his 
course was completed, when he came to West Bend and established his present business. Mr. McHenry 
was married at West Bend, April 26, 1879, to Miss Emma Arzbacher, daughter of Dr. G. Arabacher. 
Mrs. McHenry was born at West Bend. They have one child, a daughter named Avis. 

.IOH\ MAY, farmer, Sec. 16 ; P. 0. West Bend ; has 180 acres of land ; settled in the county 
in 1S54; was the son of John and Mary (Griss) May; was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, March 
14, 1817; came to America, with his father, in 1834, and settled in Portage Co., Ohio, where he con- 
tinued his residence till 1854, when, with his family, he moved to Washington Co., Wis., and located on 
wild land on the site of his present farm. His nearest neighbor on the south was seven miles distant, and 
the nearest to the northeast was one and a quarter miles away. Mr. May was married, Jan. 22, 1847, to 
Barbara Bausch, daughter of Max and Catherine (Rideruian) Bausch, who was born in Baden, Germany. 
They have nine children — Magdalena, ivife of Lawrence Eli, of Trenton ; Barbara, now Mrs. Louis 
Spahnheimer, of the town of Polk ; John, married to Mary Spahnheimer, and resides in Door Co., Wis. ; 
Katie, now Mrs. William Lombart, of Chicago; Adam, Annie, Sophia, Louisa and Mary, still at home. 

STEPHEX MAYER, deceased; was born in Rhineland, Germany, March 15, 1818; came 
to the United States in 1845; spent one year in New Orleans, and then came to Wisconsin, and located 
at Germantown, Washington Co., on wild land. Was married, June 27, 1847, at Germantown, to Miss 
Mary Kastler, daughter of Nicholas and Eva (Casper) Kastler. Mrs. Mayer was born in Germany, and 
came to the United States, with her parents, in 1840. On reaching Chicago, her family remained a few 
weeks in that place; Mr. Kastler hearing of the proposed Milwaukee Canal, he supplied himself with a 
large outfit of tools and necessaries for contract work, and moved to Milwaukee, Wis., September, 1840. 
Here he was disappointed at finding the canal project only a speculating scheme, and after remaining a 



06S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

year, and sustaining a heavy 1 iss on his investment, he moved to Germantown, Washington Co., in the 
spring of 1841, and located on Government laud; chopped out a road to his claim, and erected a log 
house. Mr Kastler improved his laud, and made a comfortable home, where he continued to reside till 
his death, which occurred in 1867. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Mayer made their home on the 
farm in Germantown, about six years, during which time three children were born to them. The eldest, 
Mary, died at the age of 17 ; second, Charles M., born in 1850, May 24, now a resident of West Bend, 
was married June 3, 1875,. to Frankie Reisse, daughter of John Reisse ; the third, Katie, is now Mrs. 
John Schlitz, of West Bend. In 1852, Mr. Mayer moved to West Bend, and, iu company with his 
brother, Charles F., he bought of Mr. B. Goetter the West Bend Brewery, which they rebuilt and en- 
larged ; they also bought 200 acres of land. Mr. Mayer continued in the brewing business, at West 
Bend, until the time of his death, which occurred Aug. 27, 1865, After coming to West Bend, eight 
children were born to them — John and Alexander died in infancy; Helena and Adolph were twins; He- 
lena died in infancy, and Adolph when 9 years of age; Susan and Louis twins); Louis died when 13 
years of age; Albert, aged 19, now a clerk at B. Goetter's, and Augusta, aged 17. at home. Mrs. Mayer 
and her son Charles built the tine brick residence where they live, in 1876. 

JS. F. MAYER & CO.. proprietors West Bend Brewery. The original West Bend Brewery 
was built by Mr. B. Goetter in 1849, on a small scale, size of building bein_' 24x36, two and one-half 
story frame ; this was the second brewery in the county; Mr. Goetter carried on the business only two 
years, when he rented the brewery to Chris Eckstein: soon afterward, Mr. Stephen Mayer bought the 
brewery and took Mr. Eckstein as a partner ; they carried on the business till 1854, when Mr. C. F. 
Mayer bought a half interest in the property and the firm of Mayer Brothers was formed ; they rebuilt 
the brewery in 18li8, very greatly increasing its size and capacity; the business was conducted by them 
during the remainder of th eil lives ; Mr. Stephen Mayer's death occurred Aug. 27, IStiS, and Mr. C. F. 
Mayer's Aug. 'JO, 1871 ; the business was conducted by the heirs until 1875, when the present company 
was organized ; at this writing, the size of the brewery is 200s 10 feec, two and a half stories high, built of 
brick ; the machinery is run by a 24 horse-power engine, and seven men are employed ; the establishment 
lias a capacity of 3,500 barrels annually; like all other brewers, this company has a chronic habit of en- 
larging and improving; at this writing, a new double kiln, 30x32 feet, is being erected, new growing- 
floors and storerooms, 52x28, are being constructed ; the capital already invested in the business amounts 
to $40,000. 

Chari,ks F. Mayer (deceased) was born in Rhineland, Prussi t, Feb. 28, 1826 ; came to the United 
States in 184(5; made his home with his brother Stephen, at Germantown, Washington Co.. Wis.; was 
married to Susannah Kastleral West Bend. April l!:>. 1853; three children were born to them — -Stephen 
P., Emma i now Mrs. Andrew Pick) and John, who died in infancy. Mr. Mayer moved bis family to 
West Bend in January, 1854, and, in company with bis brother, purchased the West Bend Brewery of 
Mr. B. Goetter; Mr. Mayer continued in the brewing business with bis brother Stephen till his death, 
which occurred Aug. 20, 1^71 : Mr. Mayer was an active, enterprising business man, and with the assist- 
ance of his brother, bail built up an extensive and prosperous business. Ili< son, 

Stephen F Mater, the senior member of the linn of S. K. Mayer & Co.. was born at West Beod, 
Wis., Feb. 1, 1854; is a graduate of the Notre Dame University, [nd., having completed a regular course 
in ', 872; be then returned to Weal Bend and engaged in the Wesl Beod Brewery, in which be was in- 
terested as one of tbi- heirs ; in I 375, the existing partnership was formed, as given above. He was mar- 
ried May 22, 1-^77. at West Bend, to [sadore Pick, daughter of John and Mary Lines) Tick; Mrs. 
Mayer was born in Schleisingerville. 

" IIOX. CHARLES II. JIILLKR, attorney at law. son of Charles G. and Amelia Miller, 
was born iii Dobeln, in the Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, Sepl 2i>. I -Jo. came i i with bis 

parents in 1841, arriving iu Milwaukee, Wis., Sept. 26 of that year, and proceeded to Mequon, Wash- 
ington Co . ii '« Ozaukee; there he spent five years on his father's farm, and at the expiration of that 
tine was appointed Deputy II igister 'if Deeds by Fred Horn; in H17. be bum the study of law in the 

office of Pieroe & Stanford, at Port Washington, during his leisure fn tfficial duties; he continued in 

the Register's office fi\ irs and in 1853 was appointed Deputy Clerk of the Court, and served in that 

Capacity during three terms of cnurt ; in 1 857, he moved to West B •nd. an 1 the following year was ap- 
pointed Clerk in the oih .••■ ,,f the I! ink Comptroller, at Ma lis in, which position he held two years ; on re- 
turning to West Bend in April. I860, be was admitted to the bar iu Judge Mann's court, ami entered 
upon the praoti ■ • of his profession ; was elect id R igister of Heeds, and held thai offioe during the years 
1863 64; in 1867, he was elected to the Legislature from the Northern District of Washington Co. June 

6, 1871, he formed a law partnership with Mr. 1'. O'Meara. Under the firm name of O'Mcara & Miller, 



WEST BEND. 569 

■which continued till June 6, 1881, when it was dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. Miller was married 
July 5, 1852, to Miss Martha E. Wightman. daughter of William W. and Elizabeth Wightinan ; 
Mrs. Miller was born in Michigan ; two sons and three daughters were born to them ; the eldest (Charles 
E.) is a resident of California, and is the present Recorder of Contra Costa Co.; he was married to Miss 
Rosa Lawless ; the second (Augusta) is the wife of Joseph Ott, the present Clerk of Washington Co., 
Wis.; the next daughter (Lizzie) is the wife of P. W. Hams, marble dealer, of West Bend ; the next 
(William W.) is in employ of the Engleman Transportation Co.; the youngest (Hattie) is at home ; one 
daughter ( Maud") died when 3 years of age. 

WILLIAM MUELLER, undertaker, manufacturer of and dealer in furniture; business 
established in September, 1878; was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 10, 1838 ; son of Frederick and 
Mary C. (Fischer) Mueller; came to the United States in September, 1859, being one year in advance of 
his parents ; he remained nine mouths in New York City, then came direct to West Bend, Wis., and set- 
tled on a farm. In 1867, he commenced with Mr. W. Whaler in the photograph business, and, in 1868, 
opened a gallery for himself, which he conducted until 1878, when he sold out and formed a partnership 
with Mr. W. Wachtel, in the furniture business ; one year later he bought Mr. W. out and has since 
carried on the business alone. In May, 1864, Mr. Mueller went to Germany, and was married, in Ba- 
varia, Aug. 22 of that year, to Miss Jacobina Hofmann, daughter of Frank Hofmann. In the spring of 
1865, Mr. Mueller returned with his wife to West Bend; they have eight children, five sons and three 
daughters — Mary, Otto. Wilhelmine, Adolph, Katharine, August, William and Edward. Mr. Mueller 
served as Village Treasurer of West Bend in 1878. 

LAMBERT NELBLRIw, watchmaker and jeweler, and Justice of the Peace; business 
was established in West Bend in 1873, June 3. Mr. Neuburg was born in Prussia, June 23, 1849 ; came 
to America with his parents in 1853 ; spent one year in New York City, then came to Milwaukee, Wis., 
in 1854, and, in the fall of that year, settled in the town of Richfield, Washington Co.; next spent some 
time as a clerk in a dry goods and grocery store in Milwaukee, and, about 1866, went to Chippewa Falls 
and served as clerk in a general store about a year ; he then engaged as an apprentice with a Swiss watch- 
maker and jeweler at the same place ; served a year and then went to Menomonee, Dunn Co., and engaged 
in business tor himself; continued in business at that place about two years, then went to Schleisinger- 
ville and opened a jewelry store ; spent three years in that village, and then went to West Bend ( 1 873) 
and established himself in the same business. In 1878, he went to Germany, and thence to France; 
attended the World's Exposition at Paris. Mr. N. was married, Feb. 7, 1871, at Schleisingerville, Wis., 
to Miss Mary Le Febvre, daughter of Philip and Maggie ( Weyer) Le Febvre; five children, two suns and 
three daughters, were born to them — Lambert, Isabella, William, Rosalia and Camille. Mr. Newbu'gwas 
elected Justice of the Peace at West Bend, in 1875, and re-elected in 1877-81. He is the son of Charles 
J. and Hubertine ( Grier) Newburg, of Prussia. The father was a cabinet-maker by trade. In coming 
from Germany to America in 1848, the passage was a long and severe one, lasting 1(13 days. The mother 
never recovered from the effects of it, and died shortly after their arrival in New York City. The father 
moved to Richfield, where he died in the fall of 1860. 

JOIIV XICOLAUS, proprietor of Farmers' Exchange Saloon ; business established in Janu- 
ary, 1871 ; is the son of Ludwig and Henriette Nicolaus ; was born in Pomerania, Germany, Sept. 25, 
1837. In 1852, he came to America with his parents, and located in the town of Jacksou, Washington 
Co., where, on arriving at manhood, he engaged in farming and lumbering. In 1871, he removed to 
West Bend, and engaged in the hotel business in the Wisconsin House, which he kept till the summer of 
1881, when he built the substantial brick building which he now occupies, the cost of which was $4,000. 
He was married iu the fall of 1866, in the town of Jackson, to Miss Augusta Krause, daughter of William 
Krause. Mrs. Nicolaus was born in Pomerania. They have five children — William, Olga, Hugo, John 
and Julia. 

PATRICK O'MEARA, Jr., attorney at law, District Attorney ; son of Patrick and Bridget 
O'Meara ; was born in the town of Emmet, Dodge Co., Wis., Feb. 27, 1845. Mr. O'Meara's parents were 
natives of Ireland, and came to the United States in 1835, and to Wisconsin in 1844, and settled in Dodge 
Co. Mr. O'Meara passed his early life on his father's farm. He laid the foundation of his education at 
the common schools ; then attended the Northwestern University at Watertown, Wis. He then took a 
regular course in the Law Department of the State University, where he graduated in 1870, and was 
admitted to the bar iu the Circuit and Supreme Courts at Madison, June 28, 1870. In June, 1871, he 
came to West Bend, and shortly afterward formed the partnership with Mr. C. H. Miller, which existed 
until June, 1881. He now practices alone. In 1874, he was elected District Attorney for Washington 
Co., and re-elected three successive terms. The present term expires January 1, 1883. Mr. O'Meara 



570 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

was married, May '27, 1874, at Milwaukee, to Miss Louisa Reck, daughter of Hubert and Margaret Reck, 
who were pioneers of West Bend of 1846. Mrs, O'Meara was born in this village. Four sons were born 
to them — Daniel, John A., Thomas F. and Edward C. 

JOSEPH OTT, Clerk of Washington Co.. Wis.; proprietor of livery stable, and dealer in 
farm machinery ; son of George and Katharine (Rech) Ott ; was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, March 10, 
1847. When six years of age, he moved with his parents to Detroit, Mich., where he resided two years. 
From Detroit he went to Chicago, and remained about the same length of time, and then came to Mil- 
waukee, Wis., in 1857 ; resided in Milwaukee four years, when he came to Washington Co. in 1861, and 
located in the town of Polk, village of Cedar Creek. He received a common-school education, and came 
j.i Wesl Bend in the winter of 1870, as Deputy County Clerk to his father, who had been elected in 1870. 
In the fall of 1872, he was elected County Clerk, and re-elected in 1874-76, 1878-80. His present term 
expires dan. 1, 1883. Mr. Ott was married, Sept. 23, 1875, at West Bend, to F. Augusta Miller, daugh- 
ter of the Hon. C. H. Miller. Mrs. Ott was born in the village of West Bend. They have three chil- 
dren—Martha M., George E. and Elizabeth. In 1876, Mr. Ott engaged in the livery business, and the 
sale of farm machinery. 

ANOREW PI€K, Postmaster of West Bend; son of John and Maria Pick : was born in 
Milwaukee, Wis., July 4, 1851 ; when 3 years of age, he moved with his parents to Schleisingerville, 
Washington Co.; was educated at Milwaukee in the German and English Academy ; in 1873. was made 
a partner with his father and brother in the mercantile business at Schlesingcrville. under the firm name 
of John Pick & Sons; continued that connection until 1875, when he engaged as book-keeper in the 
Wesl Bend Brewery. Mr. Pick was married April 29, 1875, to Miss Emma Mayer, daughter of Charles 
F. Mayer; three children were born to them — Meta, Emma and Andrew. Mr. l'iek was appointed Post- 
master of West Bend December, 1879, and took possession of the office Jan. 1. l*si. 

B. *$. POTTER, commercial traveler ; son of Jonathan and Julia (Stillwell) 1'ntter; was born in 
Elba, Genesee Co., N". Y.. Feb. 3, 1836; came to Wisconsin in 1856, and located at West Bend, where he 
clerked with his brother, J. Potter, Jr., until the fall of 1860, when he started in business For himself as a 
dealer in general merchandise. In 1861, he formed apartnership with his brother John, and continued that 
connection until 1867, when he dissolved partnership with his brother and Formed another with Mr. C, 
II. Miller, under the firm name of Potter & Miller; in 1872, he bought out Mr. Miller, and con- 
tinued the business alone until 1.S77, when he sold out to Harms & Peters, and commenced traveling 
for the firm of Ball & Goodrich, wholesale grocers, of Milwaukee. June 1, 1880, in company with Mr. 
C. L. Bowers he started the West Bend Times, a weekly Democratic paper, which is just entering upon 
its second year. Mr. Better sold out to Mr. Bowers, June. 1881. Mr. Potter was married at West 
Bend, to Celia Root; one child was born to them who died in childhood. Mrs Potter died in 1S66. lie 
was married again in May. isi>7, at West Bend, to Minnie Burgess. 

J. POTTER, .Jr., merchant; son of Jonathan and Julia (Stillwelli Potter; was born in 
Madison Co.. N. Y., Dec. 25. 1*21 ; while quite young, moved with bis parents to Genesee Co., where 
he received a common Bchool education, and engaged as clerk in a general store in the village of Alexan- 
der ; after serving nine rears in that capacity, he moved to Milwaukee, Wis. i in 1848) ; he remained in 
that city until March 1, 1849, when be moved to Wesl Bend, a id engaged in the mercantile business as 
a dealer in general merchandise and produce, and has c tntinued the business al the same stand till this writ- 
ing, covering a period of thirty two years; bis is the oldest established house in the village. By fair 

dealiog and strict attention to business. Mr. Bolter lias weatbereil the many commercial storms that have 

wrecked so many men in trade during this extended period, and to-day is in the enjoyment of his well- 
earned prosperity. Mr. Better served as Postmaster under Taylor's administration, and again under Lin- 
coln's first administration, continuing in office till Mr. Johnson became President, when he resigned I be 

was Superintendent of Schools of West Bend one year : Justice of the Peace one term, and Village 

Supervisor one year He was married, March I, 1SI*. at Alexander, \. V.. to Mi-s Matilda Butler, 

daughter of Dr. A. I!. I!. Butler; Mrs. P. was born in Alexander; two children were born to them - 
('baric- B ' led to olive Buettis, and now acting as book-keeper in the store of F.J. Dixon, Milwau- 
kee | Julia K . residi - at home. 

NELSON A. POTTER, farmer, residence Sec. 25; P. <>. West Bend; has 80 acres f 
land; was born in Rhode Island. When 2 years of age. he went with his parents to Onondaga Co., N. ST., 
where, on arriving at a suitable age, he was engaged in farming. He was married, Jan. I. 1838, at Skan 
eateles, to Miss M, Almena He Walter, daughter of Mathew and Martha De Walter. In 1849, Mr. 
Better and family moved to Washington Co., Wis., arriving in July of that year in the town of Trenton, 
where he was engaged in farming till 1866, when he moved to the town of West Bend, and established 



WEST BEND. 571 

himself on his present farm. Mr. and Mrs. Potter have had a family of ten children, of whom only four 
are living. The eldest child, Helen, died when 8 years of age ; Martha, at the age of 25 years, and George 
in infancy ; Esther is now Mrs. George Knapp, and living in the town of Polk ; Charles H. married Mary 
Demmon, and lives in the town of West Bend; Augustus married Mary Bullock, and lives in Illinois; 
one child died unnamed ; Ella is now Mrs. Millard Demmon, of the town of West Bend ; Jennie died when 
3 years of age, and J. J. in infancy. 

C. -L. POWERS, proprietor and publisher of the West Bend Times. Mr. Powers was 
born in Walworth Co., Wis., May 22, 1847. He received a common-school education; enlisted March 
28, 1864, in Co. G, 37th W. V. I., and served till the close of the war. In the winter of 1865-66, he 
began as teacher in a country school on a third grade certificate; next taught a graded school at Merton 
one term, and next at Mukwanago, where he had charge of the village school three years. On quitting 
the latter place, he attended the State teacher's examination at Madison, and received a State teacher's 
certificate. His success was a well-merited reward for years of hard study and close application while 
performing faithfully his duties as a teacher. In 1872, he went to Grand Rapids, Wis., where he read 
law in the office of his uncle, Judge L. P. Powers, and was admitted to the bar in February, 1875. He was 
elected Superintendent of Schools of Wood Co. for the years 1874-75 ; served as Justice of the Peace one- 
year; also Court Commissioner and Notary Public. In the spring of 1876, he went to Kansas, where he- 
only remained till the following fall, when he returned to Wisconsin, and was engaged as Principal of the 
High School at Two Rivers, in September, 1877, which he organized under the high school law. He taught 
this school two years, and, in the fall of 1S79, went to Hartford, and was employed as Principal of the 
South Side School there one year; then came to West Bend, and engaged in his present enterprise. Mr. 
Powers was married, at Hartford, Sept. 28, 1871, to Miss Cora M. Barney, daughter of John and Adeline 
(Knox) Barney. Mrs. Powers was born in Hartford, Wis. Two children wire born to them — Laura, 
aged 9 years, and Clyde R. 3 years 

1IATHIAS REGNER, iarmer and agent for the sale of all kinds of sewing machines and Bel- 
den organs; son of Jacob and Clara (Faust) Regner; was born in Spussheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- 
many, Nov. S, 1839; came to the United States with his parents in July, 1855; settled in the town of 
Polk, Washington Co., Wis., where he spent eighteen years on a farm ; served in the late war as a mem- 
ber of Co. E, 6th W. V. I. ; was enrolled Oct. 12, 1864. At the battle of Hatcher's Run, before Peters- 
burg, Va., Jan. 6, 1865, he received a gun-shot wound that resulted in the loss of his left leg. Owing to 
carelessness on the part of the surgeon performing the operation, he was obliged to submit to a second 
operation, which nearly cost him his life. On his recovery and return from the war, he engaged in the 
sewing machine business. In 1874, he moved to West Bend, and continued in the sewing machine busi- 
ness, and began dealing in organs. He is also interested in farming, having 40 acres near the village. 
Mr. Regner has made some very substantial improvements in West Bend, having built the liegner Block, 
in which the West Bend Bank is located, in 1878. He is now engaged in the erection of another block 
of two brick buildings adjoining the former one. One of these buildings will be 31x46 feet, and the other 
23x60 feet, both two stories high, and are to be used for stores, saloon and offices. Mr. Regner was mar- 
ried, in the town of Polk, September, 1864, just previous to going into the army, to Miss Barbara Delling, 
daughter of John and Johanna Delling. They have eight children — Clara, Barbara, Theresa, Lizzie 
Jacob, (who died in infancy), Joseph, Frank and Kittie. Mr. R. was elected one of the board of Village- 
Trustees of West Bend in 1878. and again in 1881. 

JOHN REISSE, President of the village of West Bend; son of Conrad and Charlotte 
(Kehler) Reisse ; was born in Hessen Aug. 5. 1818; served a regular apprenticeship as an architect in 
his native country; came to the United States in 1844; spent two and a half years in New York City, 
and then came to Washington County, Wis.,' in 1S47 ; located iu the town of West Bend, where he fol- 
lowed farming three years, then moved to the village of Barton and opened a saloon and tailor-shop : in 
1850, he commenced as a dealer in general merchandise; he then built a large brick store, 70x30 feet, 
which he stocked as a general country store ; at this time he had the largest establishment of the kind in 
the county ; at the same time he was proprietor of a photograph gallery ; was elected Register of Deeds 
for the years 1857-58 ; was appointed Postmaster at Barton by President Buchanan, and held the office 
nine years; served sixteen years as Justice of the Peace at Barton ; was engaged seven years in the manu- 
facture of brick, employing on an average eighteen men ; the greater part of the brick used in the build- 
ings of West Bend were manufactured by him; in 1861, his dwelling house was destroyed by fire, by 
which he sustained a loss of $1,500. Mr. Reisse was married in New York City, in July, 1844, to Miss 
Hanna Brandau, daughter of Henry Brandau; born in Rotenburg Kuifurstenthum Hessen: seven chil- 
dren were born to them — Louis (now Mrs. George Dhode, of Illinois), Emma (now Mrs. Ernst Franck- 



572 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

euberg), Charlotte. Frankie (now Mrs. Charles M. Mayer, of West Bend), Jennie, Annie (now Mrs. 
August Eggers. of St. Paul, Minn.), and Augusta. Mrs. Reisse died July 20, 18G0; in October, 1875, 
Mr Reisse came to the village of West Bend and opened a general country store ; was appointed Post- 
master by Mr. Hayes, and served two years ; was elected Justice of the Peace and served four years, and 
Berved two years as Village Clerk ; he continued in the mercantile business until August 28, 1880, when 
he closed out and opened a saloon ; in the' spring of 1880, he was elected President of the village of West 
Bend. Mr. R. was married in November, 1860, to Louisa Dingier, daughter of Louis Dingier ; Mrs. 
Reisse was born in Strasbourg, France ; three children were born to them — Louis J., Corrinne and Alma. 

LOUIS REISSE, painter and paper-hamrer, West Bend, Wis. ; son of Conrad and Charlotte 
Reisse; was born near Hesse-Cassel, Germany, Sept. 8, 1822; he learned his trade in the old country, 
where his ancestors had followed the same business for several generations; he came to America in 1845; 
spent one year in New York City, then came to Wisconsin and located on Section 5, town of Barton, 
Washington Co. ; he continued on that place four years, then went to Missouri, and from there to Texas. 
Was married in Texas July 2, 1853, to Anna E. Eggert, daughter of Jacob Eggert. Mrs. Reisse was 
born in Germany; they have three children — Pauline (new Mrs. Fred Brill, of Morrison, Brown Co., 
Wis j, John L. (who has learned the same trade as his father, and is in business with him), and George 
William (a resident of West Bend). Mr. Reisse has made his home in the village of West Bend since 
1854, was the first Village Treasurer, and held the office two years; has also held the office of Village 
Trustee two years. 

AUGUST F. RICHTER, saddler and harness-maker; business established in the rail of 
1879; average stock, $1,000. Mr. Riehter was born in the town of West Bend, Wis., April 5, 1857; 
son of C. F. and Sophia (Hoppe) Riehter ; his people were from Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, and 
emigrated to this country in 1848, and located in Washington Co., Wis. The subject of this sketch 
received a common-school education ; served three years' apprenticeship at the trade of saddler and har- 
ness-maker, worked five years as a journeyman, and then established his present business. Be was mar- 
ried. May 17, 1881, in the town of Barton, to Miss Charlotte Gudex, daughter of John and Wilhelmiue 
i Maniple) Gudex. Mrs. Riehter was born in the town of Barton. 

\V. I*. RIX. Clerk of the Court of Washington Co.; son of John and Mary Rix ; was born in 
Canada March 19, 1*4 I ; during the summer of that year he came with his parents to the town of Polk, 
Washington Co., Wis.; here he spent his early years on his lather's farm; he was educated in the common 
schools and at Ripon College; while a student at the latter place, he eulisted, May. 1S04, in Co. B, 41st 
W. V. I., lor the ! 00-day service, and served the term for which he enlisted. Mr. Rix made his home in 
Washington Co., following the occupation of farming. He was married, July 15, 1S72, in the town of 
Jackson, t « > Miss Mary L. Stauffer, daughter of Lewis A. and Johanna Stauffer; they have had five chil- 
dren, of whom four are living — Brunei ta W., Paul A., Lewis A. (deceased), Carl B. and Mary L. In 
1S7S, he was elected Clerk of the Court; served two years and was re-elected in 1SS0, his present term 
extending to Jan. 1, 1883. Mr. Rix's brother, B. C. Rix, was the first white male child born in Wash 
inntnii Co. north of Cedar Creek. 

MRS. B. C. ROBINSON, widow of John Robinson, Sec. 26; P. O. West Bend; has 140 
acres of land; Mrs. Robinson is the daughter of Silas and Mary Hutchinson; was born in Ithaca, N. 
\ ] came to Milwaukee with her parents in 1846, and was married in thai village in Augusi the following 
> h 1847 to Mr. John Robinson, who was a native of Greenfield, X. EL, born April 25, 1S15 ; he was 
brought up a farmer; came I" Illinois al an early day and resided there until 1843, when he went to Mil- 
waukee. After their marriage thej look up their residence to thai ■■its until 1855, when they moved to 
the town of We>i lleiid. Washington Co. Mr. Robinson had been oneof the pioneer explorers of this 
section, having traveled on fool from Port Washington, in 1844, and, by the aid of Indian guides, selected 
the tr.iet of land where he subsequently made his home; this he purchased from the Government at the 
lir.M land Bales of this region. Be was Chairman id' the town of West Bend one year. His death occurred 
Dec. 9, L879 Mr. and Mrs. Robinson bad a family of five children, three girls and two sons; the eldest. 
Caroline, died when i .', years of age, Lillian when 9, and Florence al ti ; the two latter died of diphtheria, 

within a few days of each other; the SOUS, William V. and Charles lv. are working the farm at this 

writing. 

REUBEN S. Rl SCO, farmer, Sec. 26 ; P. O. West Bend; baa the south half of the south- 

Baal quarter 80 acres ; settled in the county Nov. 1. 1846; is the son of Reuben and Sarah (Lawton) 

Rusco; was born iii Onondaga Co., V Y.. between Baldwinsville and Syracuse, Oct. 18, 181(5; when lti 

of age, went with his lather to reside in Wayne Co., continuing there till 1837; he then went to 

Chicago ; he spcut one year traveling through Illinois, then returned to his home in the East and remained 



WEST BEND. 573 

there till November, 1846, when he emigrated to Wisconsin and settled in Salisbury, now Barton ; having 
learned the carpenter's trade, he engaged as contractor and builder ; he also bought out Noah P. Reynolds, 
who was engaged in manufacturing fanning-mills and coffins, and continued that business for many years ; 
he was interested in the mercantile business with Henry Totten five years. He served eight years as Jus- 
tice of the Peace while in Barton, and Town Clerk one year ; in 1858, he moved to his present farm ; has 
been elected Justice of the Peace for this town. He was married, Aug. 4, 1850, to Miss Sarah Saunders, 
daughter of Stephen and Mary Saunders; nine children have been born to them — James W., married to 
Miss Helen Huntington, residing in Iowa ; Sarah T. died when 5 years of age, of diphtheria, probably 
the first case of the kind in the countv ; Ida, Reuben 0., Henry S., Edna, Elida, Herbert B., George B. 

MICHAEL KMPU \<. I,I*. proprietor of the West Bend Stave Factory; business estab- 
lished in 1878 ; the first factory in West Bend was built east of the railroad and just south of Schlitz 
Park ; manufacturing was commenced June 1, 1S78 ; about eight hundred thousand staves were cut that 
year; up to Aug. 31 of the next year, with a force of sis hands, 1,200,000 had been cut, when the fac- 
tory was destroyed by fire, together with a large amount of stock ; loss about $5,500, on which there was 
an insurance of S3. 000 ; in October, 1879, Mr. Ruplinger began rebuilding the factory on a new site near 
the river, and the 1st of December of that year he began manufacturing again ; the factory is 50x30 feet; 
a tifteen-horse-power engine is used, while employment is given to seven men : from Dec. 1. 1ST'.', to Jan. 
1, 1881, 1,500,000 staves have been cut; since the factory started up, March 8 last, 630,000 staves have 
been made ; the material used is three-fourths hard wood and one-fourth basswood ; previous to coming 
to West Bend, Mr. R. had been engaged in the same business at Little and Big Cedar Lakes, in 1869- 
70. Mr. R. was born in the town of Pope, July 22, 1850 ; son of Nicholas and Magdalena Ruplinger ; 
attended school and worked on a farm until 19 years of age, when he engaged in the stave business at 
Cedar Lake, and continued in business there till starting in West Bend. He was married, in Milwaukee, 
Oct. 28, 1872, to Miss Mary A. Ritger, daughter of Philip Ritger; they have four children living — 
Philip M., Anna C., Peter L. and John E.; the eldest child was lost in inlancy. 

JOHN SCHLITZ, proprietor of Sehlitz's Grove and Summer Resort ; business established in 
1879; first opening party held June 20 ; this grove is conveniently situated near the depot ; covers an 
area of sixty-five acres of fine forest 'iniber, with smooth surface; the buildings are commodious, being 
200x10(1 feet in extent, with main building two stories high ; the hall is 75x5s feet, with twenty-five-foot 
stage and three changes of scenery, necessary dressing-rooms, etc.; as a dancing-hall, the floor accommo- 
dates 100 couples ; the establishment contains three first-class bowling alleys 1 25 feet deep, and a tasty bar 
' and billiard-room ; the grounds are well supplied with seats, refreshment stands, band-stands, and gymnas- 
tic apparatus for the accommodation of Turners; the buildings ana* fixtures of this very elegant place 
cost §20,000, exclusive of ground. Mr. Schlitz was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Sept. 15, 1845; 
is thr son of Charles and Dorothea (Deutz I Schlitz; he came to America and direct to Milwaukee in 
1868, remaining in that city until the spring of 1879, when he came to West Bend and erected the fine 
buildings that embellish his park. He was married at West Bend, Aug. 13, 1874, to Mis< Katie Mayer, 
daughter of Stephen and Mary (Kastler) Mayer. Mrs. Schlitz was born in Germantown, Washington 
Co., Wis.; they have one child, a daughter, named Emma. 

I\ \V. SCHMIOT, West Bend; manufacturer of all kinds of brick, building brick, well 
brick, tiles and scouring or bath brick ; business established in 1874 ; yards located on Sec. 26, one 
and a half miles south of West Bend; about eight men are employed, and 300,000 bricks manu- 
laitured annually. Mr. Schmidt was born in Prussia June 29, 1847; son of John and Fredericka 
Schmidt; came to America in 1853, and direct to West Bend, Washington Co.; was engaged with his 
father in the brick business in this county till 1868, when, in company with his father, he went to Ozaukee 
and was engaged in the brick business there till 1870. He then engaged as clerk in a store at Port Wash- 
ington. In 1872, went to Europe; on his return he was engaged as clerk again for a short time. Then 
went to Lake Superior, and on his return he engaged in painting till 1874, when he entered upon his pres- 
ent business. He was married in the town of Polk, May 2, 1875, to Tenea Zaun, daughter of Andrew and 
Tenea Zaun ; they have two children, daughters — Clara F. and Hattie T. 

JOSEPH SCHMIDT, proprietor Farmers' House; business established in 1S76 ; Mr. 
Schmidt was born in Bohemia Aug. 13, 1853; is the son of Wenzel an I Catharine (Vonaba) Schmidt; 
came to the United States with his parents in 1856 ; made his home on a farm in the town of Trenton, 
Washington Co., Wis.; attended school and worked on his father's farm until 1873, when he went to 
Clark Co. and served three years at the brewer's trade ; in 1876, he lame to West Bend and engaged in 
his present business. Was married, Oct. 3, 1876, at Newburg, to Miss Annie Blecha ; one child was born 
to them, Wenzel J.; Mrs. Schmidt died Dec. 5, 1877; Mr. S. was married again Jan. 2S, 1879, at Mil- 



574 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

waukee, to Miss Katrina Kracji, daughter of Anton and Mary Kxaeji. Mrs. Seliuiidt was born in Tren" 
ton, Washington Co.; they have lia<l one child — Anna Mary — who < lied in infancy. 

I\ CHARLES SCHMIDT, Jr., attorney at law; son of Charles and Caroline (Hagner) 
Schmidt; was born May 17. 1853, in Cincinnati, Ohio; came to Wisconsin with his parents in August, 
1856, and located at Barton, Washington Co. He recived a common-school education ; learned the Wagon- 
maker's trade in his father's shops, and when 1 ."> years of age Started OUt to see the World with a cash cap- 

ital of $20 ; he traveled through nearly all the States of the Union except the Pacific States ; visited Can- 
ada, the Territories and Mexico, working at his trade as his necessities required. After seven years spent 
in this manner, he returned to his old home, having gratified his love of adventure and travel. In addition 
to his former trade, he now learned that of painter, which he worked at some years. Jan. 6, 1879, he en- 
ten I the law office of Frisby & Weil at West Bend, ami c immenced the study of law. May 26, L881, 
lie w.is admitted to the bar; but has not vet established an office. 

PETER SCHNEIDER, farmer, See. 28; P. 0. Wesl 15 aid; has 80 acres of land; he is 
he sou of Martin and Mary Schneider; was born in Beam, Germany, dan. 13, lsl7 ; emigrated to the 
I'niied States in 1845, and made his home in Pennsylvania; was married Oct. L0, L847, in Montgomery 
Co., Penn . to Victoria Obrecht, daughter of Casper and Theresa Obrecht, who was also born in Germany, 
[n HIT, Mr. Schneider and family moved to Washington Co., Wis., and located in the town of Addison, 
they continued to reside till April. I86(i, when they moved to the town of West Bend. See. 28, 
where they now reside. The children Were are all born in the town of Addison ; they Were eight in num- 
ber, of whom live are living — Joseph, married to Mary F. Spahnheimer, resides in Door Co.. Wis.; Mary, 
now Mrs. Mathias Geiger, of the town of West, Bend; Zetzelia, n >w the wife of Fred Fischer, of Hart- 
ford. Wis.; Charles, married to M iry Schneider, and - living in Minnesota ; John; Paulina, who died when 
7 years of age; Anna, and Lena, who died in infancy. Two of the - ins, John and Joseph, are teachers. 
Mr. S. has served two years as Supervisor of West Bend. 

FREDERICK W. $C1IR4>E!>ER; P.O. Wesl Bend; farmer, dairyman, stock-grower; 
ilso principal owner and manager of the Wesl Bend Cheese Factory; was born in the dominion of Wal- 

Bavaria, Germany, March 7, 1818; son of Henry and Catharine (Schuze) Schroeder ; came to 

America in 1847, and direct to Washington Co., Wis.; located on See. 2"). town of West Bend, in March. 

i 3 1 - : ; after seouring a home, he went back t > Germany after his broth its and sister the same year ; re- 
turning to Wesl Bend with them in 1849. Be was married at Milwaukee, Nov. 21, 1852, to Mis- Cbar- 

i i- of George F. and Charlotte . < tpporinann ) Wilkc. Mrs. Sehr ha' was born in Ger- 

many; two children were bom to them — Charles A. and Jennette. In 1878, Mr. Sehroedcr, associated 
with other parties, built the West Beld Cheese Factory, Bituated on Sec. 30, Trout on. on the town line be- 

i Trenton ami West Bend. The factory has a capacity of tSO pounds of cheese daily. Mr. Schroe- 
der has a controlling interest in the concern, 

SEEHxER «.V iil'i'KOW, manufacturers of and dealers in domestic cigars; business es- 
tablished in 1875; employ Four men, and manufacture 100,000 cigars annually, Among their best brands 
a mtioned the " Royal Eavana," Hold Bird. Clear Havana and " C. 0. D." 

OsCAB SbLIGER, of the firm of S. & L., is also piano teacher; s >f Henry and Wilhelmini Seliger, 

wa - born in Saxon- Weimar. Germany, Jan. _<b 1 Sol ; came to the United States, with his parents, in 1853. 

The family located in Farmington, Washington Co., Wis.; Mr. S. was educated in the o i i schools, 

and in 1869 he .\ith II. Gottsleben, of Wesl Bend, to learn the trade of cigar-maker; he con- 
tinued his meetiou with Mr. Gottsleben nil 1875, when, in company with Mr. liiiekow. he commenced 

in hi- pre.-, -nt business. Mr. Seliger was married. Nov. 4. L875, to Miss Augusta Luckow. daughter of 

August Luckow. M's. Seliger was born in Farmington, Washington Co., Wis. 

A.uar/8T Luokow of the firm of Seliger A Luckow, cigar manufacturers, son of Frederick 
and Mary Luckow, wa- born in Mecklenburg-Sohwerin, Germany, Feb. 27. 1822; came to America 

'ii Hf'.. ori' ing in Milwaukee in -Inly of that year: resided in that city until the following \pril. when 

he moved to Sheboygan Co. where he spent three years on a farm; he then moved to West Bend, in 

' 357 was engaged in teaching music and in the performance of official duties; was Constable from 1858 

to 1876; was Deputj Sheriff many years; was elected Assessor in 1869, and held that office six terms in 

-ion ; he is leader of Luckow's Band. Mr. Luckow was married previous to coming to America, 

June, Hi:' to Miss Ottilia Roenl k, daughter of Fred Boenbeok ; thej have had four children — Louisa, 

now Mrs. William Franckenberg, of West Berd; Augusta, now Mrs. Oscar Seliger, also of West Bond; 
ia deceased and Robert. 

JUDGE JOHN SIIEELEY, County Judge of Washington Co., s f John and Mary 

Shelley, was born in Manchester Township, York Co., Penn., Feb. 1. 1817; was a student, several years, 



WEST BEND. 575 

■of the Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg ; studied law at York, Penn., and was admitted to the bar in 
1840. He was married in August, 1846, in the city of Baltimore, Md., to Miss Henrietta Donaldson; 
one child was born to them, which was named Mary. Mrs. Shelley died of cholera iu August, 1849. 
Mr. Shelley ccntinued the practice of his profession at York, till 1853, when he emigrated to Wisconsin, 
making his home, one year, at Milwaukee ; January, 1854, he came to West Bend, and formed a law partner- 
ship with Mr. Fred 0. Thorp ; was elected County Judge in the spring of 1857, for the term commencing 
Jan. 1, 1858, and was re-elected each successive term till the spring of 1881 ; is the present incumbent, 
his present term extending until Jan. 1, 1882. On completion of this term, the Judge will have held the 
office twenty-four consecutive years; almost a quarter of a ceutury he has been called to administer the 
duties of that important office by the voice of the people. Such a record speaks for itself as to the esti- 
mation in which he is held by his fellow- citizens. Shortly after coming to West Bend, he was married to 
Mrs. Helen George, May, I860, whose death occurred Jan. 27, 1868. The partnership with Mr. Thorp 
was continued until Jan. 1, 1862; on the incorporation of the village of West Bend, in 1868, the Judge 
was elected its first President, and re-elected the following year; he also served in the County Board of 
Washington Co. four years, as Supervisor for the village; May 25, 1869, he was married to Miss Ellen 
Barnett, daughter of Stewart Barnett ; Mrs. Shelley is a native of Wisconsin. 

CHARLES SILBERZAHN, was born May 3, 1828, in Baden, Germany ; son of Jacob 
and Catharine ( Sigmundj Silberzahn ; was a political refugee in Switzerland, in 1849-50, where he spent 
one year; was enabled to emigrate to the United States early in 1850 ; on his arrival in this country, he 
nude his home in St. Louis, where he worked at the machinist's trade, which he had learned in his native 
country ; continued in that city about three years, and then moved to Memphis, Tenn ; here he worked at 
his trade four years, then went to Chicago, and worked in the railroad shops four years, and then re- 
turned to Memphis. During the early years of the war, he was under the Confederate Government; his 
sympathies were with the Union side from the i-tart, and the second day after the capture of Memphis by 
the Federal forces, he enlisted iu the United States Navy, as engineer; served until the close of the war, 
and received an honorable discharge. He then proceeded to Iowa, stopped awhile at Dubuque; then went 
to Lansing, same State, and engaged in business with other parties under the firm name of Beid, Silber- 
zahn & Co., machinists and foundrymen ; this connection was continued four years ; he then spent one 
winter in La Crosse ; went from there to Milwaukee, and engaged with E. P. Allis, as foreman of the Bay 
State Iron Works, during the construction of the City Iron Works machinery ; remained in those works 
three years, and then went to Sheboygan ; there he engaged in the machine and foundry business with 
Mr. Kohler, under the firm name of Kohler & Silberzahn. He continued this business five years, then 
«arue to West Bend, and bought an interest in the West Bend Foundry and Machine Shops, February, 
1S79; the firm was established under the title of Silberzahn & Jung. Mr. S. was married at St, Louis, 
Feb. 17, 1853, to Miss Mary L. E. Nieffenacker, daughter of Uirich N. Nieffenacker. Mrs. S. lost her 
parents in St. Louis during the cholera scourge of 1849. Mr and Mrs. S. have had nine children, of 
whom four are living, three sons and one daughter — Cnarles A., Louis F., John D and Louisa. Charles 
A. is married to Miss Amelia Kuster. 

JOHN THIEL(JES, son of George and Susannah Thielges, was born on the Rhine, Prussia, 
Oct. 19. 1830; learned the miller's trade in his native country, and, in 1851, came to the United States. 
On his arrival in this country, he learned the blacksmith's trade, working principally in Niagara Co., N. 
Y. ; helped build the suspension bridge over the Niagara River. He was married, at Niagara Falls, Oct. 
8, 1854, to Miss Rosina Rumpf, daughter of George C. and Katharine (Windt) Rumpf. Mrs. Thielges 
was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Aug. 31, 1833. In 1854, Mr. T. and family moved to West 
Bend, Wis., where he worked as a journeyman blacksmith six months. He then rented a shop and started 
in business for himself. Two years later, he built a shop and continued the business until Feb. 17, 1864, 
when he enlisted in the 2d Wisconsin Light Artillery, as blacksmith, and served until the close of the war. 
On his return from the army, he resumed the blacksmith business, which he continued until Aug. 15, 1873, 
when he sold out and opened a saloon, and has continued the business to this date. Mr. Thielges has 
Served as Side Supervisor of the Town of West Bend three years, and six years as Under Sheriff; was 
also Chief of the Fire Department between four and five years. Mr. and Mrs. T. have four children — Theo- 
dore, the eldest, was married to Camilla Kleffler, and is a painter by trade; resides at West Bend ; the 
second, Charles, is a molder by trade and works at Milwaukee; John is a marble-cutter, also of Milwau- 
kee; the youngest, Mary, lives at home. 

THEODORE THIELGES, painter and decorator, also dealer in paints and oils; is agent 
for Fish Bros. & Co.'s buggies and carriages, and Parsons & Goodfellow's Oshkosh buggies ; business estab- 
lished in 1872. The subject of this sketch was born in West Bend, Wis., June 23, 1856 ; son of John and 



576 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Rosa | Rumpf ) Thielges ; learned his trade in his native town, setving four years. Then, in 1872, started in 
business fur himself; continued it two years ; then engaged as clerk f>r Fuge & Wilmot, and afterward for A. 
C. Fuge. Was appointed Deputy Postmaster under Dr. G. F. Hunt; served two years. Next worked a- a 
journeyman painter in Milwaukee one year; then returned to West Bend, and opened in the painting business 
a«ain. September, 1878, he opened the second shop, having his residence in the same building. In Au- 
gust, 1880, this shop and residence was burned, by which he sustained a loss of $1, 200. Since the fire, 
he. has run the old shop; only employs from five to seven men. He was married, Oct. 1, 1878, at West 
Bend, to Miss Camille Kleffler, daughter of the Hon. George H. Kleffler. Two children have been born 
to them, the eldest, Theodore H., died in infancy ; the youngest is unnamed 

MATHIAS THIXXES, lessee of Germania Billiard Hall and Sample Room ; also proprietor 
of saloon in the town of Erin, which he rents. Mr. Thinnes was born in Milwaukee Sept. 7. 1850; son 
of John and Mary (Weber) Thinnes, who came to this country from Germany iu 1843. The father was a 
wagon-ruaker bv trade; he opened a shop at Milwaukee, and was doing a good business when he was taken 

from his family by death. He died in 1851. Mrs. Thinnes, - i after the loss of her husband, moved to 

West I!, •nd in 1851. She was married, in 1853, to Mr. John Willkomin, of the town of West Bend. Mr. 
Mathias Thinnes spent his early years on his stepfather's farm and in attending school. He was married. 
May 11, 1875, to Miss Margarette Deutsch, daughter of Michael Deutsch, of the town of West Bend. 
They have three children — John, Mary and Emma M. Mr. T. met with a very serious accident Oct. 24, 
187:!, by accidentally shooting' himself through the right thigh with a shot-gun. The whole charge passed 
through the leg, causing permanent dis iblity. He started a saloon at West Bend in 1875, which he kept 
one year : he then sold out and went to the town of Erin, where he engaged in the same business July 1, 
1876. In the latter part of December, 1881), he leased his place in Erin and returned to West Bend, 
where he leased the Germania Billiard Hall and Sample Room of Mr. Peter Boden for two years from Jan. 
1. 1881. 

JAC'Olt VETSCH, manager of Alex McDonald's lumber-yard. This business was estab- 
lished in February. 1877. A full assortment of rough and dressed lumber, shingles, sash, doors and blinds 
always on band ; annual sales, 113,000. Mr. Vetsch was burn in Switzerland Aug. 21, 1841 ; came to the 
United States in May. 1854, and located in Fond du Lac Co., Wis. For thirteen years he was engaged in 
farming; he then learned the carpenter's trade. He was married, Oct. 12. I8711, in Davenport, [owa, to 
Miss Matilda Kuhn, daughter of Henry and Fredericke Baker) Kuhn. Mrs. Vetsch was born in Vlo- 
tho. Germany. They have five children — Gottfried J., John W., Meta II., Anna II. and Arthur J. Iu 
1857, Mr. Vetsch moved to West Rend to take charge of the lumber business of Mr. McDonald, which 
business he has continued to this dati 

PACE A. WEIL, of the firm of Frisby & Weil, attorneys at law, West Rend. Wis. The firm 

of Frisby & Weil has been established since 1860, and is at this date the second oldest law firm in Wis 

, ( ,n-iii . with an important and extended practice it ranks among the leading law firms of the State. The 
senior partner, L. F. Frisby, is the Republican candidate for Attorney General on the State ticket ol 
1881. Mi Weil is the Bon of Moses and Celestine Weil; was burn in Besancon, France. July 22, 1829; 
was a student of the College of St. Louis, at Paris, and remained in Prance two years, after In- parents 
had emigrated to America, in order to perfect his studies. He followed them in 1844, and during the 
next two years was a resident of the cities of New York. New Orleans and Cincinnati. In 1846, he 
; mpanied his parents to Washington Co., Wis., and located at what is now West Rend, then only a 

pioneer hamlet. For the next twelve years, he was interested with his lather in mercantile and other 
business, In 1858, he entered the law office of Frisby & Mann, at West Rend, as a student ; was admitted 

to the bar the following year 1859 1, and on the election of Judge Mann to the judgeship of the Third 
Circuit in 1859, Mr. Weil became a partner of Mr. Frisby. which connection has existed to this date 1 v -l 
without interruption. Prior to his admission to the bar. he was elected to the Assembly of L857 58. He 
1 rved two terms as Chairman ol the town of Polk, and one or two term- 1- Chairman of the County 
Board ami lias served six years as Clerk of his Bchool district. Mr. Weil was married at Rochester, N V.. 
Sept. 22. 1852, to Miss Eliza MoHenry, daughter of Daniel and Sarah MoHenry. Mrs. Weil is a native 

of Angelica, Alleghany Co., N. Y. Their family ( sists of one daughter and five sons. The daughter, 

Belle R.. is wife of Lieut. Charles A. Adam.-. 0. S, N., of the man-of-war Palus, recently lut.j at 

Shanghai. China. The eldest son is practicing law at Milwaukee, and is a member of the law linn of 

Van Wyek \ Weil. George E. is an employe f the Chicago & North Western Railway, and recently 

station agent at Barton ; Harry A. is in the real estate business in Milwaukee; Daniel M. and John M. 

ro youngT ones, are attending school. Mr. Weil and family have been prominently identified with 



WEST BEND. 577 

the growth and development of Washington Co. His father, Moses Weil, was one of the live men of 
pioneer times, of whom an appropriate sketch and portrait appears elsewhere in this work. 

WILLIAM W. WHwHTMAN, son of Israel and Demarias (Pendleton) Wightman, was born 
in Herkimer County, N. Y., June 20, 1798. The parents were New England people, who had settled in 
New York in 1796. Mr. Wightman's great-grandfather, the Rev. V. Wightman, was the first Baptist 
minister of Connecticut. When 7 years of age, the subject of this sketch moved with his parents to Ver- 
mont ; spent ten years in that State, and theu moved to New Hampshire; subsequently returned to Ver- 
mont, and from there moved to Holland Purchase, Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1815; was married, in the 
town of Leroy, Genesee County, March 0, 1830, to Miss Elizabeth Hanna, daughter of Mathew and Cath- 
arine (Pierson) Hanna; six children were born to them— Catharine S., married to Mr. Henry J. Weil, 
deceased, now the wife of Herman Williams, residents of Webster, Mich.; Martha E., now the wife of the 
Hon. Charles H. Miller, of West Bend. Wis.; James A., died when 8 years of age; Francis A., died in 
infancy; Frances M., now the wife of Gen. F. C. Winkler, of Milwaukee; Harriet A. was the wife of 
Robert R. Price, of Barton. AVis.; her death occurred in January, 1873. Mr. Wightmau was a pioneer 
of the State of Michigan ; in 1S25, he assisted in clearing the tract of land where the State University 
now stands, at Ann Arbor; in 1831. he moved his family to Michigan and located on wild land in Wash- 
tenaw County, where he continued to reside until September, 1846, when, being desirous of incr asing his 
pioneer experience, he moved to Washington County, Wis., and located on the present site of West Bend ; 
he, in company with several Milwaukee gentlemen, had the land surveyed and platted ; he erected the third 
frame building in the place, which he opened as a public house, naming it the " West Bend House," and 
which he kept as such nine years; he was appointed Postmaster of West Bend under President Buchanan, 
and served four years; was re-appointed by President. Johnson, and held two years. On March 6, 1880, 
Mr. and Mrs. Wightman celebrated their golden wedding, or fiftieth anniversary of their wedding, at Mil- 
waukee, on which occasion, among the many valuable presents received. Air. Wightman was presented with 
a heavy, gold-headed cane, of superior workmanship, and bearing a suitable inscription. A peculiar fact 
connected with the history of the family is that there are uow living five generations of them ; Mr. Wight- 
man's daughter, Mrs. Miller, who is a grandmother, has a grandmother living. 

JOHN C. WILBRAXDT, barber and hair-dresser; business established in 1869. Mr. 
Wilbrandt was born in Mecklenburg-Sehwerin, Germany, Dee. 26. 1.842; came to America in July, 1867, 
and direct to Milwaukee. Wis.; learned his trade in that city in 1S68, and. the following fall, came to '.Vest 
Bend, and opened his present shop in October, and has continued the business to this date. He was mar- 
ried. Sept. 16, 1873, in the town of Wayne, to Miss Elizabeth Heipp, daughter of Henry Heipp ; Mrs. 
Wilbrandt was born in Prussia, Germany ; they have one child — Adolphus William. Mr! Wilbrandt is the 
son of Christian and Maria Wilbrandt, of Germany ; the father died in his native country. 

CHRISTIAN WOLF, proprietor Wolf's Ho'el. The subject of this sketch is the son of 
Damian and Anna Maria I Kiappels) Wolf: was born in Prussia July 2, 1840 ; came to the United States 
in 1855 ; settled in Germantown, Washington Co., Wis., where he was engaged in farming fourteen years ; 
he then went t i Schleisingerville and engaged in the insurance and sewing-machine business; continued there 
until November, 1879, when he came to West Bend and purchased the hotel called the Farmers' Home ; 
repaired it, and changed the name to Wolf's Hotel ; the main building is 32s lii feet, three stories high, 
with an addition 24x42, two stories high ; can accommodate forty guests. The house was built in 1869. 
Mr. Wolf was married, at Milwaukee. Feb. 22, 1880, to Mrs. Gertrude Fohn, widow of John Fohn and 
daughter of B. Kreidlecamp. Mrs. Wolf was born in Westphalia; she had two children by her former 
marriage — Gertrude and Mathias : one child was born by her present marriage, which died in infancy. 

GEORdrE W. WRHwHT, deceased ; was born in Painesville, Ohio, of American parentage, 
in 1818 ; came to Wisconsin in 1848 and located in the town of West Bend ; was married, Sept. 6, 1851, 
at Kewaskum, to Miss Catharine Miller, daughter of Nicholas and Catharine Miller. Mrs. Wright was a 
native of Germany ; tour children were born to them, three girls and a boy — Frances, now Mrs. James 
Miller, living in California: Isora E., now Mrs. Henry Bohn, Jr., of the town of West Bend; Iseua, 
now Mrs. John Christnachfc, of Addison : the son, George N., resides at home. Mr. Wright died Sept. 6, 
1876, from injuries received in falling from his wagon three years previously. Mr. Wright was an active, 
energetic business man before he met with the accident that caused his death ; in all respects, he was a 
man well adapted to fill the part of a pioneer and help to develop a new country ; he is remembered by his 
friends and neighbors with the kindest regard: his widow, Mrs. Catharine Wright, was married, May 21, 
1879. to Mr. John Gutsehenritter, and resides on the old homestead. 



•~7- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



TOWN OF HARTFORD. 



H. T. ADAMS, stock-dealer; bu- "n > established in L862; handles from $25,000 to $30,000 
worth .it' stook per m inth. Mr. Adams was born in Lancaster, Co is Co., X. II., March 31, L835; is the 
son of Harvey and Nancy Adams ; li • learned the blacksmith's tr.ide in his native State, and followed 
that busio as several years ; came to Wisconsin in lSGO, and located in Bartford, and opened a blacksmith's 
Bhop ; continued the business only one year, when he quit it to engage iu the stock business ; has followed 
this business successfully since that time. He was married in Vermont, in Guildhall, Essex (V. Sept. 
20, 1857, to Miss Estelle L. Rodgers, daughter of Muses Rodgers; Mrs. Adams was born in Vermont 

C. 4w. AJIIDOX, manufacturer of and dealer in gloves and mittens, and tanner of deer skins 
and furs. II irtford . business established in the fall of 1879 ; manufactures about 300 dozens of pairs of 
gloves and mittens annually ; has tanned since commencing about 5,000 skins. The subject of this sketch 
was born in Hartford April 22, L850 ; is the son of Elisha and Augustine i Butler) Amidon ; learned the 
cabinet-maker's trade in Clark Co., Wis. Was married at Monterey, Dodge Co., April 15, 1873, to Miss 
Eliza Cook, daughter of Henry Cook ; Mrs. Amnion was born in Mayville, Wis. The winter following 
his marriage, he started in the pump business with Frank Fox, at Plymouth, and shortly afterward they 
took iu Mr. Dockstader as partner, the firm being Dockstader, Fox & Co. In about two years he sold 
out, and went into the same business with Mr. Miller in the same town; continued that business two 
years ; m xt went to Beloit in February, 1879, and engaged to run a tannery, for the tanning of deer Bkins 
and furs; eight months later he returned to Hartford and opened in his present business. In the winter 
1880 -81, he opened a glove and mitten store at Milwaukee, which he ran that winter. 

WILLARD R. AMIDON, jeweler and watchmaker, Hartford; business established August. 
1876 average value of stock and fixtures, $2,000. Mr. Amidon is a native of the town of Hartford; is 
the son of Elisha and Augustine I Butler) Amidon. and was born April 18, 1856; in 1874, he learned 
the watchmaker's trade, and in August, 1 S7(j, opened his present store. 

E. M. AXDFRSOX, farmer, Sec. 9; P. <>. Bartford; has 61 acres of land; is ihe son of 
Samuel and Betsey Anderson; be was born in the town of Hartford. Washington Co., Oct. 21, 1849; 
spent bis early year- on bis father's Farm, and in 1ST.! began teaching school; has taught nine years, three 
of which were devoted to the graded school of Bartford Village. Be was married, Dec. 27, 1876, in 
Chicago, to Rosine Bertie, daughter of IV S. and Matilda Bertie ; Mrs. Anderson was born in Dodge Co.; 
tbev have two children — Bertie S. and Guj 

" SAMUEL ANDEBSON, farmer, See. 5 ; P. O. Hartford; has 80 acres ; was born in Rome, 
Oneida Co., N. V.. November, 1H7; son of Jacob 1'. and Catharine Anderson. He was married in 
1 ~:;- to Mi-s Betsey Hoard ; six children were born to them'; the eldest, Eugene M., married Rosine Ber- 
tie, and lives in the town of Bartford : Mary died when 5 years of age , Ubert was a member of Capt. 
Bissel's < lompany, 29th \V. Y. I and served in the late war ; bis death occurred in hospital at Vicksburg, 
in 1862. Hamuli is now Mrs. Charles Amidon, of Clark Co., Wis.; Ellen is the wile of Alden Moffatt, 
also of Clark Co.; Alvira is Mrs. Andrew Jones ; Theresa is the wife of .lames Maliory. of Trempealeau 
Co. Mr. Anderson has b en a member of the Town Board of Bartford six terms. 

DR. M. li. BARNEY, dental surgeon, Hartford ; is the son of Leverett and Emeline ( Wing 
Barney; was born in Geauga Co., Ohio, Oct. 2, 1842 ; came to Dodge Co.. Wis . in 1865; Studied den- 
tistry with Dr. R. ('. Newton, of Sheboygan Falls, in whose office he spent two years. In lSi',8, he came 

to 1 1 art lord, and established himself Be was ma tried in Hartford, Dec. 22, 1867, to Miss Paul in i i • 
daughter of Lewis and Susan (Streeter) Green; Mrs. Barney was born in Portage Co., Ohio; they have 
four children Monl I.. Gad W., Frederick A. and Clara A. 

JOHN BUCKBEUS, carpenter and joiner, and Assessor of the town of Bartford, residence 
in the village; was born in Bavaria. Germany, Feb. 29, 1828 ; is the son of Samuel and Margaret Buck- 
reus, lie learned the carpenter's trade with bis father in his native country, also learned the glazier's 
trade. In 1849, he came to America, arriving in New York City September f> ; he proceeded to Hones- 
dale, Penn.. where he opened a cabinet-shop, and continued that business four years, when he was burned 

oul . he then came to Milwaukee in November, lSf>:;. and from there to Hartford, Washington Co.; de 

his h< ine on See. 125 about a year and a half, and then moved to the village where he has since re- 
sided and carried On the business of carpenter and builder; he was elected and served one year as Treas- 
urer of the town of Bartford; he was next elected Assessor in 1879, and re-elected in 1880-81 ; is now 



HARTFORD. 579 

serving his third term. He was married, Nov. 1, 1849, in Pennsylvania, to Miss Eva Geiger, daughter 
of John Geiger. They have six children — Agnes, Mary and Lizzie (twins i, Margaret, John and Rosa. 
Margaret is now Mrs. Peter Schwartz, of Hartford. 

H. K. BFTTERFIELD, attorney at law, Hartford; is the son of W. H. and Caroline 
(White) Butterfield ; was bun in Horicon Aug. 27, 1857; received his education at the high school of 
Horicon. and at the .State University at Madison ; went to Memphis, Tenn., and spent two years as a law 
student in the office of his uncle. Judire James 0. Pierce, of the Circuit Court of Shelby Co.; having 
passed a regular examination before Judges W. 11. McDowell and J. E. 11. Ray, of the Chancellor and 
Criminal Courts, he was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1879 : he then returned to Wisconsin and 
practiced law with District Attorney James B. Hays, of Horicon; was with him two years, and then in 
June, 1881, he came to Hartford and established himself in the practice of his profession at that place. 
When only 23 years of age, he was a candidate for District Attorney of Dodge Co. on the Republican 
ticket ; he made a good run, and but for his party being in a hopeless minority would have been elected. 

MICHAEL BOHAN, Sr. (See West Bend biographies.) 

SCHMIDT & CLIFFORD, proprietors of Hartford Marble Works; business established 
Jan. 5, 1880 ; employ four men and turn out about $5,000 worth of stock annually. 

John Schmidt, of the above firm, was born in Saxony, Germany, Nov. 9, 1826 ; is a son of Nicholas 
and Margaret Schmidt; came to America in 1847, and made his home in Milwaukee three years; then 
came to the town of Polk, Washington Co., and engaged in farming; about 1864, he engaged as agent 
for the » J-ermantown Mutual Insurance Company ; was also a dealer in fruit trees and general nursery stock . 
In 1 87-, he moved to Hartford; in addition to his other business, he was employed as agent for the 
Milwaukee & Oconomowoc Marble Works. Jan. 5, 1880, he formed his present connection with Mr. 
Clifford. Mr. Schmidt was married, Nov. 19, 1849, at Milwaukee, to Miss Louisa Bauer ; they have four 
children — Adam, Eli, Christian and John. 

CHRIS COERPER, blacksmith, wagon and carriage maker, Hartford ; manufactures about 
twenty wagons and buggies annually; deals iu wood and coal, and is proprietor of a stone-quarry situated 
in the village, which he has operated two years ; established his business in Hartford in 1861. Mr. 
Coerper was born in Bavaria, Germany. Jan. S, 1832; son of Conrad and Christine (Waechter) Coer- 
per. Learned the blacksmith trade in his native country; came to the United States iu 1851, and lo- 
cated in Milwaukee; in 1855, he opened a shop for himself in the blacksmithing, wagon and carriage 
business, which he carried on until 18tJl, when he came to Hartford and established his present business. 
He was married in Milwaukee, Nov. 17, 1855, to Miss Magdalena Gross; they have had eight children 
— John G. married to Miss Addie Johns, and residing iu Hartford ; Lena, now Mrs. John ti Liver, of 
Hartford; Henry J., Edward, George, William, Christopher (deceased), Arthur. Mr. Coerper was one 
of the leading citizens in the organization of the first tire department, and was elected Foreman of the 
Hook and Ladder Company, which position he has held to this date, with the exception of two vears. 

THOMAS COONEY, farmer. Sec. 29; P. O. Hartford; has 40 acres of land; is a native 
of Kildare, Ireland ; was born near Dublin, Sept. 8, 1833; he is "the son of Richard and Mary Cooney. 
In 1854, he emigrated to the United States, spending six months in the city of New York, and then 
came-to Wisconsin and located in the town of Hartford with his parents. In March, 1862, he enlisted in 
United States Navy , served three years and four months ; during a large portion of the time, he was 
stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He was married in Hartford, Oct. 15, 1866, to Miss Mary Grady, 
daughter of Michael Grady. They have six children— Mary, Eliza, Richard, James, William and Anna. 

HOX. HOPEWELL COXE (deceased); was born in Northumberland, Northumberland 
Co., Penn.. June 28, 1812; son of Samuel Coxe ; he received a common-school education, and in 1832 
commenced the study of law with Judge Ellis Lewis, of Williamsport, Penn., a mau of prominence in the 
legal profession of that place. Mr. Coxe was admitted to the bar in 1838, and in 1839 entered upon the 
practice of his profession in Williamsport iu 'company with Robert Fleming; in 1842, he removed to the 
State of Kentucky, where he spent some three years; in the spring of 1845, he came to Wisconsin, first 
stopping a short time in Milwaukee, and then proceeding to Cedarburg, Washington Co., in 1846 ; in the 
fall of that year, he was elected County or Probate Judge of Washington Co.; was re-elected, and held the 
office eight years ; he is said to have tried the first law suit in Cedarburg, holding his court in the school- 
house ; he was elected as one of the Representatives of Washington Co. (which then included what is now 
Ozaukee), in the Constitutional Convention of 1846, and served on the Committee on Suffrage and Elect- 
ive Franchise ; possessed of more than average abilities, he proved an influential member of that body, 
and was highly respected by his associates ; after the State government was established, Mr. Coxe served 
in the Assembly ; during the session of 1857. he represented the southern district of Washington Co.; 



580 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in 1852, ho removed from Cedarburg to Hartford, where he purchased a farm adjacent to the village, and 
devoted considerable attention to fruit growing; he opened an office in the village, and practiced his pro- 
fession until the time of his death, which occurred June 16, 1864. Mr. Cose was married in Milwaukee, 
June 9. 1847, to Miss Amelia Ludwig, daughter of Henry and Wilhelmina (Gluer) Ludwig. They had 
three children — the eldest, Charles H. was married, Nov. 18, 1874, to Miss Laura Peck, and resides in 
Hartford ; the second, Josephene, is the wife of Judge H. W. Sawyer; the youngest son, H. D.. is living 
at limine. Mrs. Coxe makes her home in the village of Hartford. 

I. S. CROW FOOT, proprietor of apiary, and manufacturer of apiarian supplies; dealer in bees 
and queens, Hartford ; commenced in the bee business in 1856; was the first to introduce the Italian 
bees into this part of the country ; has had as many as 9u0 swarms at a time; in the past year h»t 500 
swarms, the season having been generally disastrous to bees; he is now restocking rapidly. In 188(1, he 
built a steam factory for the manufacture of bee-hives and apiarian supplies. He was born in Norfolk, 
England, in 1*:; 1. and, in the fall of the following year, came with his parents to the United States ; made 
their home in < Iswego Co., X. Y., till 1845, then moved to the town of Rubicon, Dodge Co . Wis., where 
Mr. C. continued to reside till 1861, when he moved to Hart'brd ; lived in this place fur years; then re- 
turned to Rubicon. He was married, April 30, 1868, at Hartford, to Miss Mary Bowen, daughter of 
George Bowen. Mrs. Crowfoot was born in Erie. X. V. They have an adopted child, a daughter, named 
Stella. Mr. Crowfoot returned to Hartford in the spring of 1880, and engaged in the manufacture of 
apiarian supplies. 

JOH X C. DEXISOX, of the firm of Wheelock, Denison & Co.. Hartford; is the son of Dan- 
iel and Susan Cunningham) Denison, and was bom Aug. 7. 1832, in Hampton. Windham Co., Conn.; 
spent hi- early years on a farm; when 16 years of age, he began teaching school ; he newt took a business 
course in the Leicester Academy. In the fall of 1854, he went to Beardstown, 111., where he spent the 
winter in teaching school ; spent the following summer in Bloomingdale, and, in the fall of IS.")."), came 
to Hartford and engaged as hook-keeper with the firm of Wheelock, Kneeland & Co.; in 1857, he was 

taken into the firm as a partner, and the firm name changed to Wl luck. Denison & Co. Mr. Denison 

was married, at Neosho, Dodge Co., i.ug, 10, 1859, to Miss Eliza Goodenough, daughter of Aaron and 
Cynthia ( Durbon) Goodenough. Mrs. Denison was born in Darien, Genesee ^'< . X. V.. Aug. 10, 1840. 
They have had three children — Aliee was born June 6, 1864. and died Oct. 16, 1867 ; Carrie was born 
April 8, 1870 : Johnnie. Aug. 6, 1878. 

CHARLES DltEIIEIt. cigar manufacturer, Hartford; he is the son of Dennis and Cath- 
arine Wintle Dreher; was born in Milwaukee March il. L859; when B years of age, came to Washing- 
ton Co., village of Fillmore, and. when 14 years old, began learning the trade of cigar-maker with his 
brothers and continued in their employ till June. 1880, when he came to Hartford and commenced in his 
present business. He was married, Oct. 12, 1880, at Belgium, Ozaukee Co., to Miss Marinana Hubing, 
daughter of Lnton and Christiana Hubing. Mrs. Dreher was born in Ozaukee Co. 

THOMAS EWIBTG, farmer and proprietor of saw-mill, Sec. 21 ; P.O. Hartford: settled in 
the county in the spring of 1 V I7; he is the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Fenstamaker) Ewing; was 
born in Trumbull Co., Ohio (now Mahoning Co.), April 22, 1827; in the spring of 1847. he came to 
Vt isconsin in company with Mr. William Shannon now a resident of Ohio), and made his home in Town 
Hi north, Range IS east i now Hartford i. For about ten years after coming to this place, he worked at hi- 
trade; then, in company with Mr. O. C. Bissell, he purchased the saw-mill situated on the Rubicon 3 
21, ol doel F Wilson. E. R. Nelson and George C. Rossman; the new proprietors rebuilt and improved 
the mill in 1858, and. in 1862, Mr. Ewing bought out Mr. Bissell and has since continue. I the bus 
alone. The mill is what is known as circular saw-mill, is run by water-power, and. when in good repair, 
cut- 6,000 feet of hardwood lumber running ten hours; he next bought a farm, situated on Sees. 21 and 
1- ; has at this writing 135 acres. He was married, at Milwaukee, in the fall of 1868, to Miss Eunice 
Towle, daughter of Simon Towle; they have one son — A. O. Ewing. Mr. Ewing's nephew, Mr. Charles 
I Boley, has been brought up by him, having been an inmate of the family about fifteen years. Mr. 

is oi P the genial, whole-souled pioneers of the West, the representative of a type that is now 

only occasionally met with in this section of the country. 

Ill l!i;i( K A. FOItllKS. .1 ust ice of t lie Peace, United States Pension Agent and attor- 
ney at law. Hartford; is the sun of John and Lydia ( Sheridan i Forbes ; was born in Onondaga Co \ 
5T., Aug. 24, 1838; his father died while he was an infant; when s yean old, May. lsio, he came to 
W'i-eoiisin with hi- mother and brothers and settled in the town of Scott. Sheboygan Co. ; after receiving 
the rudiments of his education in the common schools at home, he went to Madison and took a four years 
scientific course at the State University, from 1S56 to 1*60, inclusive; he went south in the sprite: of 



HARTFORD. 581 

1860, and was engaged in teaching in Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi; when the war broke out, he was 
given the choice of being hung or joining the confederate army ; of the two evils, he chose the latter, as 
it afforded better chances of escape; while in this service, he participated in the engagements of Boone- 
ville, Wilson's Creek and Carthage; during the latter battle, he made his escape to the North, riding his 
horse through to his home in Sheboygan Co. ; he then assisted in raising Co. I, 1st W. V. I., in which he 
enlisted in September, 1861 ; he was mustered in on the re-organization of that regiment after the expira- 
tion of its three months' service ; he held the rank of Second Sergeant of his company ; at the battle of 
Perry ville, Oct. S, 1S62, he received a gunshot wound, which shattered his left leg, near the ankle; he 
received an honorable discharge the following March, and returned to his home ; he soon after was 
appointed United States Claim Agent, and acted in that capacity for several years; in the fall of 1863, he 
was elected County Superintendent of Schools of Sheboygan Co., and served one term of two years ; was 
Town Clerk of Lyndon seven years, and Justice of the Peace from 1865 to 1871; served as Chairman of 
the town of Lyndon in 1871 ; on the completion of the Milwaukee & Northern Railroad into Sheboygan 
Co., he was appointed station ageut at Waldo Station, which position he held one and a half years ; hav- 
ing devoted considerable attention to the study of law, he pursued his studies in the law office of Judge 
William Williams, of Sheboygan Palls, and was admitted to the bar in Sheboygan Co. in November, 1874 ; 
was engaged in the practice of his profession in Sheboygan Co. till 1875, when he moved to Hartford; he 
was elected Justice of the Peace in the spring of 1881, for the town of Hartford. He was married, Dec. 
27, 1864, in the town of Ashippun, Dodge Co., to Miss Mariette Sanford, daughter of George and Eliza 
(Kollock) Sanford. Mrs. Forbes was born in Pewaukee; they have four children — Frank S., Ira L., 
Herbert A. and May. 

ADA. II FREY' & CO.. dealers in general merchandise, grain and farm produce, Hartford ; 
business established in 1S71 ; average stock, $14,000; have an elevator capacity of 5.000 bushels of 
grain; handle annually about 100,000 bushels of grain; this firm has a large and Well-stocked store. 

Adam Fret, the senior partner of the above firm, is a native of Rhine, Bavaria; is the son of 
Adam and Catharine (Goettmann % ) Frey, and was born Feb. 4, 1842 ; came to the United States in 1857, 
and made his home in the town of Hartford, Washington Co., on a farm on Section 11 ; he carried on the 
farm three years, and then moved to the village of Hartford, and, in company with Mr. Frederick Goetz, 
engaged in his present business (1871). He was married, at Waupun, Sept. 4, 1870, to Miss Christine 
Spannagel, daughter of August Spannagel. Mrs. Frey was born in the town of Hartford, of which her 
father was an early settler ; they have five children — Amelia, John A., Martha C., Henriette and 
William L. 

MICHAEL GEEHL, Sr., farmer, Sec. 4 ; P. O. St. Lawrence ; has 146 acres of land. Mr. 
Geehle was born in Luxemburg, Germany May 22, 1839 ; is the son of Mathias and Margaret Geehl ; he 
came to America in 1846, with his father, and located on the land where he now lives. He was married, 
Nov. 11, 1861, in the town of Hartford, to Miss Theressa Nertzinger, daughter of Peter Nertzinger ; she is 
also a native of Luxemburg. They have seven children living — Mathias, Peter, Nicholas, John, Jacob, 
Mary and Anna; they have lost two — Catharine and Joseph. Mr. Geehl has been a member of the 
Board of Supervisors of the town of Hartford three terms, and is now serving the fourth term. His 
father, aged 70 years, resides with him in the enjoyment of a comfortable old age. 

LEONARD OEHL, merchant and hotel-keeper, St. Lawrence; commenced business in the 
hotel and saloon in May, 1S79, and in November, 1880, started a general store ; he is the son of Nicholas 
and Susan Gehl ; was born in the town of Hartford Dec. 12, 1847 ; he was brought up on a farm. Was 
married, Oct. 4, 1870, in Hartford, to Miss Anna Krebs, daughter of John Krebs; they have had 
six children ; the eldest, Nicholas, died in infaucy ; Phillip, Mary, Jacob, Mathias and Adam ; his father, 
Nicholas Gehl, was one of the pioneers of Hartford, having settled in this town in 1845 ; he is a native of 
Luxemburg. 

WILLIAM 4jrEOROE, editor and publisher of the Washington County Republican; was 
born in Rutunev, N. H., June 22, 1840; when a mere child, moved with his parents to Lowell, Mass, 
where he resided till 1857, receiving his education in the schools of that city ; came to Waukesha in 
1857, where he received his first tuition in the printer's art in the Democrat office ; was there six months ; 
next engaged in the Waukesha Freeman office, where he remained till 1861 ; then removed to Milwaukee 
and engaged in the office of the Milwaukee Sentinel ; after serving four months, he enlisted in the 5th 
W. V. I., Co. B ; served with honor during the following three years, participating in all the engage- 
ments in which his regiment was engaged ; took part in the Peninsular campaign under McClellan ; at the 
battle of the Wilderness, under Grant, May, 1864, he was wounded on the second day's fight, and was 



582 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

permanently disabled ; received an honorable discharge, and returned to Milwaukee and entered the office 
of the Evening Wisconsin as a compositor, where he remained till 1874 ; came to West Bend in that year 
and bought into the West Bend Republican, ultimately becoming its largest shareholder; in July. 1876, 
he moved the office to Hartford and changed its name to the Washington County Republican, ami has 
continued its publication to this date ; this is the only Republican paper of the county, and lias won the 
confidence of the party. He was married, Jan. 1, 1867, to Mary M. Barnes, of Brookfield, Wis. ; they 
have two living children — Bertie, aa:ed 9, and Rollin, aged 7. 

I ItOJHItH JK GOETZ, of the firm of Adam Prey & Co., Hartford; son of Charles and 
Julia | Huebner Goetz : was born in Saxe Coburg Feb. 2. 1841; came to America in May, lS'iti: 
stopped in Brooklyn, X. Y., one and a half years; then came to Milwaukee, where he remained a short 
time, and then came to the town of Polk, Washington Co.; lived a few years on a farm in this town: then 
bought a farm near Pike Lake: was back and forth between New York and Wisconsin several years ; was 
engaged some time in New York in the manufacture of sand paper; in May. 1869, he moved to Hartford 
Village, and in company with his brother, John P., he engaged in the hotel business two years. March 8, 
1871. he was married at Hartford to Miss Henrietta lirauso, daughter of Fred Brause : they have live 
children — Agnes, Frederick, Adolph, Ida and George. Mr. Goetz entered into partnership with Mr. 
Frey in his present business in 1871. He is the present Chief of the Fire Department. 

JOIIX I'. <»OFTZ. proprietor of the Wisconsin House. Hartford, which he has kept thirteen 
years: is a native of Saxe-Coburg. Germany, and the bod of Charles and Juliana (Huebner) Goetz; was 
born Dec. 17, 1S35, and came to America in 1853 : made his home in Brooklyn, N. V., till 1861, when 
in- to tin town of Hartford and settled mi a (arm: continued there till June, 1369, when he en- 
gaged in bis present business. lie was married, -Ian. 21, 1867, at Hartford, t.> Miss Agnes Liver, daughter 
of Casper and Anna Liver: Mrs. Goetz was born in Switzerland; they have five children— Charles 
W., Frederick, Casper H.. John A. and A. Arthur; the daughter is the youngest, and i> called Hedwig 
June. 

JULIUS l\ <«OUUD, farmer. See. 17; 1". (). Hartford ; has 68 acres of land : settled in the 
county in 1861 ; was born in Cayuga Co., -V V., April 1'.), 1835; is the sun of Cyrus and Hannah 
(Browni Gould: cane' to Wisconsin with his father in 1845; settled in Waukesha Co., where they re- 
mained till 1848, when they moved to the town of Rubicon. Dodge Co. The subject of this -ketch was 
married at Hartford, Sept. 1. 1861, to Mrs. Lydia M. Rossman, daughter of John and Sally Mowry, and 
widow of George C. Rossman; she was born in Cayuga Co., X. Y ; three children were born of her first 
marriagl — Electa, Georgie, and one lost; six children have been born of the present marriage, of whom 
three are living — Julia. <" lied when L' years of age , Fred (died when 8 years .,1.1 . Mary. Inez 

.who died whet, 1 years of age . John. Mr. Could enlisted in the fall of 1862, in Co. [,29th W. V I. 
was appointed Orderly Sergeant of his company; at tie- battle of Champion Hills. May 16, 1863, be re- 
ceived a gunshot wound, causing permanent disability: he was detailed on recruiting service, and reci 
an honorable discharge, Oct. 19, 1864 ; on returning from the army, be resumed work on his farm, where 
he has continued to reside to this da 

JOIIX <bKI'XI>. fame r. s. c. 30; P.O. Hartford ; is the son of Joseph and Ann Grund, and was 
born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, .lime 8, 1825; he came to America in 1855, and t « . Wisconsin. 
making a temporary home in Milwaukee. Be was married in this city in October, 1855, to Miss Mary Raetz, 

daughter of Joseph Raetz. In January, 1856, he moved to 'lie villi f Hartford; here he learned the 

ma-. .n's trade, ami worked at it several years. If enlisted in 1863 in the 34th W. V. I., and served 

months; re-enlisted in April, 1865, in ('... B, 52d W. V. 1., and served six months. In 1866, be 

im.ved to a farm on See. 30, where be resided till 1874, when he i to bis present home. Mr. and 

Mrs. Grund have had three children — John, Josephine who died when 18 yeai .ml Mary, lie 

ha- 130 acres 

ADOIMMI IIAIIX. dealer in pumps, and steam and gas pipe fitter, Hartford: business 

ished in 1879; is also a member of the firm of Habn & Rollath, artesian and stock well drillers: 
business established March, l v -l ; Mr Halm is a native of Nassau, Germany; is the son ,,f John and 
Katharine Ruf 11.1m ; was bom June 16, 1848; in March, 1868, be came '■• America and located in 
the village of Haiti. .id; he had learned the cabinet maker's trad.- before leaving the old country; on 

ing this place he engaged in thai work, but in less than a year be met with an accident by 
which I.. 1.,-t all the upper portion of his hit hand, saving the thumb; he tl ingaged in clerking in a 

and followed that about two and a hall year.-; he was next engagedinthe lumber business live 
li, tl.., i ,, pencil a variety .-tore, which be k.|,t three years, during which time he had established 

tin' pump hii-iie -- ; -iie-e closing out the -tor... be ha- deVOti d hi- attention to the latter business and to 



HARTFORD. 583 

well-drilling; during the year 1877, he spent several months in Europe. Has been Town Clerk of Hart- 
ford three years. 

DAVID M. HARTER, farmer, Sec. IS; P. 0. Hartford; the son of Lawrence and Maria 
Harter, and was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., April 11, 1842; he came to Wisconsin with his parents 
when not quite 2 years of age ; was brought up on a farm in the town of Hartford, and enlisted Feb. 22, 
1864, in Co. C, 29th W. V. I., and served till the close of the war. He was married at Hartford, Feb. 
28, 1807. to Miss Amanda Nelson, daughter of George Nelson, and a native of Wisconsin ; they have 
three children — George L., Edwin J. and Adveian. Since 1864, Mr. Harter has made his home on 
Sec. 18. 

LAWRENCE HARTER, farmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Hartford; has l^O acres of land in 
Washington Co., and 200 in Waupaca; Mr. Harter was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 24, 1817 ; is 
the son of Lawrence and Maria Harter. He was married, July 3, 1837, to Miss Maria Bartlett, daughter 
of John Bartlett ; they have two sons — David M., married to Miss Amanda Nelson, and residing in the 
town of Hartford; Charles H., married to Louisa Orcutt, and residing in Waupaca Co. Mr. Harter and 
family came to Wisconsin in 1843; spent four years in Milwaukee, and then moved to the town of Her- 
man. Dodge Co., where they resided till 1865. when they moved to Hartford. 

PATRICK HAYES, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Hartford; is the son of Redmond and Bridget 
Hayes. He was born in Galway Co., Ireland, April 13, 1S12. He emigrated to America in 1837, and 
located in Orange Co., N. Y. The following year, he returned to Ireland, and, in 1840, came to the 
United States again ; spent several months in Orange Co., N. Y., and then went to Georgia, where he 
remained till the following April, when he returned to New York. He next went to Massachusetts, 
Berkshire Co., where he spent nearly seven years, returning then to New York. He was in the employ 
of Prum, Ray & Co., iron manufacturers, having charge of the coal department in several places. In 
1849, he came to Wisconsin, and settled on Sec. 32, town of Hartford, where he resided till August, 1874, 
when he moved to his present farm, still retaining the old one. He was married, April 23, 1848, in 
Columbia Co., N. Y., to Miss Winnefred Bohan, daughter of Joseph Bohan. She is a native of Ireland, 
Seven children were born to them — the eldest, Patrick, died when 13 years of age, Adelia, Gilbert (died 
when nearly S years of age), Dennis, William, James aud Eliza. He has 200 acres of land. 

PETER HEIPP, harness-maker and saddler, Hartford. This business was established by 
Mr. Fred Hildebrandt (deceased), in 1S65, who carried it on alone till February, 1879, when he took Mr. 
Peter Heipp as a partner. Mr. Hildebrandt died April 18, 1881, since which time the business has been 
carried on by Mr. Heipp for himself and the heirs of Mr. Hildebrandt. Average stock carried, $1,200. 
The subject of this sketch is a native of Prussia ; is the son of Franz and Margaret (Fuchs) Heipp, and 
was born March 10, 1850; came to America with his parents in 1854, and located in the town of Jack- 
son, Washington Co.; learned his trade at West Bend with Charles Hildebrandt; went from there to 
Green Bay, and worked a short time ; came to Hartford in July, 1S70, and worked with Mr. Luce ; also 
worked awhile in Escanaba, Mich., and several other places, till February, 1879, when he entered into 
partnership with Mr. Hildebrandt in his present business. He was married, Dec. 6, 1877, at Fillmore, 
Washington Co., to Lucy Dreher, daughter of Deunis Dreher. Mrs. Heipp was born in Bavaria.. They 
have one son — Phillip. In May, 1881, Mr. Heipp. in company with Mr. Unglub, took the agency of the 
following insurance companies: The Concordia, of Milwaukee; German, of Freeport, 111., and Herman 
Mutual, of Dodge Co., Wis. 

•lOHN T. HELD, farmer, See. 3(3; P. O. Schleisingerville ; was born in Prussia July 29, 
1841 ; is the son of Michael and Matilda Held; came to America with his parents in 1845, and settled in 
the town of Brighton, Kenosha Co. ; lived there eleven years, and then m jved to Black River Falls, and 
from there to the town of Hartford in 1865. He was married, Feb. 26, 1866, in the town of Hartford, 
to Miss Mary Heppe, daughter of Frank Heppe. She was born in Prussia. They have had six children 
— the eldest, Frank, was drowned when 8 years of age;- the five others are living — Lizzie, Henry, Mary, 
Joseph and Frank. Mr. Held has resided on his present farm since 1865. He has 160 acres of land. 

HERMAN HILDEKRAXDT. station agent and telegraph operator, Hartford Station. C, 
M. & St. Paul R. R.; has heW the appointment since April, 1875 ; was born in Prussia May 20, 1848 . 
son of Peter and Johanna Hildebrandt; came to America with his parents when 2 years of age. The 
family located in the town of Polk, Washington Co.; after a residence there of ten years, they moved to 
Jackson Co., Kan.; five years were spent on a farm in that State; then Mr. H. returned to Wisconsin, and 
made his home at Hartford ; here he learned harness-making with a brother, working at the business three 
years. In 1868, he began learning telegraphing, and, in 1869, went to Iron Ridge, where he was employed 
as operator six months at the depot; from there he went to Woodland aud was in the employ of the C, M. 



584 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

& St. P. R. R., at that place about five years. April, 1875, he was assigned to his present position at 
Hartford. He was married at Woodland in the fall of 1869, to Miss Henriette Schultz, daughter of Chris 
iSchultz. Mrs. Hildebrandt was born in the town of Hubbard. Dodge Co.; they have three children — Ida, 
Henry and Edwin. 

JOHX HOLLEXSTEIX, baker and confectioner, Hartford; business established in the 
spring of 1872; is a native of Switzerland; is the son of John and Mary C. Hollenstein, and was born 
Nov. 3, 1840 ; learned his trade in his native country, and was married in May, 1861, to Mary Rapin, 
Mrs. Hollenstein died in 1S62, leaving one daughter, Lena. Mr. Hollenstein was married again, in 1863, 
to Miss Louisa Doman; two children were born of this marriage — Louisa and John. In the fall of 1871, 
they emigrated to the United States, coming directly to Hartford. Mr. Hollenstein engaged in his pres- 
ent business soon after and has continued it to this writing. 

L(M IS F. IKH./. tinsmith, Hartford; son of Leopold and Frederiea Holz ; was born Sept. 

30, 1854, in the city of Milwaukee ; his parents were from Northern Prussia, and came to America in 
1852, making their home in Milwaukee, where they continue 1 to reside till 1878, when they moved to 
Cottonwood Falls, Kan. The subject of this sketch learned the tinner's trade in Milwaukee, beginning 
when 14 years of age with Mr. William Frankfurth, continuing with him three years. He then 
went to work with Messrs Peterman & Stredy, of the same city ; remained in the employ of this firm two 
years, and then, in 1873, came to Hartford and engaged in the tin-shop of J. M. Le Count A; Co.; worked 
for these parties two years ; then established himself in the tin and hardware business in Hartford ; two 
months later he formed a partnership with Mr. J. G. Liver, in the same line ; continued this connection three 
and a half years. During the latter part of this term they built the substantial brick block now occupied 
by Stark & Liver. March 8, 1881, he sold out to Stark & Liver, and went West ; spent several months 
traveling through Kausas. Colorado and New Mexico. On his return to Hartford about the 1st of June, 
he commenced work in the tin-shop of Stark & Liver. He was married, at Milwaukee, Jan. 21, 1877, to 
Mis- Hannah Koepka, daughter of Fred Koepka. Mrs. Holz was born in Milwaukee; they have two 
children — Malley and Lei F. 

JOHX II I' ELS, retired merchant and brewer, Hartford ; was born in Bavaria, Germany. Ma\ 

31, 1825; is the son of Joseph and Margarette (Faeh) Huels; came to the United States in July, L847, 
and direct to the town of Herman, Dodge Co. He was married in this town in 1847, to Miss Barbara 
Oerhl, daughter of Nicholas Oerhl. Mrs. Huels was born in Germany. Mr. Huels was engaged in farm- 
ing in the town of Herman twenty-four years. During this time, he built a brewery 1850 i, and a store 
in I*5s, ai a point called Huelsburg; continued the brewing business "11 1865 when he sold out, and tar- 
ried on the store and farm till 1*71 when he sold that property and came to Hartford; here he bought 
the Hartford Brewery and ran it two years; then traded the brewery for what is known as the Gaspar 
property, and a year later retired from business. Purine; the war, he was enrolling officer for the town 
of Herman; was Chairman of that town one year, and Treasurer two years. 

A. J. Ill' EIjS, dealer in groceries and provisions. Hartford : business established in June, 1881 ; 
a large refrigerating room is connected with the store for the handling of butter and perishable produce ; 
Mr. Huels is the son oi Samuel and Margarette Huels, and was born in Huelsburg, Dodge Co Sept. 5, 

1856; his parents eame to America from Bavaria, Germany, and settled in the town of Herman. Dodge 
Co., al an early day. The village of Huelsburg was named alter hi- father and uncle. Mr. Huels was 
married in his native town, June 22. 1880, to Miss Carrie Mueller, daughter of Mai bias Mueller. Mr. H. 
lived on his farm about a year after his marriage, ami then came to Hartford and engaged in bis present 
business. 

I>\\ H.ll I J.4.CKSOX, of the firm of Wheelook, Denison & Co., merchants, Hartford; is 
the son of. I. ('. and Lucj I Denison i Jackson ; was born in Hampton. Windham Co.. Conn., Nov. 4, 1S.'!7. 
Ai the expiration of bis school days, he engaged as clerk in a mercantile bouse in his native town, and con- 
tinued that occupation till April, 1>.">7. when he oame to Wisconsin, and engag 1 as clerk with the linn of 
Wheelock & Denison, merchants; continued with this firm as clerk till March, 1863, when he was admit- 
ted as a partner, and the firm name was changed to Wheelook, Denison \ Co. The house is more lolly 
described in the business history of the town. On the breaking-out of the late war. Mr. Jackson was 
among the first to respond to the call for three-months' in n. lie enlisted in April. 1861, in Co B. 1st 
W V I served live months and received his discharge; his business interests requiring his attention, he 
was obliged to forego bis intention of re-enlistiog till the spring of 1865, when he received a commission 
as 1st Lieutenant of Co B 5 2d W. V. [., and served till the close of the war. lie was married in Buf- 
falo, N. ST., Jan. 26, 1875, to Mi-- Helen M. Rogers daughter of Moses and Adeline (Bailey) Rogers, 
Mi- Jackson was bom in Guildhall, Vt. 



HARTFORD. 585 

JAMES O. KENDALL., of the firm of J. 0. Kendall & Co., millers, Hartford, was born in 
the town of Ashby, Middlesex Co., Mass., Jan. 4, 1821. Is the son of Joseph and Mary (Haynes) Ken- 
dall. On reaching manhood (1842), Mr. Kendall engaged in the manufacture of lumber, tubs and pails 
in his native town. He was married, Sept. 21, 1843, to Miss Phebe H. Denny, daughter of Joseph and 
Phebe (Henshaw) Denny. Mrs. Kendall was born in Leicester, Mass. Mr. Kendall continued his busi- 
ness at Ashby till the fall of 1856, when he came to Hartlord. Here he spent a few years working as a 
millwright, and, in the fall of 1800, he bought an interest in the Hartford mill property, includiug the 
water-power, flouring-mill and saw-mill, the firm name being J. 0. Kendall & Co. Iu 1873, the com- 
pany built the extensive brick flouring-mill known as the Hartford Mills, and which are described elsewhere 
under the head of manufactories; the firm handles about 130,000 bushels of grain annually. Mis. Ken- 
dall died July 22, 1877. She was the mother of four children — Flora H., was the wife of William H. 
Babcock, and died Oct. 10, 1876 ; Henriette, now Mrs. John Arthur, of Hartford ; Edward H., married 
to Miss Kate Arthur, also residents of Hartford ; Abbott D., died iu childhood. Mr. Kendall was mar- 
ried, in the town of Scott, Sheboygan Co., Oct. 22, 1878, to Mrs. Maggie J. Sprague. daughter of Jacob 
Herman, of Scott. 

RISSEL S. K1VBELAND, conveyancer and agent for the Northwestern Life Insurance 
Company; also agent for Washington, Waukesha and Dodge Cos., for the Monumental Bronze Company, 
of Bridgeport, Conn., and the Detroit Bronze Company, Hartford. Was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., 
March 10, 1810; is the son of Isaac and Philomela (Robinson) Kneelaud. At the age of 3 years, he 
moved with his parents to Connecticut, where they spent two years, and then moved to Shalerville, Ohio. 
In 1835, he went to Illinois, where he spent six months as teacher at Jacksonville, and a year as merchant's 
clerk at Pekin. From there he went to St. Louis, Mo., and engaged as steamboat clerk on the Upper 
Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. After five years of steamboating, he established himself at St. Louis as 
clerk in a flouring-mill. While steamboating he had visited Wisconsin, and was married, Sept. 25, 1838, 
at Prairieville, now Waukesha, to Miss Electa Rossman, daughter of James W. and Irene Rossmau. Mrs. 
Kueeland was born in West Haven, Vt. In the fall of 1846, Mr. Kueeland, on closing his engagement with 
the milling company, came to Waukesha, where he engaged with his brother, F. C, in the mercantile bus- 
iness. This connection lasted only six mouths, when he came to Hartford, April, 1847, and formed a 
partnership with Mr. Hiram H. Wheeloek in the general mercantile business, under the firm name of 
Wheelock & Kneeland. Suon after the organization of the firm, Mr. Ira H. Wheeloek and Mr. Nathan 
Parker were admitted, and the firm name changed to Wheelock, Kneeland & Co. About 1854, they pur- 
chased a half interest in the water-power and saw-mill and the old grist-mill, on the construction of the La 
Crosse & Milwaukee Railway. Mr. Kneeland was elected one of the Directors of the company, and, in 
1855, was appointed wood agent. In 1856, he withdrew from the firm of Wheelock, Kneeland & Co., and 
e mtiuued to ac: as agent for trie railroad company till 1857, when he was called upon to settle the estates 
of C. W. Rossman; and, in 1850, settled the estate of George C. Rossman. Mrs. Kueeland died Nov. 28, 
1848, leaving two children. The eldest, Clara Irene, is now Mrs. A. D. Parker, of Fond du Lac; the 
youngest, Cliarles R., was married to Kedia Sayles, and resides at Lamberton, Redwood Co., Minn. Mr. 
Kneeland was married, Nov. 23, 1S49, to Miss Olive K. Harrington daughter of Aaron and Esther Har- 
rington. Mrs. K. was boru in Winason, Vt. Four children were born to them--Eva E. ; Russel S., 
married to Jenuie L Sackett, and is station agent at St. Peter, Minn. ; Edna O., now residing iu B >ston ; 
and Fred H., living at Fond du Lac. Mr. Kneeland was Chairman of Hartford in 1849 ; was also Town 
Treasurer and Town Clerk several terms ; was actively engaged several years in the collection and settle- 
ment of soldier claims; has served as Justice of the Peace ten years; was enrolling officer in 1864; and, 
in 1870, was appointed Deputy United States Marshal to take the census iu the towns of Hartford, Eric 
and Polk. Has also done considerable conveyancing and collecting, and attended to the settlement of es- 
tates while a member of the firm of Wheelock, Kueeland & Co. From 1850 to 1855, was a member of 
the firm of N. Parker & Co., and engaged extensively in the manufacture of peariash. 

DR. AXDREtV K.UTU, physician and surgeon, Hartford; son of John and Theresa Kuth; 
was born in Baden, Germany, Nov. 30, 1843. He is a graduate of the Eclectic Medical School of Bern, 
Switzerland. Came to America in 1870, and direct to Milwaukee, where he entered upon the practice of 
his profession. He was married, in that city, Oct. 8, 1878, to Miss Anna Sehuh. They have one child — 
Joseph A. R. The D ictor came to Hartford and established himself in pra -tiee iu May, 1881. 

IjUDWICJ LiAUBEXSTEISi', dealer in general merchandise, Hartford ; business established 
in the spring of 1867. Mr. Laubenstien has a large and well stocked store in his line. He is the sou of George 
and Margarette Laubenstien; was born in Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 24, 1831. Came to America iu 1853, 
and direct to Milwaukee. Making a short stay in that city, he proceeded to Hartford on a prospecting 



586 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

tour; remaining a short time, he returned to Milwaukee and remained nine months, and then returned to 
Hartford. Here he engaged in the store of Wheelock, Kneeland & Co. i .July 10, 1S54 i, and continued in 
the employ of that house about thirteen years under its different changes. In the spring of 1867, he com- 
menced for himself as a dealer in general merchandise, and lias continued the business to this date. He 
was married, at Hartford. I>ee. 0. 1850. to Miss Catharine Endlich, daughter of John H. Endlich. Mrs. 
L. was born in Bavaria, Germany. They have had six children, of whom only three are living — Louisa 
L. (deceased i, Amelia (deceased), Julia, Adolph, Catharine, and Louise (deceased.) 

PHILIP LAUX, Justice of the Peace and Court Commissioner, Hartford ; is a native of Hesse- 
Darmstadt, Germany ; is the son of Balthassar and Maria i Neithinger) Laun ; was born Feb. 2, 1815 ; 
was married, in his native country, in 1850, to Miss Maria Ruf, and, in 1851, emigrated to the United 
States. The four years succeeding his arrival in this country he spent in the city of New York ; he theu 
came to Milwaukee, where he remained omfy a short time, and came to Hartford in 1S55. where he has 
since made his home. He was the first to open a barber-shop in the village of Hartford, and continued 
the business eighteen years. In 185S and 1859, he served as Deputy Sheriff: for several years, he acted 
as Interpreter in the Circuit and County Courts; about 1870, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and 
has held the office continuously since to this writing; he was appointed Court Commissioner, and is now 
serving his third term in that office. Mr. Laun lias onl)' one child, a son, named Henry, who is married 
and resides in Missouri. On the organization of the Hartford Honk ami Ladder Company, Mr. Laun was 
one of the charter members. 

WILLIAM J. LE COl ] \T, Postmaster, and dealer in farm machinery. Hartford; Beetled in 
the county in 1855 ; he is the son of John H. and Esther 'Smith) Lo Coun., and was born in Greene 
Co., N, Y . May 29, 1833 ; when 4 years old, moved with his family to Wayne Co., Mich.; lived there 
nine years, and then moved to Bristol. Trumbull Co., Ohio : after three years spent in that county, they 
removed to Crawford Co.. and from there to Wisconsin in November, L849, and settled in the town of 
LeRoy. Dodge Co.; in 1853, he went to Fond du Lac. where he learned the tinner's trade; in 1855, lie 
came to Hartford and worked one year as journeyman tinsmith ; he then opened a hardware store, in com- 
pany with his brother, C. Le Count; in the lall of 1801, leaving his brother in charge of the business, be 
enlisted in Co. E, 10th W. V. I. (Army of the Cumberland); served ten months, and was discharged lor 
disability . on bis return from the army, he resumed his position in the store: on April 12. 1865, he re- 
enlisted in Co. B, 52d W. V. I.; was made Orderly Serjeant. 1 served till the close of the war; was 

mustered out in August, 1865, at Leavenworth. Kan. He was married, at Fond du Lac. Feb. — . 1866, 
to Miss Nellie Fowler, daughter of Samuel Fowler. Mrs. Le Count was born in Pennsylvania; they have 
five children — Wallace, Sarah. Frederick, Georgie. and I ne daughter unnamed. Mr. Le Count sen 
Deputy Dnited States Marshal from 1871 to 1877; he was then appointed Postmaster. 

.1. .11. LFi COIIXT, Justice of the Peace, real estate and loan agent. Hartford ; 18 a native of 
Lyons, Wayne Co., X- ST., and the son of John II. and Bather Smith i Le Count — or Le Compt e as the 
name »a- Bpelled by the grandfather, who was one of the Huguenot refugees from Frame who settled in 
Dutchess Co.. N. Y., and was a soldier of the Revolution of 1770. Mr. Le Count's father, John 11. 

was a Boldiet in the war of 1KIU J. M. was born Sept, 1. 1835 ; when 2 years of age, went with his 

parents to Wayne Co., Mich., where they lived nine years ; they then moved to Bristol. Trumbull Co.. 
Ohio, where they lived three years : they next moved to Crawford Co., Ohio, where thej continued to re- 
side till November, 1849, when they came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of LeRoy, H"i 
Young Le Count spent his early years on a farm, receiving his education in the district schools ami at the 
academj at Pond du Lac; in L855, be came to Hartford and learned the tinner's trade, and. in ls.">7. 1>. 
gan bu~inc>s iii the hardware line, with his brother, W. J., in Hartford ; closed up in 1859, and wi 
Horicon, where he -pent one summer; he next went to Sohleisingerville and carried on the hardware bus- 
iness two years; then returned to Hartford and engaged with bis brother as tinner. In September, 1861, 

be ueni tn EEuStisford and opened a hardware store, which he carried on successfully nine years; lie then 
returned t,, Hartford and bought out his brothers, who were in the same line; lie built a brick block, in 

which be carried on the hardware business till 1878, when he sold mil ; be was Justice "f the Peace and 
Superintendent of Schools of the town of Polk in 1859 ; has held the office of Justice in 1 1 art ford twelve 

years, was Census Enu rator of Hartford in L880, and holds a Commission as Hinted States Marshal, 

and also that of Notary Public. He \\.i> married, -Ian I. 1858, at Hartford, to Miss S phia Pritchard, 

daughter of C. P Pritchard, who was born in Cook Co . III.: they have four children — Louis L.. married 

io Alice Dean, residing in Hartford; Ettie, now Mrs. Louis Genzmer, of Hartford ; Belle and Prank M. 

Mr Le Count has achieved quite a reputation as a poet ; among bis si popular productions, which have 

quite extensively copied by the \\ . stern press, may be mentioned " Decoration Hay. ' " God s v . 



HARTFORD. 587 

"Butte des Morts,'' "The Suicide," " Farewell to the Wine Cup," " There is Joy in Our House,'' and 
" The Hermit of Holy Hill." 

JOHN €r. EIVER, of the firm of Stark & Liver, merchants; was born in Switzerland May 
25, 1854 ; son of Anton and Clara (Wauzan) Liver. When not <|uite 14 years of age, he started out 
alone to seek his fortune in the New World ; arriving in the United States in 1868, he came directly to 
Washington Co., and made his home for a few years on a farm with an uncle, near Schleisingerville, where 
he attended school ; at the end of three years, he came to Hartford and engaged as clerk with Adam Frey 
& Co.; was in their employ about six years; then, in 1877. he started in the hardware business at Hart- 
ford for himself, and continued that till May, 1880, when he formed the existing partnership with Mr. 
Adam Stark. Mr. Liver was married, at Hartford, Jan. 26, 1881, to Miss Lena Coerper; daughter of 
Mr. Chris Coerper. 

MARTI1V IjOOS, Jr., harness-maker, Hartford ; was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, 
Aug. 27, 1835 : is the son of Martin and Phoebe (Becker") Loos; came to America with his parents in 1847, 
and located in the town of Polk, Washington Co.; about 1S53, he went to Joliet, 111., where he learned the 
harness-maker's trade ; spending four years in that State, he returned to Hartford, Wisconsin and worked 
with his brother, and afterward bought him out (I860), and has continued the business to this date. He 
was married, in January, 1860, at Hartford, to Miss Julia Laubenstein, daughter of George and Margaret 
Laubenstein ; they have four children — Louisa L.. George L., Amelia and Julia. Mrs. Loos died in Au- 
gust, 1869. Mr. Loos has served as Deputy Sheriff of Washington Co. sixteen years, and Treasurer of 
the town of Hartford several terms. In April, 1870. he was married to Miss Matilda Seltenheim ; they 
hav'e two children — Josephine and Arthur. Mr. Loos is the owner of several tracts of land, on which he 
is engaged in farming. 

Martin Loos, Sr. (deceased), was born in Hesse-Darmstadt (then a province of France) Dec. 27, 
1790; served seven years as a soldier under Napoleon the First, during which time he participated in 
some of the most brilliant military achievements recorded in history. He was married in his native coun- 
try to Miss Phebe Becker ; there ware five sons and three daughters born to them, all of whom are living 
but the eldest. In 1847, Mr. Loos and family came to America, and located on Government land in the 
town of Polk, Washington Co. Here, in the wilds of a new country, he and his sons built a house of 
logs, which they cut and carried on their backs to the building site. Mr. Loos continued to reside on his 
farm till the time of his death, which occurred Dec. 11, 1855. 

C. H. MELCHER, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Hartford ; has 48 acres of land ; he was born in 
Hanover Jan. 27, 1823 ; is the son of Nicholas and Julia Melcber. In 1845, he emigrated to the United 
States, and made his home in Greene Co., N. Y., near Prattsville ; remained at this place some seven 
years, and then removed to Ulster Co., where he lived two years, and then moved to the town of Rubicon, 
Dodge Co.. 1853; here he had a farm of 120 acres, on which he resided till 1874, when he moved to 
his present home in Hartford ; while residing in Rubicon, he served several years as clerk of the school 
district in which he lived. Mr. Melcber was married in his native country in 1844, to Miss Maria 
Von Sundern, by whom he had one child — Clara, who died in infancy; Mrs. Melcher died in 1846. 
Mr. Melcher was married in the fall of 1847 to Miss Sophia Homing, daughter of Louis and Anna 
(Bauer) Horning; she is a native of Baden, Germany; they have had eight children; the eldest, Mary 
Ann, was the wife of Giles Wilcox, and died at the age of 28 years ; Henry C. is married to Kittie Par- 
sons, and lives at Oeonomowoc ; Augustus 8. married Mary Misner, and lives iu Oregon ; Walter S. mar- 
ried Kittie Root, and resides iu the town of Hartford; Emma lives at home; Charles died at the age of 
15 years; John died in infancy; Cora, aged 11 years, is at home. 

JOIIX MORAN, retired farmer ; P. 0. Hartford ; has resided in the county since 1850 ; he is 
the son of George and Mary Moran ; was born in Ireland June 24, 1821 ; came to America with his parents 
in 1831 ; they made their home iu Upper Canada till 1837, when they moved to Niagara Co., N. Y.; con- 
tinued to reside in New York till 1850, when they moved] to Wisconsin, reaching Milwaukee Sept. 13; 
moving directly to Washington Co., they located on a tract of 120 acres, lying iu the east part of Sec. 23, 
town of West Bend. Mr. Moran's father died April 14, 1865. The following year, 1866, Mr. Moras 
sold the farm, and Oct. 10 of that year came to Hartford, where he has since resided. He had one 
brother and one sister; the sister, whose name was Ellen, died in Canada at the age of six years ; his 
brother, named William, is a resident of St. Louis, Mo. Mr. M. has been a member of the Board of 
Supervisors of Hartford two terms. He is now employed in the transfer of the mails at Hartford. 

SA1IIEL A. MO WRY, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. O. Hartford ; has 120 acres; was born in the 
town of Hartford, Washington Co., Aug. 1, 1856 ; is the son of John and Sally (Churchill) Mowry. He 
received a common-school education, and in the winter of 1875 went to Mitchell Co.. Iowa, where he 



588 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

remained two years ; he then returned to Hartford, and with the exception of a short time spent in the 
pineries, he has resided here to this date. He was married in the town of Ruhieon, Dodge Co., Nov. 9, 
1 879, to Miss Dora Ruedi. daughter of Stephen Ruedi ; they have one child, a daughter, named Madge. 
Mr. Mowry's family was among the very earliest settlers in the town of Washington, they having settled 
on See. 24, as early as Nov. 2, 1842. They were from Cayuga Co., N. Y. ; his father was a miller as well 
as farmer, and helped put in the machinery in the Rossman Mill at Hartford, and was the first miller in 
the town. He had a family of nine children; the eldest, Betsey, was the wife of Charles Phillips, and 
died in 1858; nest was Lydi;i, the wife of J. Gould; her death occurred in 1871); Harrison is a resident 
of Clark Co.; Azuba is bow Mrs. John Hamilton, of Hartford ; John was a soldier of the late war, and 
died from disease while in the service; he was a member of the 100-day regiment, and was also a member 
of Co. K, 35th W. V. I. Zeeta is now Mrs. Albert Welch, and is a resident of Clark Co.; Dora was 
Mrs. Nelson Haner, and died in August, 1877 ; Samuel A., a farmer of Hartford ; and Helen, now Mrs. 
Truman Seeley. of Osaiie, Iowa. 

JOHN H. \A\SCAWEJf, Hartford, son of Caleb and Grace (Hawkins) Nanscawen; was 
born in the city of Plymouth, Devonshire, Eng., April 17, 1812; came to America with his parents in 
L819, landing at Newport. R. [., July 4; remained in that city only a few weeks, then went to the town 
of Killingly, Windham Co., Conn. Mr. N. remained with his parents till 1838, when he went to Provi- 
dence and engaged as merchant's clerk ; was married in that city, Dec. 24, 1838, to Miss Lydia Carpenter, 
daughter of John R. Carpenter. In the fall of 1841. Mr. Nanscawen and family came to Wisconsin and 
settled on a farm in the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., where they continued to reside till 1846, 
when they moved to the town of Hartford, Washington Co. ; here Mr. N. was engaged in farming three 
years ; he then moved to the village and entered the service of Wheelock, Kneeland & Co., merchants, 
as clerk, in which capacity he acted for eight consecutive years. He. then, in company with a Mr. Truax, 
engaged in the meat business ; continued this business two years, and then (1859) opened a drug store. 
which In' continued till the close of the war, when he sold out to his eldest son. Lloyd. Mr. and Mrs. 
Xan-eawen had four children; the eldest Lloyd V.. was born in Pewaukee May 27, 184:; ; he enlisted 
Sept. 27. 1862, in Company I. 29th W. V. I.; was promoted to a Second Lieutenancy of Company B, 
43d W. V. I., Aug. 10, 1864, and to a First Lieutenancy same company and regiment; was with his 

c pany and regiment in all engagements participated in by them till the close of the war. He was 

Postmaster of Hartford from 1865 to 1868. Was married to Miss Belle Van Loan at Hartford, and went 
i California about 1877, where he is engaged in the drug business at Visalia, Tulare Co. The second 
son, William, was married to Miss Belle Mcintosh, and is station agent at Waseca, Minn. The daughter, 
Adilia. is now Mrs. Frank Rieker. of Milwaukee. The youngest son, Reginald, married Miss Myrtie Le 
Count. Sept. 17, 1878, daughter of Mr. Caleb Le Count. Mr. R, Nanscawen is a member of the drug 
firm of Nanscawen Brothers. Hartford, which business he entered in 1877. Mr. John II Nanscawen has 
held the office of town Clerk of Hartford several terms. He has been a lifelong member of the Episcopal 
Church, and in polities is an earnest Republican. 

TOIUAS X FJI KB. ASS, furniture dealer and manufacturer, Hartford. The furniture busi- 
ness was begun in 1866, and the factory in 1868; commenced manufacturing coffins in the spring of 
1*75. The business was conducted by Mr. Nehrbass alone till March, 1881, when he took in Fred 
rlreisser as partner. A 12-horse-power engine is use, I. and six men employed; about §8,0110 worth of 
stock is manufactured annually. Mr. Nehrbass is the son of Christian and Elizabeth Nehrbass; was 

born in Hesse-Darmstadt. Germany, May 14. 1*41 ; came to America in 1855, made his home in the 
town of Seotl, Sheboygan Co., where he lived one year; then moved to West Bend, where he learned the 
Cabinet-maker's trade, working three years; he then spent several years in traveling and working in vari- 
ous cities as a journeyman. He was married Nov.!!, 186,'!, at Hartford, to Miss Sabina Sehroeder. 
daughter of John and Sophia Sehrocder. Mr-. Nehrbass was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany. 
They have three children — Tobias. Herman and Eva. 

' IIOX. J. C. PIjAC'K, dealer in live stock, Hartford: was born in Fulton Co., X. V.. Jan. 1, 

l> the son of Jacob and Sarah I Lovelace) Place; when 19 year- of age, he moved to Waukesha 

County, and. iii Ma\. 1*17, went to Green Bay ami engaged in the manufacture of lumber. He soon 

after met with an accident by Coming in contact with a saw in motion, by which he lost his left hand. 
He then returned to lii~ old home in the Baal and attended the Kingsbury Academy at Johnstown. He 
returned to Wankeshn in I -50, and to Hanford in 1S63, lure he engaged in the manufacture of gloves 
and dealing iti live stock. In I s7'.(, he was elected to the Wisconsin Legislature lor the First District of 
Washington County, and served one term. He has also held various town offices. He was married in 
iber, 1848, in Fulton Co., N, V., to Miss B. B. Kstna. Seven children were born to them, six of 



HARTFORD. . 589 

whom are living; the eldest, Emma, is now Mrs. H. Baringer, of Dodge County; Mary is the wife of 
S. M. Wiley, of Dunn County ; Kate is Mrs. S. C. Hosterman, of Hartford ; Elizabeth, the wife of 
Frank Hart, of Wausau ; Ida and Ettie ; Hattie died when 6 years of age. 

FRITZ PRIEN, blacksmith, Hartford; was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, Jan. 27, 1829; 
learned his trade in bis native country, working at it six years. He was married, April 28, 1841, to Anna 
Pierstorf, daughter of Andrew and Mary Pierstorf, who was born in Mecklenburg. He came to America 
immediately after his marriage in 1841, and made his home in Albany, N. Y., nearly two years ; then 
moved to Milwaukee; remained only a short time and then went to Middletou, Dane Co., where he bought 
some land ; spent the nest four years on a farm ; then returned to Milwaukee and was foreman for Jacob 
and John Eaglehoff, blacksmiths; continued with this firm three years; May 6, 1857, he moved to Hart- 
ford and opened a blacksmith-shop, where, by steady industry and economy, and the assistance of his 
wife, he soon accumulated a snug fortune, when his shop was burned with the contents, causing a loss of 
$5,00(1, on which there was no insurance ; a new shop was built, a new start made with a prospect of good 
fortune. Mr. Prieu has lost seventeen children out of nineteen. The children were named as follows: 
Eliza M., William, Frederick, George. Emma, Andrew, Augusta, Henry, Rudolph, Helena, Ferdinand 
and Julius; seven died unnamed ; of those named, only Frederick and Julius are living. May 12, 1873, 
Mrs. Prien received a stroke of paralysis from which she has never fully recovered. Mr. Prien has served 
two terms as Supervisor of the town of Hartford. 

J. ROSSJIAX RICE, of the firm of Rowell >V Co., manufacturers of plows and cultivators, 
Hartford; is the son of John H. and Susan (Rossmau) Rice; was born in Sharon, Ohio, June IS, ]S42; 
when 15 years of age, he came to Hartford and began the study of medicine with his brother John A., 
he was educated in the common schools and at Oberlin College, Ohio ; iu I860, he went to California and 
where he remained four years, during which time he was in the employ of the firm of Briggs & Haskell, 
fruitgrowers, proprietors of the largest orchards in the world; during the last two years of his connection 
with these parties he was superintendent of the orchards; he returned to Hartford in 1865, and, shortly 
afterward, bought an interest in the plow and cultivator works of Rowell & Co. (lSG6),and has continued 
that connection to this writing ; at the time of his buying into the establishment, the business was con- 
ducted on a small scale; the machinery was run by a two-horse tread-power, the annual products amount 
ing tn only §4,700 ; the factory is now run by a 30-horsu-power engine, and the yearly business has been 
worked up to §28,(10(1 ; a full description of the works is given under the head of " Industries of Hart- 
ford." Mr. Rice was married, April 22. 1869, to Miss Mary E. Watson,_ daughter of John and Mary 
Watson, of Ohio, then residing at Hartford, Wis. Two sons were born to them — Ralph aud Roy. Mr. 
Rice is one of the most active and enterprising men of Hartford. 

DR. S. J. RAXDAEE, homoeopathic physician, Hartford; sun of Samuel and Nancy ( Hall) 
Randall ; was born in the city of Fond du Lac ; received his education in the schools of that plice ; iu 
1873, took a course of lectures in the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, and in the Pulte .Medical 
College, of Ohio, from which be graduated in March, 1874, and received bis diploma. In 1S76, he came 
to Hartford and entered upon the practice of his profession; he has appliances forgiving elect rjc. sulphur. 
medicated and Turkish baths, at his bathing parlors. He was married, at Fond du Lac. Oct. 1, 1873, to 
Miss Cornelia Brown, daughter of William and Mary Brown. 

JOHN A. REIK, cheese manufacturer, Sec. 8 ; P. O. Hartford; manufactures about fifty 
thousand pounds of standard American cheese annually ; this business was established in 1874, by Mun- 
son Wilson ; was afterward operated by bis brother, S. J. Wilson, and Hiram Worden, and purchased by 
ttie present proprietor iu 1878, and has been conducted by him since. Mr. Reik is the son of Michael and 
Catharine Reik, and was born in the town of Herman, Dodge Co.; was brought up on a farm, and, in 
L878, learned his present business. His father, Michael Reik, deceased, was born in Wittenburg, Ger- 
many, April (!, 1824; came to America in 1848 and settled in Dodge Co., town of Herman. He was 
married, Sept. 16, 1851, in Greenfield, Milwaukee Co., to Miss Catharine Steiner, daughter of John 
Steiner. Mrs. Reik was born in Wittenburg, Germany ; they had seven children ; the eldest, Christine, 
is now Mrs. John Schauer, of Iowa; David, John A., Michael, Jacob, Mary and Simon. Mr. Beik con- 
tinued his residence in Herman until he removed to Hartford. His death occurred May 11, 1878. 

E. M. ROCwERS, 31. D., Hartford; son of Daniel and Huldali (Farmer) Rogers; he was 
born in Windham, Bradford Co., Penn., Jan. 14, 1831 ; when lie was 3 years of age the family moved 
across the State line into the town of Owego, N. Y., where he spent his early years on a farm, receiving 
bis education in the district school and the academy of Owego ; he devoted some time to teaching, and, in 
1853. commenced reading with Dr. Phelps, of Owego; continued his studies at this place two years, and, 
in 1855 and 1850, be took a course at the Michigan State University it Ann Arbor. In 1856, he came 



590 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

to Washington Co., and located at Boltonville and began the practice of medicine ; he remained in Bolton- 
ville one year, then went to Cascade, Sheboygan Co., where lie continued to practice till 1860. when he 
went to New York City and took a regular course of lectures at the Medical College of the University of 
New Fork, and received his diploma. He then returned to Cascade and resumed practice. He was mar- 
riril. in the town of Farmington, Washington Co., Nov. 13, 1861, to Miss Harriet L. Hazleton, daughter 
of Squire and Catharine Hazleton. Mrs. Rogers was born in Madison Co., N. Y. February, 1862, the 
1 1 ictor received a commission as Assistant Surgeon to the 1-th W. V. I. ; after six months' service, was 
promoted to Surgeon of the same regiment, and served till the close of the war ; during his service he was 
appointed one of the three operating surgeons of the Fourth Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps of 
the Armv of Tennessee, to whom all capital operations were intrusted. During his entire service he was 
never sick or disqualified for duty a single day. On his return from the army, in 1365, lie established him- 
self at Hartford, where he has continued in practice of his profession to this date. In politics, he is a stal- 
wart Republican; he was a Delegate to the Republican National Convention that nominated James A. 
Garfield, and was one of the first of the Wisconsin Delegates to favor that nomination. His family consists 
of the wile and two children — Frederick, aged 19 years, and Lena, ased 11 years. 

GAD \V. ROOT, farmer. See. 20; P. 0. Hartford ; has 60 acres of land ; settled in the 
c mnty in 1846 : is the son of Alonzo and Susan (Streator) Root, and was born in Portage Co., Ohio, 
Aug. 1. 1*27. The parents were natives of New England, who had migrated to Ohio in an early day. 
Remaining in his native county till 1846. he then came to Wisconsin, and. in the fall of that year, engaged 
as teacher for the school district, consisting of the whole of Town 111 north. Binge 18 east, now Hartford ; 
he hid about twenty-six pupils, and boarded around, some of his boarding-places being three miles distant 
from the schoolhouse, which was situated on the present site of Dean s Block ; the building was constructed 
of logs; this was the second term of school taught in the town. Mr. Hoot's predecessor beiuu Richard 
Rumril, who taught the first school in the township. Mr. Root remained in this neighborhood about a 
year, then spent some years in various counties of the State. He returned to Ohio and was married in 
Portage Oo . S spt. 5, I 355, to Miss Clara G ie, daughter of Peter (lee. Mrs. Root was born in Palmyra, 
Portage Co . Ohio. After his marriage, he came with his wife to the town of Rubicon, Dodge Co., mak- 
ing their home near the town line between Rubicon and Hartford; continued to reside on that farru from 
1856 to I860, when they sold oul and went to Waukesha, where they lived two years, then returned and 
bought back the old place in Rubicon ; made that their home till 1866. when they sold out and moved to 
1 1 at t ford and established themselves on their present farm. They have three children, two daughters and 
a son; the eldest, Clara, is now Mrs. Walter Melcher, of the town of Hartford; Harriet and Worthy are 
at home. Mr. Root has served several years as Justice of the Peace, and has Berved five years in succes- 
sion as Assessor of the town of Hartford. 

A. I>. ROM MM,, of the firm of Rowell & Co., Hartford, is the son of Ira and Maria Rowell ; 
was born. Jan. 6, 1 839 ; came to Wisconsin, with his parents, before he was a year old ; the family settled 
on a farm in Waukesha Co.; young Howell grew up to manh 1 on the farm. and. in 1*67, came to Hart- 
ford, and bought an interest in the plow and cultivator works of Howell & Co., since which time he has 

made bis borne in Hartford, and continued his i nection with this business He was married. Feb. 28, 

1876 in Waukesha Co., to Miss llattie Thompson, daughter of Smith Thompson. They have one son, 
Guy. 

I'L ii. KOW I' 1. 1,, of the firm of Rowell & Co., Hartford. i> the son of Ira and Maria Howell; 
was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., June 22, lSlil ; moved to Waukesha, with his parents, in 1839 J when 
21 years of age, he went to Indiana, and remained two vears; then returned to Waukesha Co., and eu- 
gaged in business with bis lather. In 1862, he moved to Hartford, ami iii 1861 bought into the plow 
manufacturing business of Howell & Co., and lias continued this connection to this date. He was married 
in the 'own of Hartford. June 12. 1858, to Miss Jam/ Rice, daughter of John H. and Susan Hicc Mrs 

Howell was born in Ohio. They ha\ tie child, a daughter, named Frankie, aged 15 years. 

MOV II. W . SAW YEtt, attorney al law and County Judge elect, Hartford; is the son of 
Hiram and Barbara A Wilson*) Sawyer; was born in Haverhill, Grafton Co., N. IL, June 11, 1^1.'!. his 
parents being als tives of New Hampshire. In 1846, when only 3 years of age, he came, with his 

its to Wisconsin. The family located on a farm in the town of Burnett, Dodge Co., which the father 
had entered or purchased of the Government the year previous (1845). II. W. received his education in 

tl mmon schools, and al the Beaver Dam University; he commenced the study of law in the office of 

Lewis <V Fribert, of Juneau, and subsequently pursued his studies in the office of E. P. Smith, of Beaver 

Dam; be was admitted to practice in the Circuit Court of Dodge Co. in January. ISoT, and SI after to 

the Supreme Court of Wisconsin. In November, 1867, he established himself in practice at Hartford 



HARTFORD. 591 

He was married at Hartford, Sept. 28, 1870, to Miss Josephine B. Coxe, daughter of Judge Hopewell 
and Amelia Coxe. Mrs. Sawyer was born in Hartford ; they have four children — Elmo W., H. Arthur, 
Elsie A. and Hattie. The Judge has 680 acres of land lying partly in Michigan and partly in Wiscon- 
sin. He was elected a member of the Wisconsin Legislature in 1873 and 1874, and was elected Judge of 
the County Court of Washington Co. in the spring of 1881, for the term beginning Jan. 1, 1882. 

JOSEPH SCHWARTZ, farmer. Sec. 19; P.O. Hartford; has a farm of 224 acres ; is a 
native of Prussia, the son of Peter and Anna Schwartz, and was born Nov. 9, 1838. He came to 
America, with his parents, in 1S54, and directly to Wisconsin ; located on Sec. 16, town of Hartford; he 
enlisted at the first call for troops, in the late war, April, 1861, Co. C, 1st W. V. I.; served the term of 
his enlistment; then returned home and resumed farming till 1864, August, when he re-enlisted for one 
year, Co. G, 45th W. V. I., and served till the close of the war. He was married, June 25, 1873, at St. 
Lawrence, to Miss Anna Sell, daughter of John Sell. Mrs. Schwartz was born in the town of Addison ; 
they have had five children, of whom four are living — John, Peter, Barbara (died when 14 years of age). 
Mary and Joseph. Mr. Schwartz moved to his present farm in 1877. 

S. M. SEEIjEY, of the firm of Rowell & Co., manufacturers of plows and cultivators, Hart- 
ford, is the son of Smith and Mehitable (White) Seeley ; he was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan. 18, 
1831 ; came to Hartford in the fall of 1857; worked at carpenter and machine work till 1862, when he 
engaged with Mr. L. F. Rowell in the manufacture of plows, under the firm name of Rowell & Co., con- 
tinuing this business till the spring of 1864; he sold out to J. C. Place and E. G. Rowell; in 1864, he 
built a foundry in company with Thomas Ewing ; continued this connection only a year and a half, when 
he sold out, and bought a quarter interest in the plow works, since which time he has continued a member 
of the'firm of Rowell & Co. Mr. Seeley was married at Syracuse, N. Y., July 8, 1852, to Miss Olive J. 
Ward, daughter of Spencer B. and Mary Ward. Mrs. Seeley was born in Madison Co., N. Y. ; they have 
three children — Ida A., now Mrs. W. L. Amidon, of Hartford ; Edward A. and William J. Mr. Seeley 
is an active member of the temperance organization of Hartford, and is foreman of the fire engine com- 
pany. 

XICHOLAS SIMON, retired farmer, Hartford; son of John and Christina Simon, was 
born in Lorraine, France, now Prussia, Nov. 5, 1814; came to America in 1840; made his 
home in the town of Collins, Erie Co., N. Y., three years; in 1843, came to Washington Co., and located 
on Sec. 14, Town 10, Range 18, now Hartford, which he pre-empted, and held till 1844, when he 
sold it and moved to Sec. 21, where he purchased 40 acres of the Government ; in 1846, he can(e to the 
village of Hartford and opened a saloon ; in 1848, he sold the farm to his father, and continued the saloon 
business till 1851, when he sold out and purchased a farm of 91 acres on Sec. 16, of this town ; in 1870, he 
sold out and moved to the village, where he has since resided. Mr. Simon was married, at Milwaukee, Nov. 
2S, 1S44, to Miss Mary Rehberg, daughter of John Rehberg. Mrs. Simon was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, 
Germany. They have had eight children ; the eldest, Jacob, was born Aug. 5, 1846, being the first Ger- 
man boy born iu the town. He married Josephine Rohmer, and is a resident of Hartford ; the second, 
Adeline, is now Mrs. John Wagner, of New London ; Mary, now Mrs. Jacob Lex, of Hartford ; Jose- 
phine, now Mrs. Fred Freiberger, of New London ; John; Laura was the wife of Edward Ruhmer; her 
death occurred at the age of 21 years; Anna died when 4 years of age; the youngest, Katie, is at home. 
Mr. Simon has served as Treasurer of the town of Hartford one year, and as Supervisor two years ; he is 
now the oldest resident pioneer of Hartford ; he and James Rossman brought the first team across the 
Rubicon, in Hartford, and Mr. Simon chopped the first tree on the village site. 

JACOB H. SIMON, saloon ; is the son of Nicholas and Mary (Rehburg) Simon ; was born 
in Hartford Aug. 5, 1S46 ; learned the wagon maker's trade, at which he worked until 1863, when he 
enlisted in Co. C, 17th W. V. I., and served under Gen. Sherman ; was with his company and regiment 
in all engagements participated in by them till the close of the war ; on his return from the army, he went 
to the State of New York, and worked at his trade in Erie Co. about three years. He was married in 
that county, Aug. 5, 1871, to Miss Josephine Rohmer, daughter of Joseph Rohmer. He then returned 
to Hartford and engaged in the wagon and carriage making business; continued in this line until the fall 
of 1873, when he lost his right arm near the wrist, by a premature discharge of a cannon while firing a 
salute in honor of the success of the Democratic State ticket, at the election of that fall ; being incapaci- 
tated for mechanical work, he then engaged in the sale of sewing machines with Mat Regoer, of West 
Bend, which business he contiuued about two years; he next engaged in traveling as a dealer in Yankee 
Notions; in the fall of 1878, he entered upon his present business; he was elected Town Treasurer of 
Hartford, and was re-elected four successive terms ; is the present incumbent. Mr. and Mrs. Simon have 
■a family of four children — Anna, Edward. Melonea and Josephine. 



592 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

JOHN SIMON, former, Sec. 21 ; P.O. Hartford; has 99 acres of land ; he is a native of 
Loraine, I lermany ; he is the son of John and Christine Simon, and was born Jan. 1, 1826 ; he emigrated 
to America in 1840 ; made his home in the town of Collins, Erie Co., N. Y., where he remained about 
eight years ; in February, 1848, he moved to Wisconsin, and settled in the wilds of the town of Hartford. 
near the village of Hartford; he was engaged in farmiiiL' : has served as Chairman of the town of Hart- 
ford sis years, four of which were in succession. He was married in the town of West Bend, Sept. 14, 
185'. to Mi~ Elizabeth Weber, daughter of Jacob Weber. Mrs. Simon was born in Lorraine, Germany. 
They have had nine children, seven of whom are living — the oldest, John ; Peter is married to Gertrude 
Scheidinger, is a blacksmith by trade and lives in Dakota; Catharine died in childhood: Frank ; Nicho- 
las ; Stephen died in childhood; Jacob, Mathias and Joseph. 

HARYFiY SMITH, of the firm of H. Smith & Co., stave manufacturers. Hartford; was born 
in Oswego Co., N. IT., Sept. 27, 1816; he learned the cooper's trade in his native State, and in 1840 went 
to Chicago, remaining there until the following spring; he went to Racine and opened a cooper-shop, 
which he carried on for ten years. He was married at Racine, March 9, 1843, to Miss Hannah F. Carl v. 
daughter of James .1 . Carley. Mrs. Smith was born in the State of New York. In 1851, Mr. Smith 
moved to Portage City and engaged in the coopering business; in 1864, he came to Hartford to construct 
and take charge of a stave-factory for Wells ,y Co.; was employed in this business til] 1X74. when he, in 
company with Martin Medberry and S. H. Seaman, of Milwaukee, became a proprietor of the factory under 
the firm name of II. Smith & Co.; the business has been conducted under the management of Mr. Smith 
to this date. Mrs. Smith died He. 19, 1 863, leaving two childreu — Emma, now Mrs. E. L. Zimmerman. 
of Hartford, and Sarah, now Mrs. J. M. Lawson, of Portage. 

CHAKLKS SMITH, Assistant 1'ostniaster, Hartford; son of Charles and Louisa Smith* was 
horn in Hatfield. Mass., Feb. 14 1826; remained in his native town till lii years of age, then moved with 
his parents to the western part of the State ,,f X,. w York ; lived there one and a half years, and then came 
to Wisconsin in June, 1843; located in Wawatosa. Milwaukee Co.; was married in New Berlin, Jan. 12, 
1848. to Miss Irene A. Ewer, daughter of Daniel and Freelove Ewer. Mrs. Smith was horn in the State of 
New York, and came to Wisconsin with her parents in ISMS. Mr. Smith moved to the town of Hart 
ford Washington Co., in 1851; has been engaged in farming and the insurance business ; he served as 
Supervisor of Hartford one year, Treasurer one term, and Justice of the Peace two terms; since 1879, 
has been Assistant Postmaster of Hartford Mr. and Mrs. Smith were blessed with eight children, of 
whom onjly three arc living — Charles H. was born Oct. 18, 1848, and married June 11, 1873, to Amy 

A. Ellis, of Granville, he lost his wife, and was married again dan 26, 1881, to Miss Lizzie Meacher; 

Dorsey was horn Sept. 13, 1850; George D. was born Aug. 22, 1853, and died Aug. 26, 1854; infant 
son horn and lost November, 1855; Ellen Irene, horn April 27. 1858, died Aug, is. I860; Elmer, born 
May 25, 1861, and died Oct. 29, 1864; infant son horn and lost Aug. 1. 1865; Fannie Estea was born 
April 22. 1869. 

EMIli SPIEGELBERG, druggist, Hartford; business established in 1875 by Mr. 0. II. 
Pehland, who was accidentally poisoned Oct. 16, 1876; in November, Mr. Spiegelberg bought the stock, 
and has since carried on the business. Mr. S. was horn in Wateitown Sept. 7. 1858; is the son of John 
and Fredericke Spiegelberg ; his parents came to Wisconsin from German} in 1850; he was eduoab 

v schools of Watertown ; learned the drop business with Mr. Fehland in Hustisford, and came with 
him to Hartford in April. 1875 ; continued with him as clerk till shortly before his death, and afterward 

bought the -l"ek. He was married in Milwaukee. April 19, 1880, to Mary Labuwi, daughter of Jacob 
GoetZ, and the widow of frank Labuwi ; she was the mother of one son, by her first marriage, named 
''hath- One child has been horn of the second marriage -Martha. 

\liK\A\l)Klt .1. ST ACE Y, proprietor livery and boarding stable, Hartford; was bom in 

Co \ Y. Sept. li. 1 S: 1 1 ; is the s f .1 ohn and Susan ( Burk ) Stacey ; the father was a native , ,f 

England, and the mother of Vermont; in the fall of 1856, Mr. S. came to Wisconsin, and located in 
Rubicon, Dodge Co tree engaged in the lumber business two years, then came to 'Hartford and spent one 
year in the same business; next went to Fond dn Lac. where be was engaged in the lumber business two 

years, he then returned to l>od<_ro (',,., where he had a farm of 40 acres; he added to it until he had 225 

acres, s| > .ore- of which he owns at this writing ; j M 1879. he returned to Hartford and opened his livery 
and l rding stables. He was married in April, 1853, in Esses Co., N. Y.. to Lydia A. Hathaway, 

dauuht. r of William Hathaway ; I hey have had ten children, eight of whom are I i vine — the oldest, Frank- 
lin, is married to Hattie Waterman, and resides in Elkhorn ; Emily is now Mrs Eollian; Horn; Edp li 
married to Melissa Amidon, and lives in Dodge Co.; Myra is now Mrs. George Cellar, of Dakota; 
Jo8< , hiiie. Adelbert and Nellie E. are the living; two died in childhood 



HARTFORD. 593 

ADAM STARK, of the firm of Stark & Liver, merchants, Hartford; was born in Hesse- 
Darmstadt, Germany, Feb. 9. 1852; son of John and Gertrude (Grehl) Stark. He came to America in 
1864 with his parents, and settled in the town of Richfield, Washington Co. Shortly after his arrival, he 
went to Milwaukee, and entered the service of Phillip Riehl as clerk in his store ; he remained with Mr. 
Riehl about three years, and then went to Schleisingerville, and engaged as clerk with Mr. L. Rosenhei- 
mer. Feb. 21, 1874, he was married, at that place, to Miss Barbara Rosenheimer, daughter of L. and 
Barbara ( Herbst ) Rosenheimer. Mrs. Stark was born in Schleisingerville, Wis. They have four chil- 
dren — Clara, Alma, Lena and one daughter unnamed. Mr. Stark continued with Mr. Rosenheimer till 
the fall of 1879, when he came to Hartford May 10, 1880, and formed the existing partnership with Mr. 
Liver. 

H. B. TAYLOR, proprietor of livery and boarding stables, Hartford ; is the son of Erastus and 
Polly (Webster) Taylor, and was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, Aug. 22, 1S28. The parents were Massa- 
chusetts people, who moved to Ohio in 18 IS. Mr. Taylor learned the painter's trade, and, when 22 years 
of age, went to Bluffton, Wells Cj., Ind., where he engaged in the wagon-making business. He was mar- 
ried, at Jackson, Ohio, Sept. 19, 1850, to Miss Sarah Ormsby, 'daughter of Alexander and Nancy Ormsby. 
They have one child — Adah N. In 1856, Mr. Taylor moved to Horicon, where he worked two years as a 
journeyman in a carriage-shop. In 1858. he came to Hartford and engaged in the carriage business. In 
1865, he started a livery stable, and, in 1867, closed out his carriage business and devoted his attention to 
the livery business. In 1878, he moved his livery to Hartland, Waukesha Co., but, not finding the busi- 
ness a success after one year's experience, he returned to Hartford and re-opened his stables. 

THOMAS TRAVERS, farmer, Sec. 20; P. 0. Hartford; has 100 acres lying partly in 
three sections ; residence, village ; settled in the county in 1847 ; he is the son of Bryan and Bridget ( Mc- 
Dermot) Travers ; is a native of Ireland, and was born Feb. 1, 1817. He came to America in 1845, and 
located in Erie Co., X. Y., where he spent two years ; and, in 1847, he came to Washington Co. and set- 
tled on Sec 22. He was married, in the town of Erin, Jan. 26, 1856, to Miss Eliza Cooney, daughter of 
Richard and Mary Cooney. Mrs. Traverse was born in Ireland. Eight children were born to them — 
Hattie, now Mrs. Andrew O. Bryain. of Milwaukee ; Frank, Sarah, Louisa, Robert, Annie and Nellie ; 
one died in childhood. Mr. Travers moved to his present location in 1852. He was Supervisor of Hart- 
ford in 1858 and 1859. 

GEORGE UEBELE, deceased; was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, January, 1829. He 
came to America in 1853. ami made bis home in New Jersey. He was married, in Philadelphia, to Mi>s 
Wilhelmine Koehnlein ; four children were born to them, of whom two are living — -Mary and George, 
Wilhelmine and one unnamed were twins and died in childhood. Mrs. Uebele died in 1857. Mr. Uebele 
was married, in 1858, at West Bend, to Rosina Koebler, who was born in Germany. They had seven 
children, of whom only one is living. Their names in order were John, Fred, Sarah. Emma, Jacob, Will- 
iam and Rosa. Fred, the only surviving one, was born in West Bend April 6, 1861, and now lives with 
his mother and carries on the farm of 12(1 acres. In 1856, Mr. Uebele had moved to West Bend (town), 
where he lived eleven years, and then moved to Sec. 19, town of Hartford, where he died Jan. 22, 1872. 
F. H. UTHMEIER, printer; foreman of the office of the Washington County Republican: 
Hartford. Is the son of Herman and Minnie Uthmeier; was born in the town of Barton, Washington 
Co., May 10, 1860. Learned his trade in the office of the West Bend Republican, under William George. 
On the removal of the office to Hartford, he ca,me with Mr. George to this place, where the paper was 
issued under the name of the Washington County Republican. He was given the foremanship of the 
office in 1877, and has held that position since. Mr. Uthmeier's father, Herman Uthmeier, was a native 
of Germany, and came to America in 1854, and settled on a farm in the town of Barton, Washington Co 
Having learned the miller'^ trade in the old country, he engaged in that capacity in the Barton Mills, and, 
subsequently, in the mills at Young America. He enlisted in 1863, in Co. I, 45th W. V. I., and lost his 
life in the service, in the fall of 1864, while on duty. He left a wife and five children — three sons and 
two daughters. The family are at this writing residents of West Bend. 

M. E. WILLIAMS, foreman of the tailoring department at Wheelock, Denison & Co.'s. Has 
been with this firm fourteen Tears. Mr. Williams was born in the town of Gaines, Orleans Co., N. Y., 
June 13, 1820 : learned the tailor's trade in Ridgeway. in his native county ; came to West Bend in 1858, 
and engaged in tailoring and farming; continued this business till 1867, when he sold out and moved to 
Hartford, and engaged with Wheelock, Denison & Co., as cutter and foreman in their tailoring depart- 
ment ; has been in the employ of this firm fourteen years. He was married, in Wayne Co., N. Y., Aug. 
12, 1852, to Miss Fannie E. Parker, daughter of Peter Parker. They have had four children ; the eldest, 



594 BIOGRAPmCAL SKETCHES: 

a daughter, is the wife of I >r. A. M. Benson, < p t* Rio; the second, Ida, died in childhood ; two others died 
in infancy unnamed. 

FK.4XK P. WILMOT, fire insurance agent, proprietor of circulating library, and dealer in 
books, Hartford; settled in the County in IS J.") ; is the son of Francis and Catharine ( Hammer > Wilmot; 
was born in the city of New York Oct. 1(5, 1833. When 7 years of age, he moved with his parents to 
Wisconsin, and, after spending a few months in the city of Milwaukee, moved to Town lit, Range 18, now 
Hartford, then a part of Milwaukee County. He received a common-school education, and began travel- 
ing through Wisconsin in the nursery business. Next engaged in the fire insurance, and, about 1876, 
engaged in the book agency business, which he has continued till this writing, having established a circu- 
lating library in connection with the latter business. He was married, Nov. 20, 1869, in the town of 
Plymouth, Sheboygan Co., to Miss E. L. Wright, daughter of E. F. Wright They have two children — 
Wilmot W. and Frank Beatrice. In 1870, he moved to the villas'' of Hartford, where he has since re- 
sided. His parents are still living on the old farm. His father, now aged 85, was born in France, and 
served many years as a soldier under Napoli I. and participated in the battle of Waterloo. 

HOW. JOEL F. WILSOX (deceased) was the son of Erastus and Theodora (Noble: Wil- 
son, of Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y.; he was born at Rupert, Bennington Co.. Yt., Feb. IS, 1801 ; he 
received a common-school education, and learned the trade uf a carpenter and millwright, which he fol- 
lowed for many years. He married Miss Electa Munson, daughter of ('apt. John Munson. a Revolutionary 
soldier, at Hebron, N. Y., April 8. 1824. He came to the then Territory of Wisconsin with bis lamily of 
three sons and -one daughter one married daughter remaining behind), and settled in Prairieville (now 
Waukesha i. in 1844 ; in the spring of lsf."i, In- removed to Hartford, at that time an unbroken wilder- 
ness from Reck River to Lake Michigan, over a road that few teams had before passed, the last six miles 
being made by following the route designated by blazed trees; at that time, there were not a dozen fami- 
lies in the town, and but one in what is now the village of Hartford. He was engaged by James and 
Cl arles Rossman to build a saw-mill, which be completed in the fall ot 1st") ; the same fall, he purchased 
the mill-site east of Hartford, then known as the Mallory lot, and forming a partnership with B. R. Nel- 
Bon, :i first-class millwright, built a saw-mill at that place. He was elected as a member of the first Con- 
Stitutional Convention, ami served in that body on the committee on the act of Congress tor the admission 
of tbe State; though not acting any distinguished part in the deliberations, be was regarded as a useful 
working member of that body; be also Berved as Chairman of tbe County Board, as Justice of the 
Peace, and held many other offices of honor and trust; he continued a resident ot Hartford till tbe time 
of bis death, which occurred Nov. i".t. 1 Still. During the earlier years of his life in Hartford, he made 

II' extremely useful to tbe incoming settlers, who availed themselves ot' bis skill and experience in se- 
lecting their lauds, laying out their roads and building their dwellings; as a magistrate, he was above all 
low trickery, was just and conciliatory, seeking to allay all ill feeling among bis neighbors, ami to avoid all 
litigation between them; in bis intercourse with bis fellow-men he was courteous, kind and gentlemanly. 
and ever ready to give the right band of fellowship even to an enemy ; in private life he was a good com- 
panion, and ever ready to give or receive a joke with a frank, hearty laugh ; as a citizen he was generous 
and free-hearted to a fault ; as an accumulator of wealth he was not a BUCCeSS; be was too generous to lay 
oil what he could so easily earn. Freely expending for the comfort of his family and friends ; it was a noble 
fault, and, as all will admit, one that lay in tbe light direction; be died respected by ail, and beloved and 

regretted by a large circle of warm friends ami surviving relative.-. His surviving family still lives near 

Hartford ; tbe youngest son died soon after bis arrival in the State ; S. .1. and .1. M, Wilson, the two sur- 
viving sons, Were the first white boys in the village of Hartford, where ibcy .-till reside with their families, 
J. M. Wilson is a popular conductor on the C, M \ St. 1'. R. R., and is well known throughout the 
State; he bus been in tie ompby of the company and its predecessor- for twenty eight year- without in- 
terruption; the company and tbe traveling public appreciate his services; tbe widowed mother is still 
living with Conductor Wilson, bale ahd hearty at tbe age of 82 years, reaping her desired reward after a 

long life of toil atel -elf -aei ilice. in a pleasant boiic. surrounded by loving kindred and all the luxuries 

required to render her declining years pleasant and happy. 

KAXPOKI) J. \\ II, SON. farmer. -to.L grower aid dealer, Hartford; is tbe son of the Hon. 
Joel F. and Electa (Munson) Wilson, and was born in Hebron, N, Y.. Pee. 8, 1833; became to Wisconsin 
with his parents in 1844; lived in Prairieville (now Waukesha one year, and then, early in 1845, the 

family moved to Town 111. Range 18 now Hartford), and located on wdd land on See. 21, adjacent to tbe 
site of the village of Hartford . at tbe time of tbe arrival id' tbe lamiU at tbi- place, be and bis brother 
were (he only white boys in tbe town. Mr. Wilson was married, April In. lS5t>, at Mayville. Hodge Co., 

to Miss Helen Cole, daughter of Dorastns Cole ; they have three children — Adolph, Nellie and Lottie. 



HARTFORD. 595 

Mr. W. was engaged iu the manufacture of lumber about fifteen years at Hartford, since which time he 
has been occupied in farming, stock growing and stock-dealing, making a specialty of horses; for the past 
two years he has been engaged in purchasing wood for the C. & N.-W. R'y Co. 

MIJXSOX WlliSOX, passenger conductor of the Northern Division of the Chicago, Milwau- 
kee & St. Paul Railway ; has resided in the county since 1845 ; Mr. Wilson is tbe son of the Hon. Joel 
F. Wilson ; his mother, Mrs. Electa Wilson, is a daughter of Capt. John Munson, of the Revolutionary 
"war; the subject of this sketch was born at Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., March 19, 1837; in 1844, 
he came with his parents to Prairieville (now Waukesha), where they resided one year, and, in the spring 
of 1845, came to Town 10 north, Range 18 east (now Hartford), and settled on Sec. 21, on which the 
village of Hartford is now situated; in January, 1857, he engaged as brakeman on the line of the La C. & 
M. R ; served one year in that capacity, and was promoted to baggage master ; one year later, he was ap- 
pointed conductor of freight ; ran freight about four years, and, in 1803, was made conductor of passen- 
ger traiu, and has continued to run iu that capacity to this date ; he has been very fortunate in his rail- 
road experience, having met with no serious accident; he has now been nearly a quarter of a century in 
the company's service, under its different managements. He was married, Jan. 10. 1803, in the town of 
Hartford, to Miss Mary Hall, daughter of Charles Hall ; they have six children — Electa M., Fannie C, 
Docia M , Munson, Charles S. and Charlotte M. Mr. Wilson resides on his farm, which lies just east of 
the village of Hartford, where he has made his home for the past thirty-six years. 

HERMAN WEISSLEDER, coppersmith and proprietor of the Hartford Soda Water 
Factory, Hartford ; business established in March, 1870; manufactures all varieties of soda water; turns 
out 950 boxes per month. He does all sorts of copper and zinc work ; fitting and repairing of breweries 
and cheese-factories a specialty. He is a native of Saxony, Germany ; he is the son of Henry and Dor- 
othea Weisleder, and was born Nov. 8, 1841 ; he learned the coppersmith trade in his native country, then 
came to America in 1808 ; spent one year in Chicago, then went to Milwaukee, where he worked at his 
trade about eight years. He was married, in Milwaukee. Jan. 20, 1872, to Miss Elizabeth Schmidt, 
daughter of George Schmidt ; they have three children — Mary, Louisa and George. He came to Hart- 
ford in i lie spring of 1870, and engaged in his present business. 

REV. MICHAEL WEXKER, Resident Priest of St. Kilian's Catholic Church, Hartford; 
is the son of Sebastian aud Mary ( Keifl'er ) Wenker. and was born in Strasbourg, Alsace, Germany, Sept. 
29, 1839 ; came to America with his parents in 1843, and made his home in the town of Clyman, Dodge 
Co.; he was educated at the following institutions of learning : Notre Dame University, Indiana, where 
he spent two years, and at St. Francis' Seminary, Milwaukee, where he attended six years; from there 
•went to Montreal, Canada, and spent two years at the Grand Seminary ; then returned to St. Francis' 
Seminary, and one year later, Nov. 5, 1S05, he was regularly ordained. He was assigned immediately to 
the town of Addison, Washington Co.; there he built the SS. Peter and Paul's Church, and was in charge 
of that congregation three years and eight months; next went to Newberg, and served in the Trinity 
Church in that place for eight months ; from there he went to St. Francis' Seminary, aud served as Profes- 
sor of the Holy Scriptures, Geography and Mathematics, two years ; he was then assigned to Victor 
Church, at Monroe, Green Co., where he served one year and two months; from there he came to Hart- 
ford, in 1872, and entered upon his present charge ; about 1875, he sold the old church property, and, in 
1870. the fine brick structure (St. Kilian's Church) was built under his supervision ; he has now been in 
charge of St. Kilian's Church about nine years. 

IRA H. WHEELOC'K. senior member of the firm of Wheelock, Denison &Co., merchants, 
Hartford ; was born in Royalton, Vermont, Sept. 17, 1820, and is the son of Haskell and Lydia (Dunham | 
Wheelock. When 19 years old he went to Illinois, remaining at Grand Detour; the following year, 1840, he 
came to Wisconsin and located iu the town of Wauwatosa, Milwaukee Co. Was married at Racine, in 184 1 , 
to Miss Fatima Swift, daughter of Jackson Swift; two children were born of this marriage — Edward and 
Emma ; both died when about years of age. Mr. Wheelock remained in Wauwatosa only one year, then 
moved to Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., where he was engaged in farming till 1847, when he moved to Hart- 
ford and engaged in the mercantile business with his brother, Hiram H.; continued this business three 
years, when he sold out to Mr. Kneeland. Mrs. Wheelock died in 1849. Mr. Wheelock was engaged in 
farming till 1854, when he bought into the store again, and, with the exception of two or three years, has 
maintained his connection with the house. About this time, he and his brother, H. H., bought the Hart- 
ford Mill property. Mr. Wheelock was married, at Racine, January, 1850, to Miss Emeline Jackson, 
daughter of Jacob Jackson. Mrs. Wheelock was born in the State of New York ; four children were 
born of this marriage — Emma, now Mrs. Horace Rowell, residing at Lake Five. Waukesha Co. ; Marion, 



596 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

dow Mrs. II. E. Adams, of Oshkosh ; Harry E, a conductor on the line of theC.M. &St. P. Ilv . and Helen, 
at home. From 1850 to 1S5S, Mr. Wheelock was interested in a branch store at Mayville, which was 
owned by the Wheelock brothers, and conducted by J. D. Wheelock. About HliO, Mr. I. H. Wheelock 
took a trip to the Lake Superior country, taking with him a small stock of supplies and a few head of 
cattle, as an experiment. This venture proving successful, led to an extensive business, which wis con- 
tinued till 1871*. under the firm name of Wheelock ,v. Winters; some years the freight bills amounted to 
820,000. Mr. Wheelock has always, since his residence in Wisconsin, been interested in farming, having 
from 100 to 300 acres of land. 

HIRAM H. WHEELOCK, of the firm of J. O. Kendall & Co, millers, Hartford, is a 
native of the State of New York ; the son of Haskell and Lydia Dunham i Wheelock. and was born at 
Sackett's Harbor Dec. 10. 1817. When he was about a year old. his parents moved to Royalton, Vi.. 
and shortly afterward to Newburg; in 1840. when 23 years of age, he came to Milwaukee, and the fol- 
lowing year went to the town of Pewaukee. Waukesha Co., where he established a factory for the manu- 
facture of hay rakes and all sorts of wooden handles. He was married at this place. Feb. 21, 18111. to 
Miss Elizabeth Denny, daughter of Joseph and Lucinda ^Henshaw) Denny; Mrs. Wheelock was a native 
of Massachusetts ; her people were descended from the original Puritans, and had been prominently iden- 
tified with the history of the old Bay State. Mr. Wheelock continued tie- manufacturing business three 
this was the first known factory of'the kind in the territory. On the expiration of the three 
ye.us. be moved to Oconomowoc, where he was interested in milling and the manufacture of furniture ; spent 
three years in this place ; then, closing up his business, he moved to Washington Co, April, 1846, and 
located at what is now the village of Hartford, then a little hamlet consisting of three log-houses and a 
saw-mill : here he built a little store of siding, size 12x18, and opened a supply -tore, dealing in flour, 
pork and general supplies ; April 27. 1847, he formed a partnership with Mr. R. S. Kneeland, in the 
_. neul merchandise business, under the firm name of Wheelock & Kneeland ; they soon built a more com- 
modious building on the site of the old store, which was moved off; the new building was 20x40 feet, 
and two stories high. Shortly after, Mr. Ira H. Wheelock and Mr. Nathan Parker bought an interest in 
the business, and the firm name was .changed to Wheelock. Kneeland & Co. On the clearing-up of the 
new timbered country, the article of ishes was found to be of considerable importance, the settlers making 
what was known as black salt-, by boiling the lye down in large kettles. The firm ol Wheelock, Kneeland 
& Co., in order to develop this interest, built an ashery; about 1850, they perfected their arrangements 

for the manufacture of •■ pearl ash." and organized the business under the firm name of \. Parker & Co 

they continue. 1 the manufacture of pearl-ash till 1855, making and exporting to Boston at the rate of 1 T < ► 

year. The development of this business created a market for an otherwise worthless article, and 
made it possible for the settlers many of whom were in needy circumstanci - . to clear up their lands, aid 
make the -ale of the ashes help to support their families: on the completion of the railroad to Hartford, a 
market was opened for the timber, and the pearl-ash business was -ii-pended. In IS.">4, the linn of 
Wheelock, Kneeland & Co. purchased an interest in the Hartford water-power, including the saw-mill and 

grist-mill. In 1856, Mr. Kneeland withdrew from the firm, and the bnsiness was conducted under the 
name id' II. H. & 1. II. Wheelock till 1847, when Mr. John C. Denison was admitted, ami the name 
changed to Wheelock. Denison & Co.; about 1850, Mr. II. II. Wheelock \ Bros, had established a branch 

store at Mayville. Dodge Co, under the nan f Wheelock Pros., and under the managomi m of J. D. 

Wheelock, which business was continued till 1858; in March. 1863, Mr. I>wi_'ht Jackson was admit 
member of the firm ; in the fall of I860, .Mr. J. < ). Kendall bought an interest in the mill property, and 
a separate firm organized under tic name of J. 0. Kendall .V Co. At tin- writing, the firm consists of 

.1, 0. Kendall and II. II. Wheelock. who have a tine brick flouring-mill of six tuns of -tone, which was 

erected in 1863. About 1869, a trade with Lake Superior was established in the line of stock, i its, 

provisions aiel BupplieS, and gradually developed till the annual freights in tin- business alone amounted to 

$20,000. Mr. Joseph Winter was interested in this enterprise, which was separate from the -tore, and 

w.i- carried on under the name of Wheelock A Winter ; this business was eon tinned till 1879. Wheelock. 
Denison & Co, in addition to their other business, were also extensive dealers in grain of till kind- : at 
the store the business had increased to a yearly sale of (70,000 : in 1878, Mr. II. II. Wheelock withdrew 
from the firm of Wheelock. Denison \ Co., and ha- since devoted his attention to his milling int. 
Mr. Wheelock has lived to -ee the little hamlet of three or four log houses that be found in April, 1846, 

grow to a flourishing village of 1 ,7 < »i> | pie, and the surrounding country, which was an unbroken wilder- 

of timber, develop into ;i land of rich farms unsurpassed in the Slate. A man of rare business 
ability, with energy and courage t" execute bis plans, he has I n a powerful factor in the growth and 

development of Hartford ami adjacent town-. 






TOWN OF FARMINGTON. 597 

DR. CHARLES B. WING, Hartford; born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Sept. 12, 1836; 
is the son of Jonathan and Huldah (Gaskill) Wing, of the "Society of Friends;" when he was 
less than 2 years old, his parents moved to Caze novia, Madison Co., where they remained till 
he was 8 years of age, when they moved to Albion, Orleans Co.; in 1865, the family came 
to Jefferson Co., Wis., and located in the town of Sullivan ; the latter part of the same year, 
they moved to Golden Lake, same county, where his father had purchased a farm. Having com- 
pleted his school studies, he began the study of medicine, under the supervision of Dr. J. S. Hopkins, 
of Oeononiowoc ; he afterward went to Chicago, and took a regular course at the Chicago Medical College; 
was a member of the Class 1869-70 ; received his diploma in March, 1870 ; he then returned to Oeono- 
mowoc, and shortly afterward went to Neosho, Dodge Co., where he entered upon the practice of his pro- 
fession. He was married at Oeonomowoc, in November, 1871, to Miss Hannah R. Wood, daughter of 
Beder Wood; four children were born to them — Jennie, Katie (who died in infancy"), Elmore C. and 
Hannah L.. whose death in infancy resulted from an accident ; Mrs. Wing died in April, 1880. The Doctor 
was married to Mrs. Henriette L. Messer, at Hartford, Dec. 13, 1880; Mrs. Messer was the widow of 
Andrew Messer, and was the mother of three children — Adolph, George and Andrew. 



TOWN OF FARMINCTON. 

PETER A LRI \U KB. farmer, Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Fillmore ; is the son of Henry and Margaret 
Albinger ; was born in the town of Trenton, Washington Co., Jan. 22, 1854; spent his early years on a 
farm, and was married, Oct. 24, 1878, in the town of Farmington, to Miss Mary Benedix, daughter of 
Jacob and Victoria Benedix. Mrs. Albinger was born in the town of Trenton. They have three chil- 
dren — Henry, Frank and Agnes. Since his marriage, Mr. Albinger has resided in the town of Farm- 
ington. 

CHARLES T. RAILE Y, farmer, Sec. 30 ; P. O. Barton ; has 80 acres of land ; Mr. 
Bailey is the son of Thomas and Deborah (Gillett) Bailey ; was born in the town of Farmington Nov. 3, 
1848; he was brought up on the farm, and was married in the town of Scott, Sheboygan Co.. April 20, 
1876, to Eleanor A. Fletcher, daughter of Robert F. and Elizabeth ( Burns) Fletcher. Mrs. Bailey was 
born in the town.of Greenbush, Sheboygan Co. They have three children — -Myron L., Mary E. and 
Olive A. 

THOMAS BAILEY (deceased), was the son of Thomas and Grace Bailey; he was born in 
Devonshire, England, February, 1810. Was married to Maria Bier; five children were born to them ; 
the eldest, William, died when 5 years of age; the second, Mary Ann, is now Mrs. Van Patten, of Illi- 
nois ; John, living in Nebraska ; Maria is now Mrs. Nathan Bailey, of Nebraska ; the youngest, Eliza, is 
now Mrs. Joseph H. Smith, of Farmington. Mr. Bailey emigrated to America in 1839, and located in 
Onondaga Co.. N. Y. Mrs. Bailey died in her new home within a year after her arrival (September, 
1839). Mr. Bailey was next married in Madison Co., town of Fenner, in 1840, to Deborah Gillett, 
daughter of Jacob and Abigail Gillett. Mr. B. continued his residence in Onondaga Co. till the fall of 
1846. when he removed to the town of Clarence, now Farmington, and took up Government land on Sec. 
30 ; was one of the earliest pioneers of the town. The first annual town meeting was held in his house, 
April 6, 1847; previous to leaving New York, the Baileys had two children — William H., married to 
Frances A. Hedding, and living in the town of Scott ; Ellen J., now Mrs. Isaac Alcott, also of Scott; the 
youngest child, Charles T. was born after coming to Washington Co. Mr. Bailey and wife continued their 
residence in this county during the remainder of their lives; Mr. Bailey's death occurred May 4, 1867 ; 
Mrs. Bailey's April 15, 1875. 

FBAXK E. BLECHA, Postmaster, and junior member of the firm of Braatz & Co., gen- 
eral merchants, cheese manufacturers and hotel proprietors ; was born in Bohemia Sept. 13, 1841 ; came 
to America in 1S58, and spent his first year in llliuois and Missouri; he then came to Trenton; in 1864 
he went to Chicago, and enlisted, October 4, of that year, in Co. I, 15th III. V. I., as musician, and served 
till the close of the war. He was married in Trenton, Oct. 18, 1866, to Miss Mary Huebing, daughter of 
Anton Huebing. Mrs. Blecha was born on the Atlantic Ocean ; they have had six children — John A.; 
Clara, died when 6 years of age ; Frank N., Anna M., George, Cecelia and Arthur. About 1867, Mr. 
Blecha removed to Fillmore, town of Farmington, and the following year entered into partnership with Mr. 
Henry Braatz, in his present business; Aug. 3, 1870, he was appointed Postmaster of the Fillmore office, 
which position he has held to this date ; in politics, Mr. Blecha is a radical Republican. 



59S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

<« F;4Ht(i I' BOLTOX, merchant miller, cheese manufacturer and Postmaster, Boltonville; son 
of Harlow and Phebe Varnej I Bolton; was born in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, Feb. 9, 1837 ; came to Wis- 
consin, with his parents, in 1847, who made their home on Sec. 20, town of Clarence (now Farniington . 
on wild land, where they lived till 1854, when they moved to Sec. 9; here he was employed about his 
father's farm and mill till 21 years of age; he then engaged in chopping one year, taking the money re- 
ceived for his work and investing it in the mercantile business, with his father, in the store which they 
are still operating. He was married, in 1862, at Saukville, to Miss A. Daggett. Mrs. Bolton only lived 
two years after her marriage; her death occurred in the summer of 1864. Mr. Bolton was married in the 
town of Scott, Sheboygan Co., to Miss Roxana Ilazeltou ; two children were born to them — Walter and 
Hattie. In 1868, Mr. Bolton formed a partnership with Mr. Fred C. Schuler, and purchased tin; Bolton 
Flouring Mills, which they are operating at this writing. In 1881, they erected a cheese factory near their 
mill, and are making cheese at the rate of 01), 000 pounds per season. Mr. Bolton was appointed I' 8t- 
master Oct. 0. 1862, and has held the office to this writing, 1881. 

HARLOW BOLTON, merchant, Boltonville; is the son of Robert and Khoda Bolton; 
was born in the town of Sherburne, Chenango Co., N. Y., July 2, 1813; when 20 years of age, he re- 
moved to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio ; was married in that county, Dec. IT, 1835, to Miss Phoabe Varney, daugh- 
ter of Asa and Margery | Briggs) Varney. Mrs. Bolton was born in Vermont. Mr. Bolton remained in 
Ohio till the fall of 1847, when he removed to Wisconsin and settled on Sec. 20, Town 12, Range 20 — - 
now Farmington — and engaged in farming; in 1854, he removed to Sec. 9, and engaged with Mr. Will- 
iam Willis and Asa Varney in the construction of the Reliance Flouring Mills, situated on Stony Creek ; 
this was the nucleus about which the village of Boltonville has developed, deriving its name from Mr. Har- 
low Bolton, who has always been the largest property-owner and motive business power of the place. In 
1856, Mr. Bolton established a store near the mill, starting on a small scale ; the business has increased 
till the store now holds a stock of general merchandise — $5,000; extensive preparati ins have been made 
for the storing and preserving of butter and eggs, till that branch of the business has grown to important 
proportions. Mr. and Mrs. Bolton had two children born to them— George, now a resident of Boltonville, 
and Mary Jane, who died at the age of 31 years. Mr. Bolton served as one of the Supervisors of Farming 
ton in an early day. 

HEXRY BBAATZ, of the firm of Braatz & Co., Fillmore; is the son of Michael and Wil- 
helmine Braatz ; was born in Pomerania. Prussia, Nov. 8, 1838 ; came to America with his parents in 
ls50 ; made his home in Wisconsin, Sec. 25, town of Farmington ; in 1866, he engaged as clerk in the 
store of Fraockenherg & Dangers, at Fillmore; in 1867, he bought out Mr. Franckenberg and engaged in 
the business with Mr. Dangers, under the firm namje of Dangers & Braatz ; one year later, Mr. Dangers 
sold out to Mr. Frank E. Blecha, and the firm of Braatz & Co. was established; they also became propri- 
etors of the hotel and saloon, which they are keeping at this writitiL' ; in 1877, they i in the man- 
ufacture of cheese, as described in the history of the town. July 20, 1868, Mr. Braatz was appointed 
Postmaster of the Fillmore office, and held till 1870. He was married, at Newburg. Sept. 28, 1871, to 
Miss Matilda Dangers, daughter of Louis Dangers. Mrs. Braatz was horn in the town of Cedarburg ; 
they have had five children, of whom only two are living; Ottelia died when :; years old; Lucy, when 1 
year old : Anna, when 9 months old : those living are Ida, aged 3 years, and Ella, aged I. 

MM II A ML BBAATZ. farmer, Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Fillmore; is the son of Frederick and Anna 
S. Braatz; was horn in Prussia March 23, 1800; he learned the wagon-maker's trade ; was married, in 
April, 183*, to Miss Wilhelmine Becker, daughter of Christian F. Becker; -even children were born to 
them Louis, married to Anna Bound ami living in Michigan; Henry, married to Matilda Dangers, 
now a merchant of Fillmore; Richard, married to Laura Scholz and living in Clark Co.; he was a m 

her of the 2d Light Artillery I Wisconsin), and served three years in the late war. Augusta, died at the 

; 16 year.-; William ( '.. married to Bertha Kratzsch, resides at Fillmore; Anton 1'., married to Au- 
gusta Klessig, resides on the old homestead . Emil F., single, resides at St. Cloud. Wis. Mr. Braatz and 
family came to America in 1851, and located in the town of Farmington, on Sec 25, and later ved to 

Jo. Mr. Braatz. though 81 years of age, is hale and hearty, and goes about his work like a man 
only iusl past hi- prime. 

Will. I \ 11 ,('. BRATZ. Fillmore; agent for the fire insurance c panies Mechanics 

Mutual and Concordia, of Milwaukee ; also, agent lor farm machinery ; the latter business was established 
in 1871, and the former in 1874. Mr. Brat/, i- the son of Michael and Wilhelmine Bratz, and was born 
in Prussia July 7. 1848; came to America and directly to Wisconsin with his parents in \<~>\. and | 1 
his early years on his father's farm on Sec. 25, Farmington. In 1871, he began business in the sale of 
farm machinery, in compan] with William Dcttmer, which connection was continued four years, since 






TOWN OF FARMINGTON. 59& 

which time he has carried on the business alone. In 1874, he commenced in the fire insurance business 
with his brother, Emil F.. and continued that connection till Aug. 15, 1881, when Mr. E. F. Bratz re- 
tired from the business; Mr. W. C. is now conducting it alone. Mr. Bratz was married, Oct. 23, 1SS0, 
at Milwaukee, to Miss Bertha Kratzsch, daughter of Julius Kratzsch. Mrs. Braatz was born in the town 
of Trenton, Washington Co. Mr. Bratz sold the first self-binding reaper ever sold in the town of Farm- 
ington ; the machine was bought by Mr. Max Gruhle of Sec. 22. 

ANTON F. BRATZ, farmer and thresher, Sec. 26; P. 0. Fillmore; has 160 acres of land. 
Mr. Bratz is a native of Pomerania. Germany; was born Sept. 21, 1849; is the son of Michael and Wil- 
helmine Bratz ; came to America with his parents in 1S51, and made his home in the town of Farming- 
ton, where he iirew to manhood on his fathers farm. He was married, Nov. 18, 1S79, to Miss Augusta 
Klessig, daughter of Ernst and Liberia Klessig. Mrs. Bratz was born in Farmington. They have one 
child, a sou. named Huso F. In 1830, Mr. Bratz bought a half interest in a J. I. Case threshing ma- 
chine, and is now threshing his second season. 

JOHN BRUSCHKE, employe of the Farmington Brewery ; is the sou of Andrew and Kate 
Bruschke, and was born in Milwaukee Sept. 4, 1855 ; in 1868, he came with his parents to Farmington 
and located on Sec. 13, where he worked on his father's farm till 1874. when he engaged in the Detmering 
Match Factory, and continued his connection with this concern while it was in operation. The same year, 
he engaged in the Farmington Brewery, which position he has held to this date. 

JOSEPH BURGESS, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Boltonville ; was born in the Province of 
Quebec, Canada, in 1835 ; in 1840, he removed to Michigan, and subsequently to Wisconsin. He was mar- 
ried, in the town of Farmington, at the home of his wife, April 7. 1871!. to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, 
daughter of Alexander and Martha Thompson ; Mrs. Burgess was bora in the north of Ireland, her ances- 
tors being of Scotih origin; she has passed the greater pirt of her life in Washington Co., Wis., where 
she devoted several years to teaching, and while following that occupation, was very justly classed among 
the leading teachers of the county ; since their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Burgess have made their home at 
the wife's old homestead in Farmington. 

MRS. MARY CAMPBELL, Farmington; widow of Michael Campbell, and daughter of 
Patrick and Mary Chute ; was born in the County of Louth, Ireland ; came to America with a brother in 
1850 ; made her home in Buffalo, N. Y., where she was married May 25, 1854, to Richard Carroll, and 
came at once to Washington Co.; they made their home in the town of Cedarburg, where they continued 
to reside until the time of Mr. Carroll's death, which occurred July 17, 1S64; Mrs. Carroll remained at 
Cedarburg until Feb. 12, 1866, when she was married to Michael Campbell, and moved to Farmington 
with her husband. Mr. Campbell was engaged in farming until the time of his death, July 9, 1875. 
Mrs. Campbell rents her farm, which consists of 130 acres, reserving her residence. 

JAMES CLARK, farmer, Sec. 16 ; P. O. Boltonville ; is the son of Peter and Catharine (MeCann ) 
Clark ; was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., June 11, 1S39 ; came to Milwaukee with his parents in 1848, and 
to Farmington in 1853 ; he enlisted in April, 1861 , in the three-months service, but was mustered into serv- 
ice in the 6th W. V. I., Co. D, and re-enlisted for three years ; he received a gun-shot wound at the 
second battle of Bull Run, which confined him to the hospital for some time; on his recovery, he re-joined 
his regiment, and served the balance of the three years; he then re-enli^ted as a veteran, and was pro- 
moted to Orderly Serjeant of his company ; at the battle of Weldon Railroad, in the rear of Petersburg, 
he received a second severe wound, recovering from this, he continued in active service until after Lee's 
surrender, and was discharged at the close of the war, having served with distinction and honor through- 
out the entire war. He was married, Sept. 15, 1872, at Milwaukee, to Miss Johanna Canty, daughter of 
Timothy and Margaret Canty. Mrs. (Mark was born at Cabotsville, Mass. They have five children, 
three girls and two boys — Catharine, Margaret, Frank, James and Mary. Mr. Clark has served one 
term as a member of the Town Board of Farmington. He has 80 acrgs of laud. 

MRS. OLIVE M. COWAN, Boltonville; widow of Hugh Cowan, and daughter of Luther 
and Polly M. (Olmstead) Jackson; resides on Sec. 4; has 40 acres of land, and is widely and favorably 
known as a professional nurse; she was born in Connecticut Sept. 1, 1813 ; removed to Onondaga Co. 
when 13 years of aire, and from there to Milwaukee in 1846, and thence to Farmington in 1853. She 
was married Feb. 23, 1858, to Mr. Hugh Cowan, son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Adair) Cowan. Mr. C. 
was a native ot the North of Ireland, and came to this country in an early day. He enlisted in Co. B, 1 2th 
W. V. I., Oct. 19, 1861 ; he took part in all engagements participated in by his regiment, until stricken 
by disease. Mrs. Cowan hastened to his assistance, and brought him homeward as far as Racine, where 
he died Nov. 28, 1863, leaving a wife and two children — the eldest, Emma, is now Mrs. Alvin Duncan, 



600 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

of Boltonville ; the youngest. Hugh A., is a resident of the State of New York. Mrs. Cowan has since 
resided on her farm near the village of Boltonville. 

WILLIAM CRASS, farmer and musician ; P. 0. Fillmore; was born in the town of Farm- 
ington Aug. 21, 1852 ; is the bod of Henry and Catharine Crass; spent his early years on his father's 
farm; received a common school education. Was married, in 1874. May 9, in this town, to Miss Mary 
Doubraurr, daughter of Joseph Daubraurr. Mrs. Crass was born in Bohemia. They have three children 
— Annie, Clara and Joseph. Mr. Crass made his home on Sec. 23, in 1875, where he has 32 acres of 
land ; he has been a member of the Fillmore Brass Brand Bince its organization in 1872. and has been its 
leader Bince 1879. His father, Henry Crass, is a resident of this town; is a native of Nausau, Germany, 
and came to this country in 1S41I, and located in Farmington, where he has resided to this date. He is a 
carpenter by trade, and resides on his tract of 1"> acres in the village of Fillmore. 

CHARLES W. DETMERING, farmer and veterinary surg i, Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Fillmore; has 

218 acres; settled in the county in 1843. He was born in Hanover, Germany, May 23, 181G; is the son of 
George William and Henriette Detmering; came to America in 1843, and made his home. in Cedarburg, 
Washington Co. i now Ozaukee Co.) He was engaged in farming there till 18411, when he came to Farm- 
ington and located on Sec. 27. Remained in this place only one and a half years; then went to Newburg, 
town of Trenton, and engaged in the mercantile business ; was in trade only two and a half years, when he 
sold out, and bought his present farm in the town of Farmington, Sec. 27. Here he built a substantial 
brick house on a wooded elevation overlooking a beautiful little lake, wh ise waves wash the shore within a 
few steps of the house. He was married, in Milwaukee, Sept. lii, lSMi, to Miss Sophia Breymann, 
daughter of Frederick and Magdalena . Mueller) Breymann. Ten children were bum to them — Henriette 
is now Mrs. Edward Prior, of Baltimore, Md.; William is a commercial traveler; Gustavus married Ella 
Taylor, and is a merchant of Oregon ; Antonia, Albert, August, Emma, Bertha, Auna and Ottelia. In 
1873, Mr. Detmering's son William, established a match factory on his father's place, in which he in 
considerable capital. The enterprise did not prove a success and was abandoned after running a -hurt 
time. Charles W. Detmering was elected a member of the Wisconsin Legislature of 1858, from Wash- 
ington <'".. and has served eighteen rears as Justice of the Peace for the town of Farmington. 

ADOLPH GOLDAMMER, school-teacher, Fillmore; son of Charles G. and Sophia Gold 
ammcr ; was born in the town of Farmington Dec. 10, 1856 ; received his education in the common schools, 
and, when 18 years of age, began teaching in the district schools of his native town; has taught three 
terms. 

CHARLES «. GOLDAMMER, farmer, Sec. 14: P.O. Fillmore; haslOO acres of land; 
was bom in Saxony. Germany, Au<_ r . 8, 1800; son of Gottleib and Hannah 11. Goldammer. Was mar- 
ried, in 1830, to Bosina Schl igel. Their children wen' Traugott, Ernst, Wilhelmine, Charlotte, Au- 
gusta and Julius. Mrs. Goldammer died in 1S12. Mr. (I. was married, in 1848, to Sophia Bormann, 
and came at one to America ; located in Wisconsin on Sec. 1 1. town of Farmington. Seven children 
were born to them — Emily, Wilhelmine, Amelia. Laura, Charles, Louis an 1 Adolph. Mr. Goldammer 
Was Assessor of the town of Farmington in IS.*>2. The old gentleman has past his 8lst yev, and is liv- 
ing in quiet enjoyment of the fruits of his many years of labor. 

GOTTFRIED GEIDEL, fanner, See. 22; P.O.Fillmore; has 80 acres of land ; Bettled in 

the count] in 1844, Aug. II ; he is the son of Michael and Gustine Geidel, and was born in Saxony Nov. 

6, 1828. He came to America in August, I s ! 1. with his parents, and settled in the town of Mequon, 

Washington Co. Qaow Ozaukee, i In the spring of 1846, he came to the town of Farmington and located 

in I lovernment land, Sec. 22. He was married, in this town, in the fall of 1 - r.i. to M i-s i latharine I trass ; 

two daughters w bora of this marriagt — Augusta, now Mrs. L. Binemann, of Chicago ; Amelia now 

Mis, Backbaus, of the town ofKewaskum. Mrs. Geidel died in February. 1856. Mr. Geidel was mar- 
ried in the fall of tic same \eai, in Farmington to Sophia Oehler, daughter of, Jacob Oehler. Four sons 
and one daughter were bom to them — Alvin, Louis, Julius, Albert and Emma. Mr. Geidel has served 
one term as Supervisor of the town of Farmington. About three German families and one Yankee by the 
name of I leorge Manlej were about all the white inhabitants that the town con] I I .oast at the time. 

HKKHAX GRIJIILE, dealer in general merchandise, and proprietor of cheese factory, bill- 
iard room, -nl mil bowling alley, Fillmore; situated at the northeast corner of See. 23; business was 

established in the fall of 1 B63 ; has 140 acres of land on Sec. 22 ; he was bom in Saxony, < i irmany, May 
30, 1830; is the son of Gottfried and J. Bosine Gruhle ; came to America with his brother Gottlieb in 
l 849, and direct to Farmington. 1 1 is brother si ttled <m Sec. 22, and heir Mr. Gruhle made his home till 
1852, when he went to California via the Nicaragua route, being one of the first to cross after the opening 
of the line. lie remained in California till 1855, engaged principal!} i ining. lie then returned to 



TOWN OF FARMINGTON. 701 

Farmington and engaged in farming. In 1863, he rented out his farm and bought 2 acres of land at the 
northeast corner of Sec. 23, and erected a building in which he opened a store and saloon. He has since 
enlarged and improved it, having added a bowling alley ; and, in 1878, a cheese factory was established in 
the rear, in which he manufactured 60,000 pounds of cheese annually. In 1881, the average price has 
been 9 % cents per pound. His store is one of the best stocked in the town, his merchandise stock amount- 
ing to about 17,000. About 1860, he was elected Chairman of the town of Farmington, and, in 1879, 
he was elected one of the three County Commissioners of Poor for the three years' term. He was mar- 
ried, in Farmington, July 27, 1855, to Miss Augusta Petzold, daughter of Leverecht Petzold. Mrs. Gruhle 
was born in Saxony. Germany. They have three sons and two daughters — Agnes A., now Mrs. G. H. 
Klessig, of Fredonia; Selma C, Edwin H., Robert A. and Ernst H. 

GOTTLEIB GRUHLE, retired farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. O. Farmington ; settled in the county 
in 1849 ; Mr. Gruhle was born in Saxony, Germany, May 22, 1823 ; is the son of Gottleib and Christine 
Gruhle. Was married in October, 1848, to Mary Ann Lorentz. Came to America in 1849, and settled 
on Sec. 22, town of Farmington ; Mrs. Gruhle died soon after their arrival in this country (in the summer 
of 1849); Mr. Gruhle was married in October, 1850, to Miss Bertha Petzold ; three children were born 
to them — Alma, now Mrs. A. Dettmer, of Sheboygan Co.; Max, who is married and lives on the old 
homestead; and Celestine. who died when 13 years of age; Mrs. Gruhle died May 16, 1862. Mr. Gruhle 
made one trip to Germany in 1856, and another in 1874. He was married, Oct. 23, 1S62, to Mrs. Wil- 
helmine Petzold ; one child was born of this marriage, named Alvina ; Mrs. Pitzold had one daughter by 
a previous marriage — Anna, now Mrs. Krause, of Port Washington. Mr. Gruhle has improved his farm, 
which was naturally a very fine one, till it is one of the finest in the county. 

MAX GRUHLE, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. O. Fillmore ; has 140 acres of land ; is the son of Gott- 
lieb and Bertha (Petzold) Gruhle; was born in the town of Farmington Aug. 23, 1853; was reared on the 
farm, receiving his education in the common schools and at the German and English Academy of Mil- 
waukee ; went to Germany with his father in 1873, and, after spending one year in the old country, re- 
turned to Wisconsin; in 1879, he went to Minnesota and spent one year. He was married, March 10, 
1879, in the town of Farmington, to Miss Huldah Hartz, daughter of Alfred Hartz ; they have one child, 
a daughter, Cecelia. 

ALFRED HARTZ, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. O. Fillmore ; has 160 acres of land ; he is the son of 
Henry and Magdalena Hartz; he was born in Saxe- Weimar, Germany, March 1, 1834; emigrated to 
America in 1852, coming direct to Washington Co.; he made his home on Sec. 22, where he now resides. 
He was married, in February, 1860, in the town of Farmington, to Miss Theresa Walter, daughter of An- 
drew Walter ; Mrs. Hartz was born in the same part of Germany as her husband ; they have three chil- 
dren — -Huldah, now Mrs. Max Gruhle, of Farmington, Reinhold and Hugo. 

G. AD HAENTZ, dealer in hardware, Boltonville; was born in Saxony, Germany, Oct. 18, 1843 ; 
he came to the United States in 1852, making his home in Baltimore, Md., where he learned the tinsmith 
trade; continued his residence in that city nine years, then came to Milwaukee in 1861; spent a few 
month? in that city and then removed to Chicago, where he worked at his trade three years ; next went 
to 0_:den, Mich., where he remained only a short time, and then came to Boltonville and started in his 
present business in 1870. He was married at Boltonville, Sept. 26, 1870, to Miss Anna Giersdorf, daugh- 
ter of Franz L. and Maria (Biirckuer) Giersdorf; Mrs. Haentz was born in Schleising, Germany, April 
25, 1843 ; they have two children — Helena, aged 9, and Emanuel, aged 7 years. 

MATHIAS II E IS RIG ES, Postmaster, merchant and hotel-keeper, St. Michael's P. O., Sec. 7 ; 
son of Hubbard and Anna M. Herriges ; was born in Rhenish Prussia, Dee. 31. 1835; came to America 
with his parents in September, 1846, and directly to Washington Co., arriving iu Town 12, Range 10 (now 
Kewaskum ), about October of that year, and located on Government land ; in 1853, he went to Milwaukee, 
where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade; was in that city about a year; then returned to Kewaskum and 
worked at carpenter work till 1860, when he went to Illinois ; spent one summer near Bloomington, and 
then went to Louisiana, where he worked at bridge-building till the breaking-out of the war, when he made 
his way North. He was married, May 27, 1862, at St. Michael's Church, town of Kewaskum, to Miss 
Anna Maria Schneider, daughter of Peter Schneider; Mrs. Herriges was born in Prussia; they have ten 
children — J. Nicholas, Gertrude, Phillip and Hubbard (twins), Joseph, Mathias, Anna Maria, Michael and 
John. After his marriage, Mr. Herriges lived on a farm two years, on Sec. 34, town of Farmingto i ; he 
then sold out ani moved to another part of the same town, where he lived five years; he then moved to 
the town of Scott, Sheboygan Co., where he farmed and worked at his trade five years ; in the fall of 1874, 
he moved to Farmington and built the store and hotel which he now occupies; in 1876, he opened the 

k K 



702 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

atore and hotel. In June, 1877, he was appointed Postmaster of St. Michael's Church P. 0. He has a 
farm of 160 acres in Sheboygan Co. 

I>K. JACOB IlOSCH, physician and farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. (). Fillmore; son of Dr. Peter and 
.Mar' Hosch, and was born in Luxemburg July 15, 1 S 1 2 ; was educated in his native country ; studied 
medicine with his father, and practiced his profession in his native country till 1848. when he was married 
to Catharine Huffman, and emigrated to the United States; he proceeded at once to Washington Co.. and 
made his home on wild land in the town of Clarence (now Fariuingtou >, Sec. 1, where he has resided to 
this date; he was one of the pioneer physicians of this county ; when he established his home in Farming- 
ton (or Clarence), his nearest neighbor was three miles distant, and it was no unusual thing for him to 
walk fourteen miles to Port Washington to get some tobacco. His family consists of wife and two chil- 
dren ; the eldest ( Peter) is married and living in Oregon ; the youngest (Theresa) is now Mrs. John Mert- 
zig, of Dorchester, Wis. The Doctor has served two terms as Supervisor of Farmington. 

< II 1R 3. IS HOERHi}, farmer, Sec. 14; P.O.Fillmore. Is the son of Gottfried and 
Rosine Hoerig ; was born in Saxony March 29, 1839. Came to America in 1850, and directly to 
Farmington ; settled on Section 13, with his mother and stepfather, Fred Mueller. He was married in 
the town of Polk, Oct. 8, 1860, to Miss Catharine Otto, daughter of Martin and Sophia Otto. Mrs. lini- 
ng was born in Prussia. They have had nine children— Matilda. Ida, Liherta, two twins died in child- 
hood unnamed, next was Edmund, Laura. Emma. The youngest, Bertha, died when three years ol 
Mr. Hoerig moved on to his present farm in 1869. He has 140 acres of land. 

WILLIAM M. HORNER, proprietor of cheese factory, Sec. 35; P. O. Farmington. Is 
the sun of Thomas C. and Martha J. Horner; was born in the city of Sheboygan May 19, 1850 : was 
educated in the city schools of that place. On completing his schooling, he learned the business of an 
architectural draughtsman ; followed that business five or six years or until his health failed; he then 
engaged in the cheese business, in Manitowoc County, at Clark's Mills. Carried on this business only 
one year, when he was burnt out, 1 ising about $1,100. He was next engaged in the same business for 
other parties in the town of Wilson, Sheboygan County, till L 878, when he moved to Oostburg, and 
started a factory for himself, and continued that business till the close the of season of 1880. In the 
spring of 1881, he started his present factory in the town of Farmington. He is now manufacturing at 
the rate 15, (It'll) pounds per year. The factory is more fully described in the town history of Farmington, 
Mr. Horner was married at .Manitowoc, May 26, 1874, to Miss Lois Walker, daughter of the late Bon. 
Charles H. Walker, of that city. Mrs. Horner was bom in Itavenna, Ohio. They have two children. 
Julia S. and Mattie J. Mr. Horner's father was one of the early pioneers of Wisoonsin, he having 
settled in Sheboygan when his was the sixth family in that place. He was the tirst lighthouse keepei a< 
Sheboygan: edited and published the firsl paper in the city (a Whig paper). Ho was married, in Mil- 
waukee, to Miss Martha J. Brown, of thai city. Mr. Horner died in 1854, leaving a wife and four 
children. The eldest, Elizabeth, is now the wife of Hon. Ed. Decker, of Kewaunee. Robert was a 
soldier and died in 1862. Charles was :1 member of Co. H, 1st W. V. I., and died in 1S66, from disease 
contracted in the. army. The youngest is the subject of this sketch. The mother is now Mrs. M. J. 
Cole, of Shcboyjan. 

J. PETER KLEIN, farmer, Sec. 20; P.O. Barton; is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth 

Klein. He was burn in Prussia, Germany, April 29, 1834; came to the United States with bis parents 
in October, 1852, and located in the town of Polk, Washington Co. He was married in that town June 
9,186(1. tu Miss Elizabeth Weokmiller. They have bad fourteen children, nine of whom are living. 
Tic eldest, J oh it J., is die teacher of the Fillmore School : he was educated in the West Bend and Mil- 
waukee schools. Jacob and Elizabeth (twins) died in infancy : Christopher. George !'.. Frank, Henry P, 
died in infancy, C. Catharine, Caroline, Fred, William and one died unnamed were twins, Mary md 
Washington. Mr. Klein was elected Assessor of Kewaskum three terms. The last time he wa- 00 
to resign, as he was moving to Farmington. He furnished a substitute in the late war. lie ha- BO 

uf land. 

ERNST KLBSSIG (deceased), was born in Saxony, Germany, Nov. 3, 1827. WastheBon ; 
Levered) I Klessig; was engaged in the old country in the mercantile line. In 1848, he came to America, 

and made his home in Washington Co., town of Farmington, Sec. 24. He bought 10 acr. s of land ami 

built a store', hotel and dance hall in 1855. A grand opening party was given, which is still remembered 

as one of the events of the time. He then began in the mercantile business. In 1 S57, he was appointed 

Postmaster of the Fillmore Post office, which he kepi several years. In I860, he built the Farmington 
Brewery, near the northwest corner of See. 24, and carried on the brewing business till the time of hi e 

I alb. which occurred March IT, I Sll-l. Mr. Klessig was married in the town of Farmington, June 9 

y 



TOWN OF FARMINGTON. 703 

1850, to Miss Liberta Poetsch. daughter of Gottleib and Fredericka (Vogtlander) Poetsch. Six cbildren 
were born to them — Louis, the eldest, died in infancy ; Mary, now Mrs. Henry Witt, of Waubakee ; 
Augusta, the wife of Anton F. Bratz, of Farmington; H. John, who is now conducting the Farmington 
Brewery ; the two youngest, Emma and Ida, reside with the mother at the old homestead, at this 
writing. 

MRS. LIBERTA KLESSIG, was married July 20, 1S65, to Mr. Ernst Jacbnig, a gentle- 
man of German birth, who had been a resident of this country many years. He went from Wisconsin to 
California in 1852, and remained till 1862, when he returned to Washington County on a visit ; remained a 
short time and then went back to California, returning again in 1865, when he was married to Mrs. Kles- 
sig. Four children were born to them — Alma, Edwin, Bertha (who died when one and a half years of 
age), and one who died in infancy. Mr. Jaehnig carried on the brewing business till the time of his death, 
which occurred April 25, 1875. 

THEODORE KOCH, farmer, Sec. 34; P. 0. Fillmore : has 120 acres of land. Is the son 
of Christian and Johanna Koch ; was born in Prussia March 31, 1840; came to America in 1856, and 
directly to Washington County. Went South several years before the opening of the late war, and learned 
the mason's trade, at which he worked till he was forced North at the breaking-out of the war in the 
spring of 1861. He came to Chicago, and enlisted July 1, 1861, in the 1st I. V. I. Before reaching 
the regiment he was transferred to the 16th I. V. C, and before reaching that regiment be was detailed 
for duty on Gen. Sherman's escort. Was with Gen. Sherman, acting part of the time as Orderly during 
the hard Sghting of the next three years. Participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, Chickasaw 
Bajou, Arkansas Post, Jackson, the siege of Vicksburg, and other engagements; was discharged Sept. 
2, 1864, at the expiration of the term of his enlistment. On his return to Wisconsin he was married, in 
October, 1865, in the town of Farmington, to Miss Mary Schmidt, daughter of Mathias Schmidt. Mrs. 
Koch was born in Prussia. They have three children — Johanna, Theodore and Henry. Since 1867, Mr. 
Koch has made his home at his present farm. 

JULIUS KOENIC3> wagon-maker, Fillmore, where be established himself in business 
in October, 1869. He is a native of Saxe-Altenburg, Germany; is the son of John and Mary Koenig, 
and was born July 19, 1840. He learned the wagon-maker's trade in the old country, and came to 
America in 1866, making his home in Milwaukee for about one and a half years. He then removed to 
Fillmore, and, in October, 1S69, opened his present shop. He was married at this place, Oct. 1, 1869, to 
Catharine Just, daughter of Adam Just. Mrs. Koenig was born in Hesse-Darmstadt. They have had 
six children, Emil (deceased), John H., William, Augusta, Adolph and Bertha. Mr. Koenig was elected 
Clerk of School District No. 5, in 1880. 

ANDREAS KRAETSCH, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Fillmore; has 82 acres; is the son of 
Henry and Elizabeth Kraetsch ; he was born in Rhineland, Prussia, Oct. 29, 1833 ; came to America 
with his parents in the spring of 1846 ; the family located in the town of Polk, Washington Co. Mr. 
Kraetsch was engaged in farming about niue years in that town, and then came to Farmington and made 
his home on Sec. 14. He was married, Dec. 9, 1858, in Farmington, to Miss Emma Gerhardt, daughter 
of Frederick W. Gerhardt; seven children were born to them — Tuska, the eldest, died when 17 years of 
age ; the younger ones are Linda, Arthur, Edmund, Richard, Henry and Emma. Mrs. Kraetsch died 
Oct. 1, 1873. Mr. Kraetch was married, March 23, 1875, to Mrs. Natalia Marpes ; they have bad three 
children — Ida, Robert (who died in infancy), and one daughter unnamed. Mr. Kraetsch was a member 
of Co. G, 7th W. V. I., and served till the close of the war ; participated in the battles of Hatcher's Run, 
Wilderness, and was present at Lee's surrender. He served as Town Treasurer of Farmington, in 1872. 

JOHN La CRAFT, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Boltonville; settled in the county in November, 
1846 ; has 120 acres of land. Mr. La Craft was born in Youngstown, near Toronto, Canada, Aug. 15, 
1820 ; when 9 years of age, he went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he remained about eight years ; he then 
moved to Ashtabula Co., Ohio; previously, in 1835, he began sailing from Buffalo to Chicago before the 
mast ; wintered in Chicago in 1837 ; before he was 19 years of age, he was mate of a vessel ; some years 
later he became master of a vessel, and sailed in all twenty-two seasons. He was married, in Ashtabula 
Co., Ohio, Aug. 7, 1845, to Mary Klice, daughter of David Klice, of Maryland. In May, 1846, they 
moved to Racine, and, in November of that year, removed to Washington Co., Town 12, Ran<;e 20, now 
Farmington, where they located on Government land, on Sec. 17 ; here Mr. La Craft spent his winters, 
while his summers were given to sailing on the lakes ; this was continued some ten or twelve years, when 
he retired Irom sailing and has since devoted his attention to fanning ; in 1853, he moved to his present 
location. He was elected the first Superintendent of Schools of this town, in 1848; was also Treasurer 
and Justice of the Peace, which latter office he has held several terms ; he has also served three terms as 



T04 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Chairman. Mr. and Mrs. La Craft have six children — the eldest, Henry, married Charlotte Haviland, and 
resides in the town of Scott, Sheboygan Co.; the second, Carrie, is now Mrs. Merton Yeainans, of Dakota ; 
the others are John. Clarence, Clara and Orin. 

I\ M. LEINBERWER, farmer, Sec. 24; P. 0. Fillmore; is the son of P. Leinberger; was 
born in Erie Co.. N. Y.. Nov. 5, 1850; came to Wisconsin with his parents in the spring of 1855, and 
passed his early years on his father's farm in the town of Barton, Washington Co. Some time ago, he 
went to Nebraska, where he has 160 acres of land. He returned to Washington Co., and was married at 
Fillmore, June 7. 1881, to Miss Huldah, only daughter of Mr. George Seigel. 

CAPT. ROBERT A. LONtt, retired lake captain, Sec. 16; P. O. Boltonville ; has 120 
acres of land ; he is the sou of Capt. John Long, and was born in Island Magee, on the coast of Ireland, 
near Belfast, Aug. 12, 1S2H ; when between 13 and 14 years of age, he was apprenticed a sailor on a 
packet ship of the Londou and Belfast line, where he served about four years; he nest sailed in the coast- 
ing trade two years. He was married, in Ireland, when only 18 years of age, to Miss Abbey Flack, who 
died within a year after her marriage, leaving him an infant daughter; the child was named after her 
mother (Abbey), and is now Mrs. P. II. Donovan, of Hingham, Sheboygan Co. In 1843, Mr. Long shipped 
to America ; May -. 1 S44, while sailing on the lake in the schooner Aurora Borealis, under his father. Capt. 
John Long, the vessel was capsized and his father was drowned. Young Long soon after became mate of 
a vessel, and, in 1849, was made master of the schooner Speed, of Milwaukee. He was married, Nov. 24, 
L 847. at Albany, N. Y., to Miss Mary Ann Manning, daughter of Michael Manning, an officer of the 
British Navy. In 1S52, at the solicitation of his wife, he bought a tract of wild land in the town of Farm- 
ington, Washington Co., and removed his family to that place, where they have made their home to this 
date. The Captain continued sailing on the lakes, making summers, and spending the winters on the (arm 
with his family till lsf.7. when he was obliged to retire from the lakes on account of failing health ; some 
time previous, he had met with an accident on board his vessel, by which one of his thighs was broken ; 
the fracture never properly healed, aud partial paralysis of the extremities ensued ; the Captain has been 
an invalid about fourteen years. They have six children, three sons and three daughters ; the eldest son, 
Robert A., is a captain on the lakes ; William married Mary Kenney, and is a merchant of Calumet Co.; 
Agnes A is the wife of James Strong, of Calumet Co.; Anna is the widow of Thomas Callahan and is 
living with her parents ; Oswald M. and Theresa G. are at home. The youngest son carries on the farm. 

<»EOR4wE LESSEXOEN, farmer, residence Sec. 10 (Farmington) ; has 160 acres of laud ; 
P. O. Boltonville. Mr. Lussenden is the son of Thomas ami Mary Lussenden, and was born in the county 
of Kent, England, April 15, 1819. In 1846, he came to America, and made his home in Cuyahoga Co., 
Ohio. He was married at Parma, in 1849, to Miss Eliza Stilson ; they had one daughter, now Mrs. George 
C. Lussenden, of Farmington. Mrs. Lussenden died in March, 1850. In the fall of 1851, Mr. L. was 
married the second time to Miss Ada MarcelluB, daughter of John Marcellus. Mrs. Lussenden was bom 
in Ohio. In 1851, Mr. L. came to Wisconsin and located on his present farm in the town of Farmington; 
three children were born of the second marriage ; the eldest, (Seorge W., married Mary A. Callaghan, and 
resides in Farmington; the second, Phoebe, is the wife of F. Stalling, of Manitowoc Co.; the youngest, 
John T.. lives at home. Mr. Lussenden has served one term as Supervisor of Farmington. 

THOMAS MALLOX, farmer. Sec. 16; P.O.Fillmore; was born in King's County, Ireland, 
in 1829; son of Michael and Bridget I Bolen) Mallon. Mr. Mallon came to America in 1851 ; made 
his home in Jefferson Co., N. Y.; resided there till 1856, then came to Farmington. He was married in 
this town in April. 1856, to Miss Catharine Ryan, by the Rev. Mr. Patrick Bradley, of St. .John's con- 
gregation ; eight children Were horn to them — Michael. Lawrence. Patrick, Mary. Thomas, Agnes, Han- 
nah and James. Mr. Mallon has served two terms as Supervisor of the town of Farmington. He has 
60 acres of land. 

JACOB PLAUH, farmer and mason, Sec. 11 ; P.O.Fillmore; was bom in Hesse-Darmstadt 
Feb. 9, 1834. Da the -<n of Jacob and Maria Plaum. Be served a regular apprenticeship to the 
mason's trade, and came to America in 1850. arriving .June 12. He came at once to Farmington, and 
was married at Fillmore, July, 1859, to Maria Petzer, daughter of Charles Petier; Mrs. P. was horn in 
Hesse-Darmstadt Aug, 10, 1833. Fir the next three years alter his marriage, he made his home on 

Sec, II. Hi' then moved to his present hm >n Sec. 11. Tle\ have had twelve children — Hermann, 

Anna, one boy died unnamed, Louis, Charles, another son was lost iii childhood, Kdwin, Otto, Bertha 

i in childhood), Adolph, .. icob (died when one year old I; Alma is the youngest 

EBWARB RILEY, farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. O. Boltonville, Bas 165 acres of land. Is the so,, 
of Patrick and Ann Riley; was horn in Jefferson Co.. N Y., Nov. li, |>:;u. He lost his father while 
quite young, and, in the spring of 1846, he in company with his mother, brothers and sisters came to the 



TOWN OF FARMINGTON. "05 

Territory of Wisconsin, and took up Government laud in Town 12 north, Range 20 east, now Farming- 
ton. Here, with the Indians for neighbors, they built a rude log hut which they roofed with troughs, 
and partly floored with split slabs called " puncheons." When it rained they were obliged to confine 
themselves to the puncheons, as the unfloored portion of the hut would be flooded. Their only roads 
were such as they cut for themselves, marking the course by blazed trees. Their nearest white neighbors 
were several miles distant, there being only three or four families besides their own in the township. 
Thirty-five years of patient labor ! The ceaseless chopping, the grim logging and fencing, followed later, 
by the pulling of stumps — the building of large frame barns and substantial houses in the place of old 
log ones — all this has been Mr. Riley's experience in common with his neighbors of the early days. The 
results of such labors is apparent in the large, smooth fields, commodious buildings, fine churches and 
schooihouses of the town. Mr. Riley was married, Oct. 2S, 1855, in the town of Farmington, to Miss 
Bridget Nolan, daughter of James and Elizabeth ( Brennan ) Nolan. Mrs. Riley was born in Ireland, 
and came to America in 1849. They have bad eight children — the eldest, Elizabeth, died when three 
years of age ; Patrick H. died in infancy ; Mary A., Alice, George A., Abigail, Anna J. and Edward are 
living at home. Mr. Riley has served one year as Town Clerk of Farmington, and is serving his third 
term as Supervisor. 

THOMAS RILEY, farmer, Sec. 9; P. 0. Boltonville ; has 115 acres of land; is the son of 
Patrick and Ann Riley; was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., Feb. 14. 1821. Came to Wisconsin, and to 
Town 12 north, Range 20 east, now Farmington, in the sprinsx of 1846; made his home on his pres- 
ent farm, which he took up as Government land, in the fall of that year. He was married. Jan. 21, 
1857. in the town of Farmington, to Mi~s Mary Goodman, daughter of Thomas and Bridget Goodman. 
They have had eleven children, of whom eight are living, six daughters and two sons — Mary E. died 
when 5 years of age; Anna J. died when 3 years of age; next came Julia Ann, Mary A., Thomas E.. 
James M., next a son who died in infancy, then Maggie J., Esther T., Rosalia C. and Martha J. Mr. 
Riley has served three terms as Supervisor of Farmington, and several terms as Treasurer of School Dis- 
trict No. 8, being the present incumbent. Mr. Riley built the first frame house in the town, the lumber 
for which was sawed at Salisbury's Mills, now Barton. His family was one of the first half dozen to set- 
tle in this town. 

PETER SCHWIN, Sec. 34; P. 0. Newburg; farmer, and agent for the Germantown Mutual 
Insurance Company. He has been an agent of the company since 1864; resides on Sec. 34 ; has 180 
acres of land ; settled in Washington Co. in 1845 ; in Farmington in October. 1846. He was born in 
Prussia Sept. 9, 1808 ; is the son of Peter and Barbara Schwin. He followed farming in early life, and 
was married, Nov. 28, 1837, to Miss Susanna Baasch. Eleven children were born to them, seven sons and 
four daughters. Peter, the eldest, was married to Margaret Lochen, and resides in Trenton ; John, mar- 
ried to Maryann Schulte, also residents of Trenton; Henry, married to Miss Bruener, lives at Port, Wash- 
ington ; Susanna, now Mrs. Peter Lochen, of Trenton ; Nicholas D., married to Christine Sehoemer, resides 
at. Kaukauna ; Mathias L., Mary, Michael. Margaret (now Mrs. Jacob Laufer, of Trenton), Helen and 
Francis. Mr. Schwin came with his family to America in 1845, and directly to Washington Co. He 
located in the town of Mequon, now Ozaukee Co., where he remained one year, and then came to the 
town of Farmington in October, 1846. He selected his home on Sec. 34, near the little lake which now 
bears his name. Here he purchased 400 acres of land, of which he only retains ISO at present, having 
parted with the balance to his children. In 1864, he was appointed agent for the Germantown Mutual 
Insurance Company, and for the past ten years has devoted his attention entirely to the insurance business. 
He has served as Assessor of Farmington five years, and has been a member of the Town Board four 
terms. 

FREDERICK CSCHULER, of the firm of Bolton & Sehuler, proprietors of flouring- 
mills and cheese-factory; is the son of Phillip and Maria Sehuler; was born in Saxony, Germany, March 
8, 1844; came to America with his parents in 1853; made his home in Sheboygan Falls about seven 
years; then went to Plymouth, and served three years at the miller's trade with William Schwartz. In 
1863, he came to Boltonville, and engaged as miller in the Reliance Mills ; two years later, he went to 
Young America, and ran the Young America Mills of that place three years; he then returned to Bolton- 
ville, and resumed work in the Reliance Mills. The following year, he bought a one-third interest in 
those mills, and has continued in the business to this date. In the spring of 1881, he joined Mr. George 
Bolton as an equal partner in establishing a cheese factory near their mills, which is more fully described 
elsewhere in this work. In 1876. he was elected Justice of the Peace; was re-elected, aod has held to 
this writing. The same year, he was elected Chairman of the town of Farmington, and has been reelected 
each year since. He was married, in the town of Scott, Sheboygan Co., in 1S64, to Miss Mary 



700 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Bolton, daughter of Hiram Bolton. Mrs. Schuler was born in Ohio. One son was born of this mar- 
riage — Fred M. Mrs. Schuler died Dec 7. L866. Mr. Schuler was married. July 4, 1869, to hi^ pres- 
ent wife, Annie Trenam. daughter of Daniel Treuam. Mrs. Schuler was born in the State of New York. 
They have three children — Effie, Marvin and Otto. 

4. 1.OKI. 1'. SEIGBL., farmer, Sec. 24 ; P. O. Fillmore; has 80 acres of land. He is the son 
of George and Man Seigel, ami was burn in Saxony, Ccrmany. Dee. .SO. 1823; came to America in 1855, 
and directly to Farmington, and located on his present farm. Be was married, previous to coming to this 
country, in 1847, to Gustine Donath. Two children were born to them — a son named Robert, who died 
in childhood, and Huldah, now Mrs. P. M. Leinberger, of Farmington. Mr. Seigel was a member of Co. 

1. loth \V. Y. I. He enlisted in the fall of 1864, and served till the close of the war. 

I'll IE, Ml* M II Ml IH.lt. farmer. See. 18; P. <>. St. Michael's; has 1 20 acres of land 
settled in the county in September, 1846. He is the son of Mat J. and Catharine Schneider; wa 8 
born in Rhenish Prussia. Nov. 30, 1826 ; came to America in company with his stepfather, John Theusch, 
in 1846, arriving in New Fork about Sept. 1 ; came directly to Milwaukee. After spending a few weeks 
i- that village, they came t<i Washington Co., Town 12. Range 20, now Farmington, where they located 
mi Government land. See. IS. In 1849, Mr. Schneider went to Chicago with the expectation of getting 
employment. On the breaking-out of the cholera at that place, he returned to Wisconsin. In 1851, he 
went in New York, where he remained till the following year. He then returned to Wisconsin. He was 
married, at St. Michael's Church. Kewaskum, in September. 18">3. to Miss Helen Keller, daughter of 
J. Keller. Mrs. Schneider only lived eleven months after her marriage. In November, 1S55, Mr. S. 
was married to Miss Susan Thull, daughter of Theodore Thull. Mrs. Schneider died in 1S59, leaving 
four children — Catharine, Margaret, Joseph and Nicholas. Mr. S. married Miss Christine Meyring, 
daughter of Henry Meyring, at St. Michael's Church, town of Kewaskum. July 23, 1864. Seven chil- 
dren were born of this marriage — Henry. John, Gertrude, Frank, Phillip, Mary and Mathias. Mr, 
Schneider was elected Assessor tin- the town of Farmington for the years 1856, 1859, 1860, 1861 and 1862. 
In 1864, he was elected Town Clerk. During the County Commissioner system, he was elected one of 
the Commissioners, and served two years. In 1866, he was elected a member of the Assembly for the 
Third District of Washington Co., and re-elected in 1874-75. He was elected Chairman of the town of 
Farmington in 1867, and re-elected each year to 1877. He was elected to the State Senate from Wash- 
ington Co., and served in that body during the sessions of 1876 77. 

I-'. 11 1 1.. S l\ S. 14a l-i !t. farmer and musician; P. 0. Fillmore; is the son of Henry and Wilhel" 
mine Seliger, and was born iii Saxe-Weimar May 3, 1849; he came to the United States, with his parents- 
in 185:1. and made his horn.' in the town of Farmington, Sec. 11; made farming his business; studied 
music, and is a member of Luckow's Brass Band, of West Bend. He was married in Farmington, Nov. 

2. 1871, to Catharine Crass, daughter of (ruttfried and Henriette Crass; they have had four children — 
Linda, Franklin, Frm-t and Edwin ; of these only two are living i Franklin and Edwin). Mrs. Seliger's 
rather continued his residence on the farm till the time of his death, which occurred in 1873. The 
mother survives. 

THOMAS ttHTTil deceased . was bom in New Hampshire, and was married in 1817. in 
nit. to Mrs. Margery Yarney. widow of Asa Yarney ; Mrs. Yarney was the mother of two children, 
one daughter. Phebe, now Mrs. Harlow Bolton, of Boltonvillc. The son, Asa, was married to Miss Mi- 
randa Norl and resides in Farmington; six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith ; the eldest, 

Hoi , is a resident of Iowa. William married Miss Susan Norton, a sister of Mrs. Miranda Yarney, 

and liven in Michigan: Martha, now Mrs. Garrett Marccllus. of Iowa; Jeremiah married Mrs. Christina 
Datiforth, and lives in Boltonvillc; Permelia was married in Farmington,. June 17, 1849. to Orson 11. 
McClaflin ; is now residing with her son. Thomas, at Milwaukee. 

DANIEL D. SMITH, retired farmer, residence, See. 19; PO. Farmington . is probably the old- 
est pioneer now resident in this town, being 86 years of age, as well as one of the oldest Bettlers. He was 
born in the town of Hartford. Washington Co.. N. Y.. Aug. 17. L795 . he was a soldier of the war of 
1812, and participated in the battle of Plattsburg. lie was married in October. 1817, to Miss Rachel 
Hicks, eleven children were born to them, of whom six are living. In 1830, Mr. Smith's family moved 
to Onondaga Co., and from there, Sept. i, H17. to Washington Co., Wis., locating Government land on 

19, town of Clarence now Farmington 1, where they have resided to this date. Mr. Smith built the 

first brick house in the town, and is said to have built the tirst frame liarn ; alBO established the tirst cooperage, 
am! supplied the early settlers with barrels. The old gentleman is hale and hearty, and delights in telling 
interesting stories of early days. 



TOWN OF FARMINGTON. 707 

JOSEPH H. SMITH, farmer, Sec. 19; P. 0. Farmington ; is the son of Daniel D. and Rachel, 
Smith; he was born in Cicero, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 5, 1836; lived in his native county till 12 
years of age; then removed to Wisconsin, with his parents, and settled in the town of Clarence, Sec. 19, 
Washington Co., in September, 1847. He was married in Barton, Jan. 1, 1859, to Miss Eliza Bailey, 
daughter of Thomas and Maria Bailey. Mrs. Smith was born in Devonshire, England, and came to 
America when 1 year old ; they have one adopted child, Bertha. He has 155 acres of land. 

WILLIAM STEWART, farmer. See. 30 ; P. 0. Barton; settled in the county October, 
1846 ; has 362 acres of land; Mr. Stewart was born iu Perth Co., Scotland, Aug. 15, 1815 ; is the son 
of James and Margaret (Rogers) Stewart. Was married in February, 1837, to Miss Jane Pringle, 
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ford) Pringle. Mrs. Stewart was born in Scotland; three children 
were born to them in the old country; the eldest, Elizabeth, died in childhood; the second, Mary, is 
now Mrs. Hugh Calderwood, of Iowa ; the third, James, died in America at the age of 17 years. Mr. 
Stewart and family came to the United States in 1844; made their home in Livingston Co., N. Y., about 
two years ; then, in the fall of 1846, they came to Wisconsin Territory and located on Government land, on 
Sec. 29, Town 12 north, Range 20 east, now Farmington, Washington Co.; a daughter was born to them 
Dec. 28. 1846. who was named Jane ; the young lady grew to womanhood, and became the wife of Mr. Ma- 
tlnas Stoaks, and, at this writing, is a resident of Iowa; Mr. Stewart and wife were blessed with four more 
children — Elizabeth, Annie, Martha and William; the two latter are now residing in Iowa. Mr. Stewart 
moved to his present farm in 1866 ; he held the office of Assessor of the town of Farmington in an 
early day, and was elected Chairman. He was the first President of the Bible Society, which was organ- 
ized in 1S51. 

ALEXANDER THOMPSON, farmer, resides on Sec. 20; P. O. Boltonville ; has 120 
acres of land in company with his son-in-law, Mr. Joseph Burgess. Mr. Thompson was born in the 
Province of Ulster, Ireland, Feb. 17. 1800. He was married in his native country, in November, 1837, to 
Miss Martha Thompson, daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Mitchell) Thompson, also a native of Ulster. 
Five children were born to them, of whom three only lived to maturity ; Elizabeth, who for many years 
has beeu a popular teacher of Washington County, is now the wife of Mr. Joseph Burgess and resides at 
the old homestead, being the only surviving child of the family. The son, John, died at the age of 27, 
and the other daughter, Mary A., was the wife of Mr. I. N. Frisby, a well-known attorney of West 
Bend. Her death occurred Sept. 24, 1878. Mr. Thompson came to America in 1844; made his home 
in the city of New i T ork for three years; then removed to Alleutown, Penn., where he remained till 1855, 
when he came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Farmington, Washington Co., Sec. 20 ; here, by 
patient labor, he has developed a finely-cultivated farm out of the wilderness of woods that greeted him 
over a quarter of a century ago, and now, having reached his 81st birthday, he and his good wife are 
happily passing their declining years, cheered by the kindly care of their only surviving child. 

DANIEL TRENAM, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Boltonville; has 160 acres of land; settled in 
the county in 1855. Is the son of John and Sarah (Thompson) Trenam ; was born in Yorkshire, 
England, Oct. 19, 1814 ; came to America in 1833 ; made his home in Oneida Co., N. Y., where he worked 
at the carpenter's trade. He was married in that county in 1845 to Miss Lydia Christy, daughter of 
James Christy. Mrs. Trenam was born in New Brunswick. With the exception of three years spent in 
Jefferson County, Mr. Trenam remained in Oneida County till 1855, when he removed to Wisconsin and 
located in the town of Farmington. Washington Co., where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Trenam have 
three children — Daniel, married to Mary Stanley, residing at the homestead ; Ann, now Mrs. Fred 
Schuler, of Boltonville. and James, married to Miss Laviry Yeamans and resides in Dakota. Mr. Trenam 
established the first cheese-factory in the town of Farmington (1871). which is still in successful opera- 
tion ; has manufactured about 40,000 pounds of cheese annually. He has kept a record of the reading 
of the thermometer three times a day, and the direction of the wind and a description of the weather for 
each day for several years. 

SAMUEL A. VARNE Y, farmer and school-teacher, Sec. 34 ; P. O. Barton ; was born in Cuy- 
ahoga Co., Ohio, Nov. 19, 1843; is the son of Asa and Miranda (Norton) Varney. He came to Wis- 
consin with his parents in 1847, and passed his boyhood in the wild woods of the town of Farmiugton ; 
when about 19, September, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, 12th W. V. I., and served till the close of 
the war ; when 23 years of age, he began teaching school and has taught thirteen terms, two of which 
were of the graded school of Fillmore. He was married, Oct. 29, 1S69, in this town, to Miss Mary E. 
Albright, daughter of Solomon and Maria Albright. Mrs. Varney was born in Pennsylvania and came to 
this town with her parents at an early day. They have two children, a son. A. Olin, and a daughter, E. 
Avis. They have SO acres of land. 



708 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

# ASA VARXEY, farmer, Sec. 20; P. 0. Boltonville ; is the son of Asa and Margery Varney ; 

was born in Addison Co.. Vt.. June 5, 1816; when 17 years of age, moved to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 
whore he was married, March 30. 1842, to Miss Miranda Norton, daughter of Samuel and Susan Norton, 
who was born in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. In November, 1847, Mr. Varney and family moved to the town 
of Clarence (now Farmington . Washington Co., and located on Sec. 20, where they are still residins. 
They have 160 acres of land. Four sons were born to them — -Samuel A. was a member of Company D, 
12th W. V. I., and served three years in the late war. He was married to Miss Mary Albright and 
resides in Farruington ; James O. married Miss Miranda J. Holt and lives in Iowa ; Harlow 1!. is in 
Montana Territory, and Charles M. at home. Mr. Varney was a member of the firm of Bolton, Varney 
& Willis, who built the Reliance Mills at Boltonville in 1854. Mr. Varney is a carpenter and millwright, 
and has been both farmer and builder. 

ANDREW WALTER, deceased; was born in Saxe- Weimar, Germany, Sept. 0, 1808. 
Was married, in 1830, to Miss Johanna Bitter, daughter of Godfried Ritter ; two daughters and four sons 
were born to them — Albert. Louisa, Theresa, Otto, Theodore, and Julius (deceased). Mr. Walter came 
to America with his family in September, 1854. and located in the town of Farmington, Sec. 35, where 
he was engaged in farming till the time of his death, whieh occurred Aus. 6, 1879. Mrs. Walter died 
Feb. 17, 1881. 

THEODORE H. WALTER, former. Sec. 35; P. O. Newburg; has 80 acres of land • 
son of Andrew and Johanna Walter ; was born in Saxe- Weimar, Germany, Oct. 24, 1847; came to 
America with his parents in 1854, and made his home on Sec. 35, town of Farmington ; he is engaged in 
farming. Nov. 28, 1876, he was married, at Newburg, to Miss Emma Kelck. daughter of Christian and 
Caroline Kelck ; they have three children — Agnes, Gustave and Elsa. Mr. Walter enlisted, in April. 
1865, in Co. II. 51st W V. I., and served till the close of the war. He is the present Clerk of School 
District No. 4, of this town. 

WILLET R. WESCOTT, farmer and dairyman; P. 0. Boltonville; has 10(1 acres; set- 
tled in the county in 1S46 ; is the sun of Samuel and Bethiah (Cuddeback | Wescott ; was born in Tioga 
Co., X. Y., Feb. 15, 1830; in 1846, came with his parents to Washington County and settled in Town 

12, Range 2n — now Farmington — making his li nn Sit 7; two years later, began teaching scl I. 

being the second to acl in that capacity in the town; he taught nine winters in succession. Was married 
in this town (Farmington), April 27, 1854, to Miss Thamar Stanley, daughter of Marshall Stanley, of 
Ohio : they had two children ; one died in infancy, unnamed; and the other, Olin, died when 6 years of 
age. Mrs. Wescott died Oct. 1, 1866. Mr. Wescott was married again. Aug. 27. 1. 867, in Farming- 
ton, to Miss Kate I!"--, daughter of John and Elizabeth (McCormack) Ross. Mrs. Wescott was born in 
Wauwatosa, Milwaukee Co., Sept. 25, 1846 ; they have seven children — Cora B., Lou E., Earl R , Will 
>.. Bruce P., EIi/.al»'th M. and Mary Josephine. Has served a* Superintendent of Schools of Farmington three 
terms, and as Justice of the Peace two terms ; was once elected Chairman, but did not qualify. Mr. Wescott'a 
father. Samuel Wescott. was a pioneer of lSHi of this town ; now a resident of Iowa. Mr. Wescott en- 
listed, in September, 1861. iu Co. D, 12th W. V. L, and served till May. 1864 ; being a musician, he was 
transferred to a band, and served as a musician; was with hi- regiment in all the engagements in which 
they participated. 

JI'DSON WILLIAMS, farmer, Sec. 29; P.O. Barton. Mr. Williams is a native of Van Buren, 

Onondaga Co., N. ST.; is the son of James B. and Naomi iTafC Williams, and was bom June 7, \"'-V.'i. 
When 13 years of age, he moved with his parents to Cedarburg, Washington Co. (now Ozaukee Co. . ar- 
riving there in April. IS 1 1 > ; the following October, they removed to Sec 29, town of Clarence (now 

Farmington . where the Subject of this sketch grew to manhood and has since made- hi- home. He was 

married, in this town, April 2, L865, to Miss Martha Tl pson, daughter of Robert Thompson. Mrs. 

William- was born in Mauch chunk. Penn., and came to Farmington with her people in 1859. Six chil- 
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams — George, Irving (who died when 2' years old), Henry, Alice, 
Phoebe and Annie. Mr. Williams has L60 acres of land. 

JAMES K. WILLIAMS) deceased ; was born in Onondaga Co.. X. Y. He was married, 
in that enmity, to Mi>s Xaoini Tal't. He moved West to Washington Co., Wis., in 1846: -pent a lew 
months at Cedarburg, then came to the town of Clarence (now Farmington), where he entered Govern- 
ment land on See. HI. receiving his patent in 1848, Feb. 10. He WSfl one of the earliest Superintendents 
of Schools of thi- town . he was al.-o elected Justice of the Peace, which office he held some twelve years ; 

he was a large-hearted, genial man — one of a type frequently found on the frontiers of a new country. 

He devoted him-' If to the improvement of his land, and lived to enjoy the fruits of hi- labors. His 



TOWN OF FARMINGTON. 709 

death occurred Jan. 7, 1874. His widow still lives on the old homestead with her son Judson, the best 
room in the new house being devoted to her use. 

CARL WITTIG, Town Clerk, carpenter and joiner, Fillmore; settled in the county in 
1850 ; was born in Saxony, Germany, March 29, 1838 ; is the son of Adam Wittig ; came to America in 
1850 and directly to the town of Fartnington ; learned the carpenter's trade in Milwaukee; was there two 
years, and was married in that city, Nov. 15, 1859, to Miss Augusta Kanter, a daughter of George Kanter ; 
Mrs. Wittig was born in Prussia ; they have two sons and one daughter — Charles, Ernst and Emma. He 
enlisted in October, 1864. in Co. A, 45th W. V. I., and was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and served 
till the close of the war, and received his discharge in July, 1865. He was elected Town Clerk of Farm- 
ington in 1870 and re-elected till 1875, when he resigned and moved to St. Louis; on his return after six 
months, he was appointed to his firmer position and re-elected iu the spring of 1876, and has been re 
elected each year to this writiug (1881 ) ; he was candidate for Sheriff of Washington Co. on the Republican 
ticket in 1880 ; he made a good run, but was defeated with the rest of his ticket, being unable to over- 
come the strong Democratic majority against him. 

PETER WOOGr, dealer in general merchandise and proprietor of cheese factory, Boltonville 
store established in the fall of 1S77 ; the cheese factory aod a branch store were established on the north 
east corner of Sec. 12, of this town, in the spring of 1881 ; combined stock of the two stores, $4,000 
about sixty thousand pounds of cheese will be manufactured the present season (1881). Mr. Woog was 
born in Prussia Dec. 5, 1838; is the son of Henry and Annette Woog; he came to America in 1854 
stopped in Milwaukee about four years, where he learned the cooper's trade ; then came to Boltonville and 
engaged in the coopering business; continued this business about five years; he then engaged as dealer in 
farm produce, and continued in that line till 1877, when he opened a store as dealer in general merchan- 
dise, which he has continued to the present time ; he carries a full line of goods usually found in a country 
store; in the spring of 1881, he established a cheese factory and branch store on Sec. 12, as described 
above. He was married at Boltonville, July 4, 1S59. to Miss Kate Kratsch, daughter of Henry Kratsch ; 
Mrs. Woog was born in Germany ; they have six children — Bertha, Peter, Clara, Edward, Annette and 
Amanda. 

NICHOLAS YOUNG, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Fillmore; was born in Alsace, France, April 
2, 1834 ; is the son of Jacob and Margaret Jung (now spelled Young by their descendants) ; Mr. Young 
came to America in 1853 and directly to the town of Farmington, Washington Co.; came with his parents, 
and located on Sec. 26. He enlisted in the fall of 1864, in Co. B, 45th W. V. I., and served till the 
close of the war. On his return from the army, he was married at Port Washington, Oct. 19. 1865, to 
Miss Augusta Goldammer, daughter of Charles Goldammer. Mrs. Young was born in Germany, and 
came to America when 9 years of age ; they have four children— Charles, William, Alfred and Lydia. Mr. 
Young spent some time learning the blacksmith's trade, but has been engaged in farming the most of his 
time. He was elected and served one year as Town Clerk of the town of Farmington. Has made his 
home at his present place of residence since 1878. 

WILLIAM YOUNG, farmer, Sec. 33 ; P. O. Barton ; settled in the county in the spring of 
1^74; has 200 acres of land; was born in Scotland Aug. 26, 1818; is the son of James and Grace 
Young. Was married in Fifeshire, May 9, 1842, to Miss Mary Graham, daughter of William and Mary 
' Rutherford) Graham : Mrs. Young was born in Fifeshire, Scotland ; soon after their marriage, they came 
to America ( in 1842 I and located in Canada, where they remained two years, and then moved to the State 
of New York ; lived in that State three years, then, iu the spring of 1847, came to Wisconsin, and settled 
on Sec. 33. town of Clarence (now Farmington), where they have continued to reside. They have five 
children — Mary i now Mrs. Chris Albright, of Washington Co., Kan. i, James ( married to Fannie Rock- 
afellow, also residing in Kansas). Grace (now Mrs. Charles E. Ripley, of Oakfield, Wis.), Alvin A. (mar- 
ried to Mary Friedeman, living in Kansas). Comfort W. (married to Matilda Board, and residing in 
Farmington). 



710 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



TOWN OF BARTON. 

JOHN JACOB BASTIAX, Sr., Barton; son of Sebastian and Christine Bastian; was 
born in Rhine Province, Prussia, Feb. 26, 1817 ; learned the tanner's trade. Was married, Feb. 3. 1844, 
to Miss Elizabeth Braun, daughter of Peter and Christine Rraun. In 1 844, they came to America ; 
made their home in Cleveland, Ohio, till August, lS4ti, when they moved to Washington Co., and settled 
on wild land, on See. 14, town of West Bend, now a part of the village of West Bend. Mr. Bastian and 
family were the first Germans to locate within the present limits of the village of West Bend ; after 
chic year's residence at this place, they moved to the town of Barton, Sec. 8, where they still live. 
Six children were born to them — John Jacob, the eldest, was bom in Cleveland. Ohio; married Margaret 
Arnet. and is now a resident of the town of West Bend. Emma was the wife of Mathias Baes, and died 
March 26, 1878, leaving three children. George L. married Mary Winkler, and is a blacksmith of Weal 
Bend ; Henry C. married Catharine Glass, and is a resident of the town of Barton, has five children; 
Herman, married to Mary Faff, has one child, resides at West Bend ; II. Augustus married Magdalene 
Holeinass and is a wagon-maker of West Bend. Mr. Bastian had purchased 200 acres of land on Sec. 8, 
but has deeded all to his children except 8J acres, which he reserve- for a homestead. lie has served six 
years as Treasurer of the town of Barton, being the first German to hold that office ; has also served as 
Assessor one year. 

WILLIAM S. OAVIS, of the firm of Woodford & Davis, proprietors of steam saw and 
planing mill, Young America, town of Barton ; was born in the town of Verona, Oneida Co. N. V., June 
23, 1831 ; son of William and Sally i Quimby) Davis. Mr. D. came to Washington Co. in May. 1850, 
and made his home in Waubeka, now Ozaukee Co.; in 1851, he came to Young America and engaged in 
the saw-mill business. He was married, in Barton, Feb. 27, 1858. to Miss Emily J. Bidwell. daughter of 
Luther and Lydia Bidwell. Mrs. Davis is :l native of the State of New York. Two children were born 
to them — Charles W. (deceased) and Cora Emily. Mrs. Davis died July 11. 1869. Mr. Davis formed 
the existing partnership with Mr. Woodford in 1864. lie was married, at Fond du Lac. Dec. 24. 1871. 
to Miss Amelia B. Wicker, who died fifteen months after her marriage I May HI, 1873). Mr. Davis was 
married again, April 27, 1875, at Sparta, to Mrs. Frances M. Brooks, widow of Frank Brooks, and daughter 
of Kbenezer and Julia U. Avery. Mrs. Davis was born in Chicago They have one child, a daughter — 
Hannah M. 

MICIIAKIj KISKXMANX, proprietor of the Milwaukee House, Barton ; the business was 
established in 1857 by his lather, Frank Eisenmann. Mr. E. is a native of Bavaria, Germany; was born 
Nov. 30, L838, and. in 1852, came to America with his parents i Frank and Theresa Eisenmann i ; made 
his home in Milwaukee, and with his lather engaged with Bradley & Metcalf, hoot and shoe manufactur- 
ers, and continued in their employ three yeais ; then moved to Barton, in 1855, and worked with his father 

at shoemaking till 1868, when he engaged in his present business of hotel-keeping. He was married, Nov 
25, I8(il.at Barton, to Miss Anna (JrsohlitZ, daughter of Peter Ursehlitz Mrs. Eisenmann is a native 
of Bohemia. They have had thirteen children, of whom ten are living — Gertrude, Mary, Theresa (de- 
ceased . Joseph, Frank deceased), Frank, Susie. Anna, John, Matilda. Rosa, Phillip and Catharine. Mr. 
Eisenmann was Town Treasurer of Barton in the years 1873-74-75. Justice of the Peace two years, and 
Town Clerk for the years 1878 79-80-81. 

I'FjTKB FRASKR, merchant and 1'i.simaster, Barton; business established in 1847 J average 
amount of stock carried. £:;.oin> Mr. Fraser was born in the town of York, Livingston Co., N. Y., Feb. 
12, 1819; son of William and .lennette , Davidson) Fraser; his people were from the highlands of Scot- 
land, and immigrated to America in 1807. He received a common-school education, and, in IS Hi, came 
to Wisconsin and settled in Town 11 north, Range ll> east, on the site of the village of Barton; here he 
I" " 1 a .'cneral country store. A dam and mills were built about the same time by Mr. Barton Salis- 
bury at this point, other settlers followed rapidly, and the little ham lei was christened Salisbury. Tin- 
name was subsequently changed to Barton. Mr. F. continued in the mercantile business three yean, and 
tie ii moved to a farm in the same town, whioh he carried on till 1802 ; he then houuht a piece of land in 
Barton, and shortly afterward established himself in the mercantile business, which he has continued to 
this date. In the fall of 1863, he went Easl to his old home, and was married al \\oi Livingston Co., 
N Y . Feb. 9, 1854, to Miss Mary A. Bidwell. They have had three children, of whom two are living — 
\ tola 0. and Edwin P., .lames died when 5 years of age. Mr. Fraser litis served one term each as Chair- 



TOWN OF BARTON. 711 

in in, Side Supervisor and Town Clerk, of Barton, His brother James was one of the earliest settlers of 
Barton, coming here in 1845 ; his death occurred six years later ( 1851). 

MARTIN ISA YH ART, Postmaster and dealer in general merchandise, Young America; 
business established in the spring of 1869 ; stock about $8,000 ; has a branch store in the shoe business 
at Barton. Mr. Gayhart was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., Oct. 23, 1840 ; son of John and Elizabeth 
(Mayer) Gayhart; he came to the town of Barton in 1855, and engaged in farming. He was married 
there, Jan. 21, 1862, to Miss Gertrude Stoffels, daughter of Henry Stoffels; ten children were born to 
them — Elizabeth, John H., Henrietta, Henry A., William M., Anna, Mary, Helena, Louis and Martin. 
Mr. Gayhart was appointed Deputy Postmaster of Young America under Mr. F. A. Noll, and served four 
years; May 22, 1876, he was appointed Postmaster, and has held the office to this date. He has served 
;is Chairman of the town of Barton three years, and is now serving the fourth term. 

DAMIAX HIRSCHROECK, manufacturer of and dealer in boots and shoes, Barton; busi- 
ness established April, 1855. The subject of this sketch is a native of Bavaria, Germany, and is the son of 
Sebastian and Elizabeth (Myer) Hirschboeck ; was born Sept. 27, 1831 ; learned his trade in his native 
country, and came to America in 1853, making his home in Milwaukee; he worked at his trade with 
Bradley & Metcilf till April 1, 1855 ; he then moved to the village of Barton and started in his present 
business. Mr. Hirschboeck was married, at Milwaukee, Ju'y 1, 1853, to Miss Barbara Braun, daughter 
of Bartholomew and Francisco (Ohlinger) Braun ; Mrs. H. was born in Bavaria, Germany; they have 
had thirteen children, of whom eleven are living; the two first were twins and died in infancy ; those liv- 
ing are Joseph, who is agent of the American Express Co. at Barton ; was appointed Sept. 12, 1877 ; 
Barbara, George, Sebastian, John, Elizabeth, Peter and Paul (twins), Frank A., Stephen and Zaezelia F. 
Mr. Hirschboeck has served his school district in the capacity of Treasurer six years. 

JOSEPH W. HOLEHOUSE, farmer and nurseryman, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Barton ; has 70 acres; 
settled in the county in 1846; was born in Staley Bridge, Lancashire, England, July 5, 1836 ; came to 
America with his parents when 9 years of age; lived in Lowell, Mass., till 1846, when the family moved 
to Wisconsin and located on Government land, Sec. 2, town of Barton ; the next five or six years were 
passed by young Holehouse in the occupations and amusements usual to a young lad living in the wilder- 
ness i«n the frontier of civilization ; when 17 years of age, being possessed of a love of adventure, he went 
to Milwaukee and shipped as a sailor on the lakes ; when 23 years of age, he was master of the propeller 
" Illinois ; " he also fitted out the square-rigged vessel called the Badger State, which was the first vessel 
of her kind to hail from Milwaukee. When the war broke out, he engaged in the United States transport 
service; was two years first, mate of the transport Powhattan, and, during the war, he made, in all, twenty- 
four trips across the Atlantic in the service of the Government. After the close of the war, he quit the 
sea, and was engaged as agent of the Nordiwestern Life Insurance Co.; was subsequently given a special 
agency, aud traveled for the company five years ; he was also special agent for the Washington Life In- 
surance Co. about four years ; during his travels in the interest of this company, he visited the Lake Su- 
perior iron and copper regions and the Northwest generally. He was married, at Red Wing, Minn., to 
Miss Millie Larkin, daughter of William Larkin, who was born in Pennsylvania; they have seven children 
— Mary A., Agnes G., Joseph W., John E., Frank J., Catharine and Robert. Mr. Holehouse has served 
as Assessor of the town of Barton nine years, and the last seven have been in succession ; in the fall of 
1880, he was elected to the Wisconsin Legislature, to represent the Second District of Washington Co. 

A. HUlVTTlVtiTOBJ, of the firm of Huntington & Koch, millers, Barton ; is a native of the 
town of Jordan, Onondaga Co., N. Y.; son of George C. and Abigail (Gallant) Huntington ; was born 
Aug. 30, 1841 ; learned the miller's trade in his native town, and followed that business till June, 1862, 
when he enlisted in Co. F, 111th N. Y. V.; was promoted to Orderly Sergeant of his company, and served 
till the close of the war; was wounded. May 5, 1864, at the battle of the Wilderness, by a gunshot wound 
in his right leg. On his return from the army in 1865, he went to Kaukauna, Wis., and engaged in mill- 
ing. He was married in this place, Feb. 9, 1866, to Miss Mary Fish, daughter of Jonas L. Fish ; Mrs 
Huntington was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.; they have one daughter. Abbie. Mr. H. remained at 
Kaukauna two years and then moved to Milwaukee, where he was engaged as head miller in the Kilbourn 
Mills, from 1867 to 1877 ; he was next employed in the Empire Mills, of Milwaukee, one year, when he 
came to Barton and formed the partnership now existing. 

JOIIX KOCH, of the firm of Huntington & Koch, millers, Barton ; son of George and Mary 
(Hickman) Koch ; was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, Jan. 15, 1836 ; learned the miller's trade in his 
native country ; came to America in 1853 ; located at Milwaukee, where he engaged as miller in the Kil- 
bourn Mill in 1854, and continued an employe of that mill twenty-four years. He was married, at Mil- 
waukee, in September, 1856, to Miss Augusta Friend, daughter of Florian Friend; Mrs. Koch was born 



712 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

in Germany : they were blessed with twelve children, of whom only five are living — Andrew. Edward, 
George, Clara and Amanda; one son — Paul — died when 21 years of age, and the others died in infancy, 
of diphtheria ; the son Andrew is a lithographer in the employ of Seifert & SehoefFel, of Milwaukee ; 
Edward is au architect, employed with Koch & Co., of Milwaukee ; George is assistant book-keeper in the 
hardware establishment of Frankford & Co., Milwaukee ; the daughters are at home. 

HUXTIX«TOX & KOCH, proprietors Barton Mills. These mills were built by R. R- 
Price, who carried on the business till 1877, when the property was sold at Sheriff's sale, to Abbott Law- 
rence, and Bold 1 > v him, Oct. 1, 1878, to the present owners; the mill is 65x44 feet, two and one-half 
stories high ; has rive run of stones; is possessed of the most improved machinery for making the new 
process of flour, and has a capacity of 100 barrels per day ; the old dam was entirely destroyed by the 
freshet of the spring of 1881, and is being rebuilt in a very substantial manner, at a probable cost of 
83.000. 

HFiXRY JANSEN, blacksmith, wagon and carriage maker, Barton ; business established in 
ISSil ; Mr. Jansen was born in the town of Barton Aug. 2, 1856 ; is the son of William and Theodora 
Jansen ; Mr. Jansen learned the blacksmith's trade in 1872 ; in October, 1870, he opened a simp in the 
village of Newburg, Washington Co., and continued business there till March, 1880, when he came to 
Barton and established his present business. He was married at Farmersville, Dodge Co., May 17. 1879, 
to Mis- Helen Remmelmeyre. They have one child — Sopbronia. 

CHARLES KAUFFUNG, proprietor of Barton Brick-Yard; business was established by 
Frank Leitheiser in 1875, and purchased by the present proprietor in December, 1S79; nine men are 
employed, and 500,000 brick manufactured annually; at present, the local demand consumes the supply. 
Mr Kauffung is a native of Prussia, and a son of Charles and Charlotte (Berker) Kauffung; was born 
Dee. 26, 1835; came to America with his parents in 1837; spent two years in Milwaukee, and then 
moved to a farm in the town of Mequon, Washington Co., now Ozaukee; remained on that place thirteen 
years, and then moved to Hamilton, near < 'edarburg ; when 18 year- .!' n-e. went to Milwaukee and Bpi nt 
two years as a clerk in a grocery store ; then went to St Louis. Mo., and lived there three years ; in 1860, 

hi' to Barton and encaged in the saloon business. In October, 1 — ■ t > t . lie enlisted in Co. G. 1st Wis. 
Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war; he resumed charge of his saloon which he had 
retained and left in the charge of his family during his absence; he continued this business until 1875, 
when he sold out and bought a farm of 52 acres in the town of Barton, which he still manages; in De- 
cember, 1879, he purchased the brick-yard business of Mr. Leitheiser, and has continued it to this writ- 
ing. II' 1 was married. March 2. 1858, in Milwaukee, to Miss Sophia Nolden, daughter of Matliais Nol- 
den : -In- was born in Prussia. They have had seven children, of whom Com are living ; Matilda, the 
oldest. .-iii,l two others died in infancy ; those living are Emil, Charlotte. Charles. Alfred. Matilda second I, 
Olivia and Amanda. 

HK\R¥ J. KIRCHER, dealer in general merchandise; also does custom tailoring ami gen- 
eral clothing trade, Barton ; business was established in 1867; average amount of stock, $5,500. Mr. 
Kircher is a native of Saxony, Germany; is the -on of Conrad and Mary Ann Kircher; was born Oct. 3(1, 
I -.;:; . served three years in bis native country learning the tailor's trade ; then traveled three years work 
ing at his trade; came to America in 1857, -topped in Buffalo, N. Y. a lew months, then came to Barton 
in the sprite; of 1858 ; clerked three and a half years tor Mr. John Reisse ; then went to Rochester, N. \ ., 
where he remained tw d a half years; when he returned to Wisconsin and worked at his trade in Mil- 
waukee one year ; he then returned to Barton and established his present business. He was married. 
Nov. [9, 1862, at Barton, to Miss Mary Ann Dehauo, daughter of Joseph Debano. Mrs. Kircher was 
born in the State of New York. They have had eleven children, of whom eight are living — the eldest 
two. Il.nn J. and John are dead; Henry J., the second of name. Elizabeth, Agnes, Bertram. Albert, 

Maltiiia. Joseph and Barbara are living ; Andrew, next younger than Matilda, is the third one lost. 

DUNCAN MCQUEEN, farmer. See. 25 ; P. ( ). Barton ; ha- I 2n acres . Settled in the county 
i let. 22, 1846 . be was born in the town of Grant, Inverness-shire, Scotland, July t. 1805; Son of Ihinie' 
and Elizabeth Grant McQueen. He was married, May 5, 1835. in his native town, to Ann Stuart. 
daughter of Thomas and Ann i Rose! Stuart, wdio was born in Inverness-shire. Three days alter their 
marriage they started for America, landing in Xew York July 4; they proceeded to Livingston Co., town 
of Caledonia, where they lived seven years, then moved to Monroe Co.; in the fall of 18 HI. be moved to 
Barton and located on 9eC. 25. where he now resides. They have had four children, three daughters and 
a -on -Eliza was born in New York, now Mrs. Nathaniel Emery, of Trenton; Daniel, married to Louisa 
Carrel, residing in the town of Barton; Amanda, now Mrs. Buddenhagen, of Kewaskum ; Janet, now 



TOWN OF BARTON. 713 

^Mrs. Robert Banks, uf Beaver Dam. Mr. and Mrs. McQueen are living comfortably in their old age in 
the enjoyment of the fruits of many years of labor. 

EDWARD MLELLER, dealer in hardware, stoves and tinware. Barton ; business estab- 
lished in August, 1880. Mr. Mueller was born in the town of Mishicott, Manitowoc Co., Jan. 26, I860; 
is a son of Henry and Minnie ( Haberlein) Mueller ; learned the tinner's trade in the town of Mishicott, 
serving two years ; he then worked a year in Kewaunee at his trade ; then went to Kohlsville where he 
clerked in a general store six months; in 1878, he went to West Bend and engaged as tinner with A. 
C. Fuge ; continued in his employ till August, 1880, when he came to Barton and established his present 
business. He was married, Sept. 11, 1880, in West Bend, to Miss Frances Hartman, daughter of George 
Hartman. 

ISRAEL E. MONGER, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Barton; has 65 acres of land, lying partly 
in Barton and Trenton ; settled in the county in 1859. He was born in the town of Bethany, Genesee 
Co., June 16, 1S19; son of Rufus and Lydia (Everest) Munger. The father was born in Connecticut, of 
Highland Scotch descent; the mother was born in Vermont, of English descent. Mr. Munger spent the 
early years of his life in his native county. In 18-41, he came to Wisconsin by the way of the lakes on 
the old steamer Great Western : reached Milwaukee in May of that year. He located on wild land in the 
town of Greenfield, Milwaukee Co., where he made his home for five years. From 1844 to 1846, he 
spent most of his time in the pine woods of Northern Michigan, lumbering. He was married in Greenfield 
in 1848 to Hanna Rich. One son was born to them (Luman), now residing in Nebraska. Mrs. Munger 
died May 15, 1850. In October of that year, Mr. Munger was married in the town of Granville to Lydia 
Ann Green. One son was born of this marriage, called Franklin, and now a resident of New Mexico. 
Mrs. Lydia Munger died in 1853. Mr. Munger was married to Mrs. Mary Anderson, daughter of James 
Stewart, in 1854, in the town of Farmington. Mrs. Munger was born in the town of Stanley, near the 
city of Perth, Scotland. She had one son by her former marriage, named William Anderson, now a resi- 
dent of Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. M. have had five children born to them, of whom three are living — 
James, Mary and Wesley. Ella died when 5 years of age; John when 7. James and Mary are teachers. 
In 185!), Mr. M. came to Washington Co., and located on Sec. 1, town of Barton. In September, 1861, 
he enlisted in Co. D, 12th W. V. I. ; re-enlisted as a veteran in 1863, in the same company and regiment, 
and served till the close of the war. He was wounded by a spent ball at the battle of Peach Tree Creek 
July 22, 1864 ; was with his company and regiment in all battles and engagements participated in by them. 

ALVAH M. OSTRANDER, farmer, Sec. 36; P.O. Barton; has SO acres of land; settled 
in the county in 1854. He is the son of Robert L. and Jane (McCarty) Ostrander; was born in the 
town of Hudson, Wayne Co., N. Y., Aug. 10, 1834. When 17 years of age, he came West ; spent about 
three years in traveling through Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. He finally 
settled down in the town of Barton in 1854. He was married, July 5, 1859, in the town of Farmington, 
to Miss Phebe Albright, daughter of Solomon Albright. Mrs. Ostrander was born in Pennsylvania. Two 
children were born to them — Fidelia and William. Mr. Ostrander entered the service of the Government 
in August, 1864, as a mechanic, subject to military duty ; was regularly drilled, and participated in the 
defense of Nashville, Tenn., against the confederate General Hood. Mrs. Ostrander died March 18, 1874. 
Mr. O. was married in the town of West Bend, April 16, 1875, to Miss Elizabeth Knapp, daughter of 
Peter aud Catherine Knapp. She was born in Wayne Co., N. Y. Mr. Ostrander located on his present 
farm in 1872. aud built his brick house in 1S77. 

ROBERT L. OSTRANDER, deceased; was born Jan. 1, 1802, in Phelps Co, N. Y. ; was 
married Feb. 8, 1825 to Miss Jane McCarty, who was born in Phelps Co. Feb. 2, 1805. Six children 
were born to them. The eldest, Angeline, was born in Huron, Wayne Co, Jan. 27, 1827 ; was the wife 
of William Moorehouse, and died in the town of Barton in April, 1880. William was born July 3, 1830, 
in Phelps Co. ; is now a farmer of Barton ; James W. was born in Huron, Wayne Co., Feb. 11, 1832 ; 
married Jane Noble, and resides in Nebraska; Alvah M. was born in HuroD, Wayne Co., Aug. 10, 1835 ; 
is now a farmer of Barton. Sej sketch. Sarah C. was born in Wayne Co, N. Y, Aug. 25, 1839, and 
died Jan. 31, 1870; Charles E. was born in Wayne Co, March 20, 1843; married Roby Burst, and 
resides in Nebraska. Mr. Ostrander and family moved to Barton in 1855. 

WILLIAM J. OSTRANDER, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Young America ; has 40 acres; 
came to Green Bay in 1833, and to Washington County in 1844; is the son of William and Phebe 
Ostrander; was born in Ontario Co., N. Y, April 11, 1816. In 1833, when only 17 years of age. he 
came to Wisconsin, landing at Green Bay. He attached himself to a Government surveying party, under 
the management of Mr. John Brink. They proceeded to the south line of the State, in what is now Rock 
Co., and ran the township lines, working well into the northern part of the State. He was afterward 



714 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

engaged in the subdivision of townships into sections ; was employed on this work about two years ; then 
spent about one year in surveying in Northern Michigan. In 1836, he made his headquarters in Mil- 
waukee. In the fall of that year, lie built a saw-mill at the outlet to Geneva Lake. In 1839-40, be was 
engaged in the grocery business at Milwaukee. In 1841. be went to Menomonee Falls. Waukesha Co., 
and helped build a saw-mill there. Was married, Aug. 30, 1848, to Miss Mary O'Brien. Four children 
were born to them — Melvin married to Eliza Trucsdel, living in Young America; Sarah Ann. now Mrs. 
Franklin Eberhardt, of Barton; Phebe, now Mrs. Orlando McCarty, of Young America, and Mary J., 
now Mrs. William Yates, of [owa. In 1844. Mr. Ostrander moved to Germantown, Washington Co., and 
entered a tract of Government land ; was appointed Assessor of Washington Co. at large in 1845, when 
that county was a precinct of Milwaukee County. He remained in Germantown only a year, when In- 
returned to Menomonee Falls, and continued his residence there till 18l>4. He then moved to the town 
of Barton. Mrs. Ostrander died in June, 1874. Mr. Ostrander was married, March 27, 1878, at 
Mennmonee Falls, to Miss Annis Snyder. She was born in the State of New York. 

REV. CASPAR REHRL, Priest of St. Mathias' Catholic Church, of the town of West 
Bend; residence, Barton. The subject of this sketch is the son of Phillip and Walburga Rehrl ; was 
born in Austria l>ec. 31, 1809; was educated at the University of Saltsburg, and ordained in 1834; he 
came to America in 1844, reaching New Orleans Dec. 8; remained there till April 2(>, 1845, when he 
started North, by boat, on the Mississippi and the Illinois Rivers, to Peru, 111. ; from there he came by 
stage to Chicago, and from Chicago to Milwaukee by boat ; he then came to Washington Co. afoot through 
what was then a trackless forest; lost his way. and lay in the woods two nights, and the third day reached 
the point now known as West Bend. Here he found. one shanty, occupied by [saao Verbeck, where he 
obtained the privilege of lying on the ground before a fire. The Verbeck shanty and a couple of wigwams 
were all there was of West Bend at that time (summer of 1845 > ; from this place he pushed on to Fond 
du Lac, then a trading-post on Lake Winnebago ; here he held mass in the house of a Frenchman; he 
next spent several years in traveling and performing the duties of his holy calling, through the counties 
of Fond du Lac, Brown, Sheboygan, Calumet and Dodge. In 1 852, he returned to Europe, and spent 
three years; returning to America in 1855, he came to Washington Co.; at one time he had charge oj 
twelve congregations in that and adjoining counties. In 1858, he made his home in the village of Barton, 
and erected the church and convent of the order of the Sisters of St, Agnes; the convent is built ad- 
joining and including the old house of Barton Salisbury, the first house built in the village. A fuller 
description of the order and of the convent is given in the history of the town of Barton. Father Rehrl 
is the pioneer and missionary priest of this section of the State; although in bis 72d year, the reverend 
father is an active minister of Ins church, his present charge being the church of St. Mathias, of the town 
of West Bend. 

AMMSr.U SCHMIDT, fanner. Sec. 12; P. 0. Barton; was born in Prussia March!; 
1839; son of [gnatz and Elizabeth Schmidt ; came to America in August, 1*52, and direct to Washing- 
ton Co. ; settled on Sec. ;;1 , town of Barton ; in September, L861 , he enlisted in < !o. < !. 9th W. V. [., and 
served three years; was promoted to Acting Sergeant of his company; he received a gunshot wound, 
Sept 30, 1862, at the battle of Newtonia, Mo., and was taken prisoner by the Confederates; was recapt- 
ured by the Federal forces within a few days, and placed in hospital, where he was confined several 
months ; he then rejoined his company, and served the term of his enlistment ; he immediately re-enlisted, 
and Berved under Gen. W. S. Hancock till February, L866, when he received his discharge. On his 
return from war. be bought his present farm on Sec 12. Be was married at Barton in June, 1866, to 
Mi-> Walpurga Biersack, daughter of Joseph Biersack, Mrs. Schmidt was born in Bavaria-, they have 
Four children Mary A., John A., August <i. and Sophia. Mr. Schmidt was Assessor of the town of 
Barton in 1868; was Deputy Register of Deeds from 1870 to l s 71, was then elected Register; was re- 
elected each term till 1**1. 

I*. C. SCHMIDT. Sr., wagon-maker, proprietor ol Farmers' Home, at Young America, 
town of Barton; hotel business was established in 1874. Mr. Schmidt was horn in Prussia, Germany, 
(•ct. 24, 1824 : when 15 years old, learned the cooper's trade, which he followed till 23 years of age; he 
then learned the wagon and carriage makers trade, and worked at that business till 1851, when he came 

to the United States; mad his home in Cincinnati, where he worked at Ins trade five and a half years. 
In I 356 lie caiue in I In- town of Barton, and located on a farm, and also opened a WBgOU-flhop at Young 

America, which he has -it carried on; he also attends to the working of his farm of 25 acres, ami the 

ement of the hotel. Mi Schmidt was married. Feb. 17, 1850, in his native land, to Miss Caroline 
Hagener, daughter of Henrj Hagener ; they have had seven children, all of whom are living; the el dot. 
Caroline, was bom in Germany; 'he Becond, I'. Charles, dr., was bom in Cincinnati, Ohio, now an attor- 



TOWN OF BARTON. 715 

ney at West Bend, Wig.; Henriette, now Mrs. Fred Stork, of Kewaskum ; Amelia, Pbillippini, Frederick 
and Henry. Mr. Schmidt has been Chairman of the town of Barton six years; Assessor, one year; Town 
Clerk, five years ; Superintendent of the Poor five years, and Justice of the Peace, twenty years. 

PAUL SLATKEY, lessee of the Young America Mills ; these mills have three run of 
stones, with a grinding capacity of sixty barrels per day ; a history of the mills is given elsewhere. Mr. 
Slatkey leased them March 10, 18S1, for three years. He is a practical miller, having learned his trade 
in Milwaukee. He is a native of Bohemia; son of Paul and Mary (Sloup) Slatkey; was born Feb. 10, 
1850 ; came to America in May, 1867 ; made his home in Manitowoc, where he remained two years ; 
then went to Milwaukee, where he learned the miller's trade, serving three years ; he then went to Pa- 
cine and worked at milling one year, as a member of a stock company ; then returned to Milwaukee, 
where he worked till the spring of 1881. Was married in 1876, at Milwaukee, to Miss Mary Bukov- 
skey, daughter of Frank Bukovskey. Mrs. Slatkey was born in Bohemia ; they have two children — 
Paul and Einily. 

CHARLES F. TAYLOR, blacksmith and wagon-maker, Barton; son of John R. and 
Charlotte (Fairchild) Taylor; is a native of Seneca Co., N. Y.; was born Sept. 30, 1837; came to Wis- 
consin with his parents in 1S45 ; made his home in Walworth Co. till May, 1847, when he came to Salis- 
bury, now Barton ; here he learned his trade in bis father's shop while only a boy ; of late years, has had 
the general charge of the business. He enlisted in the spring of 1864, in Co. A, 38th W. V. I., and 
served till the close of the war. He was married. July 4, 1864, in Troy, Walworth Co., to Miss Emily 
Corwin, daughter of Phineas and Mary Corwin. Mrs. Taylor was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y.; they 
have had five children — Charles H., Phineas F. (deceased), Charlotte F., Frances P. and Frederick (lost 
in infancy). In 1866, Mr. Taylor moved to Manistee Co., Mich., where he lived till 1872; he then re- 
turned to Barton, and resumed work in the old shop, still retaining the ownership of his farm in Michi- 
gan, of 100 acres. For the past nine years has carried on the blacksmithing and wagon-making business. 

HENRY H. TAYLOR, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. O. Barton; has 33 acres of land; son of John 
R. and Charlotte F. ( Fairchild) Taylor; was born in Sec.eca Co., N. Y.,Nov. 2, 1S40 ; came to Wisconsin 
with his parents in 1845 ; lived in Walworth Co. till May 1, 1847, when the family moved to Barton, Wash- 
ington Co., and located at Salisbury, now Barton; here he learned the blacksmith trade in his father's 
shop. In the (all of 1861, he enlisted in Co. D, 12th W. V. I., for three years; re-enlisted in Septem- 
ber, 1863, as veteran, and served till the close of the war. Mr. Taylor was married Jan. 2S, 1870, in 
Ozaukee, to Miss Catharine M. Eberhart, daughter of Mrs. C. Eberhart. Mrs. Taylor was born at New- 
burg, Washington Co.; five children were born to them — J. Harry, C. Estella, J. Robert, J. Frederick 
and Addie G-. 

,IOII\ R. TAYLOR, blacksmith, wagon-maker and dealer in farm machinery, Barton ; busi- 
ness established in 1847, aud has since been ruu continuously by himself and sons; he was born in Aurelius, 
Cayuga Co., N. Y., March 28, 1813; is the son of Joel and Polly (Root) Taylor. He is of old Revo- 
lutionary stock, his paternal grandfather having been a soldier of that war, aud a participant in the battle 
of Bunker Hill. Mr. T. learned the blacksmith and wagon-maker's trade in Seneca Co. Was married 
in 1834, Jan. 1, at Seneca Falls, to Miss C. F. Fairchild; six children were born to them. Leonard 
(deceased), Charles F. (now of Barton), Henry H. (also of Barton), Polly J. (who died in childhood), 
Almina J. I now Mrs. B. K. Smith, of Nebraska), and John A. In 1845, Mr. Taylor moved his family to 
Walworth Co., village of Troy, where they spent two years, and then came to Salisbury, now Barton, 
arriving in this town May 1 ; he was accompanied by his brother, Charles L., now suffering from the loss 
of his eyesight, and a resident of Waupaca Co.; they at once erected a slab shanty, 10x20 feet, in which 
they kept boarders for four years ; they also built a blacksmith and wagon shop, and commenced business 
in that line. Sept. 9, 1855, Mrs. Taylor, after a lingering illness, passed away. Mr. T. was appointed 
Postmaster in 1852, and served four years. He was married, Dec. 25, 1855, in the village of Barton, to 
Miss Rebecca J. West, daughter of Stephen West. Mrs. Taylor was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y. 
Among the apple trees of Mr. Taylor's orchard, is a golden russet tree, measuring over four and one-half 
feet in circumference six feet from the ground. It is probably one of the largest of its kind in this sec- 
tion of the State. 

H. P. TOR5IEY, teacher. Barton ; is the son of Dennis and Rose (Lynch) Tormey ; was born 
in Keesville, Essex Co., N. Y., Sept. 6, 1841 ; was educated in the University of Plattsburg, N. Y.; com- 
menced teaching in 1859, and continued that occupation winters till 1862, when he enlisted, July 17, in 
the Kith N. Y. V. I., Co. C; served till March 17, 1863, when, on account of disability, he received his 
discharge; on returning from the army (as soon as his health permitted), he resumed teaching in his na- 
tive State and eontinued it till 1867, when he came to Wisconsin and established himself at Iron Ridge, 



716 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Dodge Co.; was engaged in leaching in that county till 1870, when he went to Hartford, Washington Co., 
and taught the Hartford School three years. He next went to Appleton, where he taught in the city 
schools two years ; he then returned to Hartford and taught the village school three years, and, in 1879, 
came to Barton and engaged as teacher. He was married, at West Plattsbnrg, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1873, to 
Miss Mary E. Powers, daughter of David and Joanna Powers. Mrs. Turmey was born at Saranao, X. Y. 

JAMES WASHBURN, Barton ; is a native of Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y.; was born in 
1820 ; spent his early life on his father's farm; when 13 years of age lost his lather, and was then lef in 
care of a brother, on a farm, till of age; followed farming and trucking till 1S54, when became to 

Wisconsin and settled at Barton ; he then commenced in tin pering business, which he has continued 

to this time, furnishing the larger part of the cooperage for the Barton and Young America mills. Was 
married, in Washington Co., June 4, 1S48. to Miss Cordelia Smith, daughter of Daniel D. Smith, one of 
the earliest settlers of Farmiugton, of this county. 

N. E. WOODFORD, of the firm of Woodford & D ivis, proprietors of steam saw and plan- 
ing mill, Young America; was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 22, 1833; learned the carpenter's 
trade in his native county ; came to Wisconsin in 1856; located at Portage City, where he built a saw- 
mill and remained eight months; then came to Young America and built a shop and engaged in business 
as carpenter and joiner. In 1861, he went into partnership with Mr. Luther Bidwell, and built the steam 
saw-mill, which was carried on by them till 1864, when he formed the present partnership. He enlisted 
that year and served till the close of the war. He was married, Jan 2. l^iiti. at Barton, to Miss Helen 
Bidwell, daughter of Luther and Lvdia Bidwell ; they have two children — Lola and Frank. 



TOWN OF POLK. 



JOSEPH i:OII\, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Cedar Creek; has 142 acres of land; was born in 
Bavaria, Germany, May IB, 1823, and is the son of Henry and Catharine Wine i Hohn ; he came to 
America in 1853; stopped a few months at Detroit, Mich., then came to the town of Polk and settled on 
Sec. 10, where he continued to reside till 1867, when he removed to his present farm on Sec. 1. He was 
married in Germany in May, 1845, to Miss Elizabeth Bernhardt; they have twelve children, four of 
whom were born in Germany, the others in the United Slates . the eldest — Eliza (is the wife of Mr. H. 
V. Hicks, of Iowa). Catharine (is the wife of Stephen Lang, of the town of West Bend), Henry. Joseph, 
Mary (the wife of Valentine Engelhardt. of St. Lawrence. Washington ('". . Frank, Gertrude, John, 
Peter, Louisa and Benjamin. 

PHILLIP J. BRISSEL, farmer, Sec. 10; P. 0. Cedar Creek; has 95 aoresof land; set- 
tied in the county in L848; was born in the Rhenish Province of Hesse-Darmstadt, Nov. 5, 1822; lie is 
the son of Phillip and Eva Brissel. and WHS brought up a farmer in his native country; in L848, on the 
eve of the breaking-OUt of the revolution, he left (iennany and emigrated to the United Stales; came 
directly to the town of Polk ; he was employed for several years in various occupations, and, ill 
1 -•"> '.*. lie purchased and occupied his present farm on See. 1(1. lie was married in the town of Polk 
Dec. 25. 1852, to Miss Catharine Benz. daughter of Henry Benz; -lie was bom in the same province as 
her husband; they have had five children, of whom four are living — Henry, Louisa (died when I years 
of age George, Mary and John. Mr. Brissel was elected Chairman of the town of Polk, in 1870. and 
was re-elected in 1*70-77-78 and lsso, having served five term.-. 

S. II. RRI'WER, farmer, See. 11 ; P. O. Cedar Creek ; has 56 acres; is a native of Bucks 
Co., Penn. ; is the son of Henry and Elizabeth Brunner, and was horn Nov. 4. 1S17; when quite young 
he accompanied his parents to the State of New Jersey, where they resided Bome time ; next lived in the 
State of New York, and afterward returned to Pennsylvania, and resided in Philadelphia. Be was mar- 
ried in Easton, Penn., in 1855, to Miss Anna M. Qeider; they have Biz children — William W.. Andrew 
.1 . tana M., Alvina and Emma; Lehman II. died in childhood, Mr. Brunner and family moved to 
New York, and from there came t" Madison, Wis., in 1856; remained there only a short time, and then 
moved to the town of Hartford, Washington Co.; located on See. 1 ; after a residence of -even years on 
that farm, he moved i" another in the same town, and from there to his pn sent place of residence in 
1863. Mr. Brunner htis served one term as Chairman of the town of Polk; the children were all horn 
in Wisconsin. 



TOWN OF POLK. 717 

JOHN RFCH, proprietor of hotel, Cedar Creek ; has 80 acres of land lying a half mile south of the 
village ; he is a native of Rhine Province, Prussia ; is the son of Adam and Katie Buch, and was born 
Sept. 12, 1836; he emigrated to America in 1857, and came directly to the town of Polk, where he set- 
tled on 40 acres of land in Sec. 10; he followed farming till 18(53, when he went to Chicago and spent 
four years clerking in a grocery store ; he then returned to the town of Polk, sold his -40 acres, and pur- 
chased the 80 acres which he now owns on Sec. 2. He was married in Schleisingerville, in 1858, to Miss 
Lizzie Kelser, who was a native of Germany ; they had two children — Katie and John. Mrs. Buch died 
«arly in 1868. Mr. Buch married Miss Kone Frees, daughter of John Frees, July 4, 1868 ; she is a 
native of Germany; they have five children — -Joseph, Peter. Charles. Jacob and Rosa. In 1875, Mr. 
Buch moved to Cedar Creek and purchased the Cedar Creek House, still retaining his farm ; he served as 
Treasurer of the town of Polk in 1876 ; has served one term as Treasurer of School District No. 1, and 
is now on the second. 

(jrEORdrE F. FLEISCHMAN, merchant, dealer in general merchandise, Mayfield ; busi- 
ness established in 1866; Mr. Fleischman is a native of the Grand Dukedom of Hesse-Darmstadt; he is 
the son of Frederick and Margaret Fleischman, and was bor,n near IVVayance May 7, 1819 ; he was edu- 
cated at the common schools of his native province, and at the Teachers' Seminary of Bensheiui ; he 
adopted the avocation of teacher ; but, on the breaking-out of the revolution of 1848 and 1849, he 
became an active participant, and, with many others of his comrades, was obliged to seek refuge in the 
republic of Switzerland; on the 27th of November, 1849, he left Switzerland for America; arriving in 
New York City he remained there till March, 1850, when he removed to Maine, where he resided one 
year, and then came West, arriving in the town of Polk, Washington Co., iu 1851 ; was engaged in 
teaching school till 1863, when he returned to Germany and remained till the following year ; he then 
returned to Wisconsin and resumed the occupation of teacher, which he continued till May, 1866, when 
he established his present business ; he was elected Superintendent of Schools of the town of Polk, and 
served three years ; was elected Town Clerk, which office he held four or five years. He was married in 
Milwaukee May 1, 1860, to Miss Catharine Dannenfelser, daughter of Heury Dannenfelser ; she was 
born in Germany; their family consists of two daughters — Eliza and Freida ; they have lost one son — 
George — who died in infancy. Mr. Fleischman is a man of superior culture, and one whose intimate 
knowledge of the history and politics of the old world makes him an entertaiuing and instructive companion ; 
he has been solicited several times to serve as County Superintendent of Schools, but has always declined. 

HORACE MAKER, farmer, Sec. 11 ; P. O. Cedar Creek ; has 80 acres of land ; he was born 
in Scohairie Co., N. Y., May 7, 1819 ; he is the sou of Jonas and Eunice (Morse) Haner; was brought 
up a farmer by occupation, and continued to reside in the State of New York till 1845, when he moved to 
Wisconsin ; he spent one year in Milwaukee, and during that year (in November, 1845), he visited the 
town of Polk, selected the site of his present home and purchased it of the United States Government on 
the 15th of that month; the following August I 1846), he moved to his land, and has continued his resi- 
dence there to this writing. Mr. Haner was married, in Palmyra, Wayne Co., N. Y., June 9, 1839, to 
Miss Nancy J. Gould; they hive seven children living — Melissa, now Mrs. William A. Van Loan, of 
Minnesota; Harriet, now the wife of J. S. Norton, of Missouri; tieorge, married Miss Lydia Short, and 
resides at Neilsville, Wis.; Nelson, married to Miss B. C. Williams, and residing on the old homestead ; 
Hamilton, resides at Cedar Creek aud runs the Maxon Saw-Mill ; Frances is the wife of A. J. Taylor, of 
Barton; Lorinda is the wife of L. C. Morgau, of Hartford. Mr. Haner has served one term as Treasurer 
of the town of Polk. His son George was a member of the 10th Wis. Battery; served three years and 
participated in sixty-two different engagements in the late war. 

NELSON HANER, son of Horace and Nancy J. Haner, was born in the town of Polk, Wis., 
Aug. 17, 1847. He was married, Aug. 14, 1872, in the town of Hartford, to Miss M. L. Mowry, daugh- 
ter of S. M. Mowry; one child was born to them — Guy M.; Mrs. Haner died Aug. 6, 1878; Mr. Haner 
was married again, Feb. 16, 1881, at Fond du Lac, Wis., to Miss C. B. Williams, daughter of Dexter G. 
Williams ; Mrs. H. is a native of Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. 

LUDWIG JOECKEL, agent for the Milwaukee Mechanics' Mutual Insurance Co.. May- 
field ; P. O. Riceville. Mr. Joeckel was born in Mainz, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, June 20, 1806; is 
the son of Henrich and Ottelia Joeckel ; came to America in 1843, and directly to Wisconsin, town of 
Jackson, and engaged in farming ; he subsequently (iu 1867) engaged in the insurance business, and, in 
1877, moved to Mayfield. He has served as Treasurer of Washington Co. two years. Mr. Joeckel was 
married, in his native country, in 1832, to Miss Elizabeth Scholwalter, daughter of Jacob Scholwalter : 
they have four children — Mary is the widow of Charles Kron, and lives in Milwaukee ; Elizabeth is the 

s 



718 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

wife of John Spuhler, of Milwaukee ; Christian married Miss Eliza Feije, and resides in Jackson, where 
he has a farm of 80 acres ; the father also has 80 acres. 

FREDERICK KLETTI, blacksmith, Schleisingerville ; makes wagons and buggies, and 
does a genera] blacksmithing business; he was born in the town of Barton, Washington Co.. Dec. 17, 
1855 ; is the son of John and Lena Kletti; he learned his trade with John Theile, of Schleisingerville, 
commencing in October, 1874 ; served two and a half years; he then started in business for himself in 
his present shop; he employs two men. He was married, in Schleisingerville. Oct. 28, 1870, to Miss 
Helena Dellenbach, daughter of Henry Dellenbach; she is a native of West Bend ; they have one son — 
Frederick; Mr. Kletti's people came from Baden, Germany, to America, in 1853, and located in the town 
of Barton. 

JOH\ KOCH, Postmaster and proprietor of Union House, Mayfield ; business established in 
1867; was born in the province of Oberhessen, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Sept. 8, 1841 ; he is the 
son of John and Catharine Koch; came to America in May, 1857, and located at Niagara Falls. X. Y. 
In the spring of 1861, he enlisted, at the first call of the Government for troops in the late war, in Co. 11. 
21st N. Y. V. I., fur two years, and was subs ■- (U.-utly transferred to the United States service; he partici- 
pated in the following battles: The battle of Fredericksburg, in the spring of 1862; Culpeper Court 
House; Rappahannock Station ; Gainesville; second battle of Bull Run ; battle near Centerville ; South 
Mountain ; ami the battle of Antietam ; in the latter engagement he lost his left arm by a gunshot wound. 
Sept. 17, 1862; he received an honorable discharge for disability, and, in October of that year, returned 
to Butl'd". X Y.; here he spent the winter of 1862-63, in recruiting for the 15th N T . Y. H. A.; on the 

ization of this regiment, he was assigned to the Quartermaster's department, and served till the close 
of the war; he was with Gen. Grant in his campaign in Virginia, and was present at Lee's surrender. At 
the close of the war, he returned to Buffalo, and from there came to Mayfield, in November. iSiitl; in the 
spring of 1867, he established his present business. He was elected Treasurer of the town of Polk iu 
1870, and served one term; in 1873, he was appointed Postmaster; was next elected Chairman of the 
Town Board in ISSil, and re-elected in 18SI, being the present incumbent. He was married, at Mayfield, 
Dec. 10. ISO'.), to Miss Catharine Becker, daughter of Peter Becker; she was born in Germantown, Wis.; 
they have five children — Georsre, Louis, John, Julia and Rosa. 

REV. FREDERICK R. LEICH, Pastor of the German Reformed Church. Polk; was 
born in Woelferlingen, Duchy of Nassau. Germany, Oct. 5, 1839 ; be came to America in the fall of L868, 
and entered the Theological Seminar} 7 in Franklin, Sheboygan Co., where lie continued his studies for the 
ministry till 187H, when in that year he came to take charge of this parish with a congregation of thirty 
families ; during his administration, the ohuroh was built, and, with the parson ige, oost $5,100, which was 
appropriated by the congregation of their own resources, and is exempt from any debt; the present num- 
ber of communicants consists of fifty-six families. Rev. Leich was married to Miss Bertha Bossard in 
I ~7i! . Mrs. Leich is a daughter of Dr. J, J. Bossard, of the Franklin Seminary; they have three children 
— two sons ami one daughter; the eldest (William) is 10, the daughter Bertha) 8, and the youngeel 
(Oscar, is 6 years of age. He is held in high esteem by his congregation, which he acknowledges with 
many thanks. 

CHARLES F. EEIXS, school teacher and Town Clerk, Mayfield ; was horn in the town of 
Polk, Washington Co., June !!. 1 -s.i2. and is the son of John and Genofeva Leins; his parents Came to 
America in 1850, from Wurtemberg, and directly to this town. Mr. Leins was educated in the common 
schools of his native town, in the city schools of Milwaukee, and the Northern Indiana Normal School; 

iinmenced teaching in 1872, in the town of Addison; he has taught in the various district schools 
thirty-seven months in all; he was elected Town Clerk of Polk in 1870, and re-elected in 1880—81 ; he 
helped to organize the West Bend, Polk and Richfield Fanner-' Insurance Company, and is one of the 
Dire ctors . he was appointed Deputy County Surveyor May 20. 1881. 

HON. DENSKORE W. JIAXOX, Cedar Creek; was bom iu the town of Verona, 
Oneida Co.. N. V., Sept. 30, L820; he i- tie- son of Ethan and Betsy i Andrews) Afaxon; was din 
at tie- < Ineida I ' inference Seminary ; is a farmer by occupation ; resides at I ledar Creek where he has a farm 
of 1 111 acres. In 1843, he Came to Wisconsin Territory, arriving in Milwaukee early in May; he re- 
mai I thereuntil October I. when he came to Washington Co. and engaged in surveying and locating 

lands ; he was appointed Deputy County Surveyor of Washington Co. in 1st:;, and made his home in the 
town of Mequon ; about 1845, he located a quarter of See. 15, Town In, Range 10, now Polk; he made 

the survey for the first highway through this town. Early in the spring "f 1 8 16, he built a shanty on his 

land, April 2 of that year be was married in the town of Mequon, to Mi-s Elizabeth Turek, daughter 
Ol Peter Turok. Mrs. Maxuii was born in the CatskilU, of New York, and came to Wisconsin with her 



TOWX OF POLK. 719 

parents in 1837 ; the family settled in the town of Mequon, Washington Co., now Ozaukee ; immediately 
after his marriage, Mr. Maxon and bride proceeded to their new home in the shanty above mentioned ; 
here in the wilderness, with Indians and wild animals for neighbors, they began life in earnest. Mr. 
Maxon made his knowledge of surveying and of landmarks available to the incoming settlers in assisting, 
them in the location of their homes ; his superior ability and energy was soon recognized by his neigh- 
bors, and he was called to the position of leader among them ; he was chosen the first Chairman en the 
organization of the town in 1846, and it was at his suggestion that the town was called by the name of 
Polk; he was re-elected and served as Chairman until 1859 ; was also elected Justice of the Peaee, and 
held that ofiice many years ; was elected to the first State Legislature, and participated in the organiza- 
tion of the government of Wisconsin in 1848; he was re-elected in 1852 ; he was elected to the State 
Senate for the term 1859, re-elected for 1860-61 ; was elected again to the Legislature of 1867-68-69-70 
-71-72 ; in 1865, he was a candidate for Lieutenant Governor on the Democratic ticket against Wynian 
Spooner on the Republican ticket, and was defeated with the rest of the ticket; in May, 1868, he was 
appointed a member of the Board of Visitors to attend the annual examination of the United States Mili- 
tary Academy at West Point ; he was the leading spirit in securing the passage of the act providing for 
the establishment of the Northern Hospital for the Insane ; was appointed a member of the Board of Com- 
missioners in charge of construction, and was appointed one of the Board of Trustees, which position he* 
held ten years; he was appointed Commissioner of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Bailroad grant of 1856; 
at this writing, 1881, he has just disposed of the last of the lands, and closed up the business •. he was 
appointed Commissioner for the Sturgeon Bay Canal Land Grant, and has that now under his manage- 
ment ; he built the first sawmill in the town of Polk, which was located on Cedar Creek ; the mill has 
been re-built and improved, and is still owned and operated by him. The many positions of trust and. 
honor to which Mr. Maxon has been called, and the varied and arduous duties which he has been called 
upon to perform, speak more eloquently in praise of the character of the man than anything that can be 
said in an article like this. Mr. Maxon's family consists of wife, two daughters, and four sons ; the eldest 
son Mason M., graduated at West Point in t868, received a 2d Lieutenant's commission in the 10th U. 
S. Cavalry, is now Regimental Quartermaster of the regiment, and stationed at Ft. Concho, Texas; the 
second son, Glenway, is a graduate of the State University at Madison, was admitted to the ban and is 
practicing law in Milwaukee ; the younger members, Dow, Ada, Effra and William are at home. 

GEORGE MEXGER, Schleisingerville ; proprietor of the Hotel, Farmers' Heimath, which 
business was undertaken by him in 1876 ; he is also proprietor of the Schleisingerville Brick Yard, and 
manufactures from 600,000 to 700,000 annually ; he is the son of John George and Elizabeth Menger, 
and was born in Germany July 16, 1846, and came to this country with his parents in 1847. He was 
married in Milwaukee on Dee. 24, 1874, to Mi?s Elizabeth Kletti, daughter of John Kletti ; she was 
born in the town of Wayne, Washington Co.; they have had three children, of whom two are living — 
Lena M. and Otto ; George died in infancy. Mr. Menger is a member of the Board of Village Trustees, 
which position he has held about eight years. 

JOHX GEORGE MEXGER. farmer, residence, village of Schleisingerville ; was born in 
Hertzug, town Koburg, Germany, Nov. 24, 1816 ; is the son of George M. and Eva (Schmidt) Menger; 
he came to America in 184", and located in the town of Polk, Washington Co.. on Sec. 19, where he still 
has a farm of 160 acres; in 1869, he began the manufacture of brick, which he carried on extensively ;. 
in May, 1866, he started in the hotel, saloon and meat-market business; the hotel he named the " Farm- 
ers' Heimath," and is now kept by his son George. Mr. Menger was married previous to leaving the old 
country to Miss Elizabeth Erlig, daughter of Andreas Erlig. They had six children — the eldest, Mary, 
died in infancy; the second is Mrs. Elizabeth Traugott Baehring, of this village; George married Miss 
Elizabeth Kletti, and lives in the village ; John, Caroline (died when 1} years old;; the youngest is 
Henry. Mr. Menger has served two years as Treasurer of the town of Polk; several terms as Village 
Trustee, and seven years as President of the village. 

JOSEPH MERTEX, saloon, Schleisingerville; is a native of Prussia; is the sod of Phillip 

and Elizabeth Merten ; was born March 27. 1842 ; he emigrated to the United States with his parents in 
May, 1854 ; came directly to Wisconsin and located on Sec. 16, town of Polk ; when 16 years of age, he 
began an apprenticeship to the shoemaker's trade in the village "f May field ; served three years; he then 
worked in Milwaukee as a journeyman shoemaker about eight or nine years; he then proceeded to Cedar 
Creek. Washington Co., and opened a shoe-shop, which he carried on for four years ; he next spent three 
years in Kewaskum in the same business, and in 1877 came to Schleisingerville and engaged in his pres- 
ent business. He was married in Milwaukee, July 9, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth Engelharth, daughter of 



720 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Andrew Engelharth. They had four children — Lizzie, Rosa, Anna and Joseph. Mr. Morten's elder 
brother John, is a farmer, residing on Sec. 16, where he has 40 acres of land. 

BARXETT C RIX., farmer, and a member of the firm of J. L. Rix & Bros., proprietors of 
the Cedar Creek Mills i flouring) ; residence, Sec. 14 ; he was born in the town of Polk April 14, 1845, 
and is said to have been the first white child born in this town, north of Cedar Creek ; he was brought up 
on the farm and received a common-school education. In the fall of 1864, he went to Fillmore Co., Minn, 
ami was engaged in farming till the winter of 1869, when he returned to the town of Polk and bought an 
interest in the Cedar Creek Mills ; he continued his connection with the mill about two years, when he 
traded his interest to his brothers for theirs in 80 acres of the homestead farm. In the fall of 1873, he 
went to California, where he remained six months and returned to Wisconsin ; again, in 1875, he went to 
Minnesota, and to Texas in the fill of 1876 ; the following year he returned to Wisconsin, town of Polk ; 
in 1878, he bought into the mill again, in company with his brothers J. L. and W. P., aud the business 
has since been conducted under the firm name of J. L. Rix & Bros. Mr. Rix was married, in the town 
of Jackson, March 31, 1879, to Miss Eliza M. Harding, daughter of William Harding. They have one 
child, a son named Harvey Lee. 

JOHN REX. (deceased) ; was born in Canada in 1S10. Was married, in that country in 1829, 
to Miss Mary Paul, who was born in Canada. In the fall oF 1844, Mr. Rix and family moved to South- 
port, Wis., now Kenosha; the same fall he came to Washington Co., and selected the northwest quarter 
of Sec. 14, Town 10, Range 19 (now Polk), 160 acres, which he purchased of the United States Govern- 
ment ; the following spring he moved his family to his land. There were thirteen children in the family ; 
of these six sons and three daughters are living — James B.: Sarah, now Mrs. C. B. Sheldon, of Ocono- 
mowoc ; Esther, now Mrs. David Robertson, of Minnesota; John A., of Texas ; J. L, ex Sheriff of 
Dodge Co.. Wis.; Porter, of Minnesota; Wareham P., present Clerk of the Court of Washington Co.; 
Barnett C., Burnetta, now Mrs. O. H. Hathaway. Mrs. Rix died in the fall of 1856. Mr. Rix was mar- 
ried, the following year, 1857. in the town of Polk, to Miss Martha Farmington. Three daughters were 
born of the second marriage — Mary, Cora and Beatrice, now living in Minnesota. Mr. Rix was elected 
Justice of the Peace of the town of Polk and held the office several years. He was engaged in farming 
till the time of his death, which occurred Sept. 19, 1809. 

J. L. IJ1X & BROS., proprietors of Cedar Creek Mill; this mill is situated on Cedar Creek, 
on the northwest quarter of See. 14, Town of Polk ; it was built in 1858, by J. A. and J. L. Rix ; size, 
10x60 feet, three stories and basement ; is run by water-power furnished by Cedar Creek, which gives :l 
twenty-five-foot head; it is furnished with two runs of stone and necessary apparatus for first-class custom- 
work, and has a capacity of thirty barrels of flour per day. The present firm was organized in 1*78, and 
consists of J. L, W. P. and B. C. Rix. 

VII Kill) ROLFE, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. O. Cedar Creek; was born in Hillsboro, N. H., 
Jan. 18, 1826 ; is the son of Stephen ami Mary A. (Reed i Rolfe : he graduated in the English branches 
at the Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass; when 22 years of age, he came to Milwaukee, where he resided 
about eight years, working as a carpenter and painter ; he then moved to Janesville and engaged in the 
lumber business; continued in that business about five years, and then came to the town of Polk and en- 
gaged in farming, and has continued to reside here to this date. He was married, in Milwaukee, in March 
1 B68, to Miss Mary Jennings, daughter of Thomas Jennings; she was born in Ohio ; three children were 
bum to them ; the eldest — Alfred H., died when nearly 3 years of age; the younger ones are Charles, 
Alphaand William \Y. Mrs. Knife died Aug. 11. L875. 

JAMES KOI. IT,, son of Stephen and Mary A 1! I) Rolfe; was born in Hillsboro, 

Mass , iii 1-21 ; hi' came to Wisconsin in 1846, ami located in Milwaukee, where he resided seven years ; 
he then came to the town of Polk aud located on See. 1. where he had 400 aires n\' land. He was mar- 
ried, in the town of Polk, in 1849 t" Miss Matilda Meade, four children were born to them, three daugh- 
ters and mi • BOn. Alida is now the wife of Albert Morris, of Minnesota ; Lucy, Viola and James. Mrs. 
Rolfe died in L859. Mr. Knife was elected State Senator and served one term ; has also held several town 
offices. 

4'll ICIHTOril El{ KOSCIIE. City Foundry, Sohleiaingerville ; established this business in 
1867; it is the first and only foundry in the village. Mr. Roschc was born in Prussia June 2, 1S22; is 
the son "f Christopher Rosche; he emigrated to the United States in 1842, and made his home in Mil- 
waukee ; being a molder by trade, he engaged in Foundry work as a journeyman, about five years ; he then 
bought out the City Foundry, which hi' conducted till 1867, when he moved to Schleisingerville ; pur- 

cha-ing a vacant shop. In verted it into a foundry, which he has carried on successfully to this date. 

Hi- was married, iu Milwaukee, in 1844, to Miss Mary Kint, a native of Germany; they have had ten 



TOWN OF POLK. 721 

children, six of whom are living; the eldest, Fritz, is a molder by trade, and works with his father ; Mary 
died in childhood ; one son died unnamed ; Augusta is the wHfe of Caspar Damm, of the town of Polk ; 
Charles died in the United States service, having served four years in the regular army ; he was a member 
of Co. G, Cth U. S. I.; his death occurred in 1873. The next younger children are Katie, Rosa, John 
and William. Mr. Itosche has been a member of the Village Board of Schleisingerville for about nine 
years. 

FRITZ ItO.M'll E, Schleisingerville, molder, is the son of Christopher and Mary Rosche ; he 
was born July 4, 1845, in Milwaukee; learned the molder's trade in his father's foundry, at Milwaukee; 
he enlisted, Dec. 28, 1863, in the 10th U. S. Infantry, Co. A ; was in eight general engagements in the 
late war; was made a Corporal, and assigned to the Western Minnesota Division, and served till 1868; on 
receiving his discharge, he returned to Wisconsin, and located at Schleisingerville. and engaged in his 
father's foundry, at this place. He was married, Nov. 19, 1873, in the city of Waupaca, to Miss Amelia 
Gross, daughter of Phillip Gross ; they have four children — Charlotte, Edwin, Arthur and Louis. 

JOHN ROSENHEIMER, Schleisingerville; general business manager of the estate of L. 
Rosenheimer, Postmaster and President of the village ; the subject of this sketch was born in the town of 
Addison, Washington Co., Wis., June 25, 1S47 ; he is the son of Lehman and Barbara Rosenheimer; 
when 1 1 years of age, he moved, with his parents, to the village of Schleisingerville ; received a common 
school education, and a thorough business training in the house of his father, L. Rosenheimer, who was a 
dealer in general merchandise, grain and farm produce, besides dealing largely in farm machinery ; in ad- 
dition to his other business, Mr. Rosenheimer, Sr., owned and conducted the Schleisingerville Brewery ; 
brought up in the active pursuits of so extensive and varied busine.-s interests, young Rosenheimer ac- 
quired the thorough business knowledge that so rally justified his father in the hour of his death in con- 
signing the estate to his care and management. Previous to his father's death, the subject of this sketch 
was admitted to an equal partnership with his father in the farm machinery business; Sept. 21, 1S78, his 
father died, since which time he has held the position he now occupies, that of general manager of the 
entire business; he is ably assisted by three brothers, Max, Joseph and Myer, while two other brothers 
Moritz and Adolph, have charge of a branch store and elevator at Kewaskum, of this county. Mr. 
Rosenheimer was married in the village of Acherville, of this town, to Miss Mary McNeil, daughter 
of John McNeil; she was born in the State of New York. They have four children — Lehman, Barbara, 
Mary and John. Mr. R. was elected Chairman of the Town Board of the town of Polk in 1S70 ; 
was te-elected eight times. In 187S, he was elected President of the village, to fill vacancy caused by 
the death of his father; has been re-elected each term since, being the present incumbent ; he has served 
as Clerk of the School District six years; in 1363, he was commissioned Notary Public, and has served to 
this date; in 1877, he was appointed Postmaster of the Schleisingerville office. 

LEHMAN ROSENHEIMER, deceased ; born at Dormetz, in Bavaria, June 12, 1 821 , where 
he received his early education, and learned the trade of a butcher. While yet a young man, he determined 
to go to America: in 1840. he landed in New York, where he remained two years; iu 1842, he first came 
to Wisconsin, stopping in Milwaukee ; he remained there two years, during which time he kept a sort of 
tavern, for the German immigrants who were beginning to arrive, near the old pier. In 1843, he revisited 
his native land, but returned to Wisconsin in 1844, married Miss Barbary Heibst, of Milwaukee, and 
moved, with his young wife, into the then unorganized town of Addison, where he bought a piece of land 
and commenced farming, dealing in cattle and butchering; he remained in Addison till 1850" ; at that time 
he sold his farm, and removed to Schleisingerville; there he commenced trade, at first on a very moderate 
scale, connecting with his merchandising a general trade in cattle, grain, hides, butter, eggs and all other 
possible products of the farm. With a produce market thus established for everything they had to sell, 
the farmers soon made Rosenheimer's store the center for all their trade, and his business assumed rapidly 
such magnitude as to entirely outgrow his modest store. In 1860, he built the two-story building now 
occupied by his sons, 38x50 feet in size, to which, in 1867, he added as much more, making it 38x100 
feet. Here, assisted by his sons, he carried on, with uninterrupted success, one of the most extensive 
country trades ever done in the State, successfully, by a single individual. He died in Schleisingerville, 
Sept. 21, 1878, having during his busy life, accumulated an estate of $150,000, and, what he valued more, 
kept his integrity untarnished and his conscience clear. Mr. Rosenheimer had in his character combined 
all the gifts desirable in the successful merchant ; his integrity was unquestioned ; his judgment as to men, 
values and markets almost unerring; his energy tireless, with that large conception and grasp which made 
him capable of managing great affairs with that apparent ease which is ever the mark of genius in every 
walk of life. Mr. Rosenheimer had six sons — John, Max, Joseph, Moritz, Adolph and Myer ; Myer, 
the youngest, is now a medical student at the Michigan State University, Ann Arbor ; the five others, all 



722 BIOGRAPHICAL .SKETCHES: 

merchants, bred under the masterly training of their father to the mercantile business, are jointly carrying 
on and enlarging the immense business their father established. They now do the leading business at 
three points. Schl isingerville, at the old stand; Kewaskum, Washington Co., Wis., and in Norway, Mich. 

MAX ROSENHEIMER, Schleisingerville, manager of the grain buying and shipping de- 
partment of the house of L. Rosenheimer ; is the son of L. and Barbara Rosenhcimer ; was born in the 
town ill' Addison. Washington Co., Wis.. Nov. 21, 18o2: he came to Schleisingerville with his parents in 
1 858 ; received liis education in the common schools, and in the English and German academy of Milwau- 
kee. He was married Oct. 1. 1875, at the village of Schleisingerville, to Miss Susan Klingler, daughter 
■of John Klingler ; she was born in Milwaukee ; they have had four children — -Adolph, Emma. Adila, Lydia 
Rertha; the latter died when about two years of age. Mr. R. has served as Treasurer of his school dis- 
trict one term of three years, and is now serving the second term. 

FREDERICK ROTHEXMEIER, proprietor of Franklin Mills, situated on Sec. 24 ; P. 
O Riceville ; this mill was built in 1S6G, by Elders & Eggert, who operated it till IS74, when Mr. Heil- 
inatin bought in and the firm was iSggert & Heilmann till 1877 ; then Mr. Fred Rothenmeier bought oul 
Mr. Eggert, and the firm was Heilmann & Rothenmeier till 1879, when Mr. Rothenmeier purchased his 
partner's interest, and has continued the business alone. The mill is a large brick structure with stone 
basement; is situated on a small creek which gives a fall of fifteen feet, and furnishes a sufficient supply of 
water to operate the mill ; the mill is furnished with three run of stones, and one pearl-barley stone ; from 
fifteen to twenty barrels of Hour are manufactured daily. Mr. Rothenmeier was born in Hesse-Darmstadt 
Nov. 11, 1821 ; is the son of Frederick and Helena Rothenmeier; he came to America in ls.")7 ; after a 
residence of one year in New York, he then moved to La Salle Co., III., where he remained till 1862 ; he 
then removed to Wisconsin and made his home on a farm in the town of Kewaskum, Washington Co.; from 
there, he moved to Iowa in 1871. and engaged in farming two years. In 1876, he returned to Washing- 
ton Co., Wis., and the following year commenced in his present business. He was married at Kewaskum, 
May, ID, 1863, to Miss Barbara Schleif, daughter of George Schleif; six children were born to them — 
Katie. Frederick, Lena. Louis, Mary and Nicolaus. 

JACOB SCHANTZ, saloon, Schleisingerville; was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., Auu'. 15.1841 ; 
i- the sun of Joseph and Anna M. Schantz ; his people came to the United States from Germany in 182ti. 
and settled in the State of New Fork. In 1 84li, he came with his parents to Wisconsin and located on 
Sec. 14. town of Hartford, Washington Co. He was married in Schleisingerville Nov. 27, 1871, to Bliss 
Susan Schwartz ; six children were born to them — Katie, Mary, Rosa. Alvina, Henry and Joseph ; the latter 
lied in infancy. In 1872, Mr. Sehant/. moved to St. Lawrence of the same township in which he resided, 
where he kept a general store four years; he then moved to the village of Schleisingerville, where he en- 
gaged in his present business. He has served as Assessor of the town of Polk two years. Mrs. Schantz 
died March 22. 1880. Mr Schantz was married the following Nov. 17. in the village of Schleisingerville, 
to Miss Josephine Jochum, daughter of Peter Jochum. Mrs. Schantz was born in the town of Polk. 
Mr. Sehant/. was elected Justice of the Peace and Town Clerk, to fill vacancies, Aug. L5, 1881. 

J. MATH I AS STEINEBACH, farmer, Sec. 2, Polk ; has 40 acres, valued at $2,000 ; is 
the 60ii of John William Steinebach, and was born in the town of Polk July 18, 1848, and is still a resi 
dent of the farm on which he was born. He was married, June 19, 1870, in that town, to Miss Frances 

daughter of .lame- Bail; .-he is also a native of that place; they have one child — Ada C. Mr. 

Steinebach'a ] pie came to America from Germany in 1846, and settled on a farm in the town of Folk ; 

they had two sons in the late war. Peter was a member of Co. A, 1st U. S. C., and served through the 
war , Frederick was B member of Co. I». 15th W. V. 1.. and served three years. The father died in 1872; 
the mother is -till living. 

STORl'K A 01 Alt Tl<». proprietors of the Schleisingerville Brewery; the parlies constituting 
.this firm are both young men and practical brewers, who came here from Milwaukee in September, 1877, 
and purchased the old brewery of L Rosenheimer, at a cost of about $5,000 ; they immediately built 

aud commodious buildings of brick, with necessary machine^', at an additional expense of (7,000, 
inoieadktg the capacity of the establishment from 500 to 2,000 barrels of beer per annum. The latter figures 
will Ue about what the brewery will produce for the year 1881. A new brick dwelling has been built near 
the brewerv. while a large brick addition to the main building of the brewery is iu process of erection. 

II I' MM TIHMIA. Seoretary ol tbe West Bend, Folk & Richfield Insurance Co., Sec. 35 ; P. 
( ). Richtield ; i- the BOD of Anselm and Julia Thotna, and was born in the town of Polk July 15, 1851. 
Hi- primary education was received iu the common and high schools of West Bend, to which village bis 
pareuta had removed when he was only I years old. He completed his -Indies at the Milwaukee Normal 
School , at the age of 2<l years, he adopted the avocation of teacher, and has taught in the district scl Is 



TOWN OF JACKSON. 723 

for the past ten years. In 1879, he began agitating the idea of the organization of a Mutual Farmers' 
Insurance Co., and it was largely owing to his efforts that the company of which he is Secretary was formed 
Jan. 6, 1880. He was married at the village of West Bend, Oct. 7, 1879, to Miss Catharine Folz, daugh- 
ter of John Folz ; they have had one child — Donath H., who died in infancy. Since his marriage Mr. 
Thoma has made his home on Sec. 35, town of Polk ; his parents came to America from Germany in 1846, 
and located in that place. 

WEST BEND, POLK & RICHFIELD MUTUAL INSURANCE CO., 
was organized Jan. 6, 1880, under the late law providing for the organization of town insurance companies 
Sec. 1927 to 1941 inclusive of the Revised Statutes of 1878, and is managed under its provisions. It 
does business only in the towns of West Bend, Polk, Richfield, Trenton and Hartford ; each member binds 
himself, his heirs and assigns, to pay his pro rata share of any losses that may occur to the parties insured 
in said company subject to the mles and regulations of the company. Officers are John Kessel, President; 
Henry Thoma, Secretary; Board of Directors consists of John Kessel, Henry Thoma, George Lofty, 
Charles F. Leins and Christopher Thoma. Principal office is at the residence of the Secretary, Sec. 35. 
Polk ; P. 0. Richfield. The first year of its existence the company issued 466 policies, and for the eight 
months of the present year 558, which are all in force but four ; the amount insured is about $1,000,000. 

EDWARD VUNK, Cedar Creek ; was born in Otsego Co., near Cooperstowu, N. Y., Aug. 6, 
1829 ; is the son of Peter and Elizabeth Vunk ; was brought up a farmer ; he left the East and came to 
Milwaukee in 1853, and engaged in the fruit business ; he returned to New York and spent one winter, 
and, in 1860, came to Mayville, Dodge Co. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. D, 12th W. V. I.; served 
in the 17th Army Corps under Gen. McPherson. He was wounded while on picket duty at Colliersville, 
Teun., Jan. 28, 1863, receiving a gunshot wound in the right leg, which caused permanent disability, for 
which he received an honorable discharge. On his return from the army, he located at Cedarburg, where 
he has continued to live till this date, with the exception of three years spent in Hartford Village, from 
1869 to 1S72 inclusive. He was married in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1851, to Miss Rachel M. Hotton ; they 
have had ten children, of whom five only are living — Harriet, now the wife of Harrison Smith, of Price 
Co.; Edward, Homer, Alice and Winnie ; those lost were Caroline, aged 7 years ; Homer, aged 5 years ; 
Edward, 1; Llewellyn, 3, and Winnie, 3. Mr. Vunk was elected Justice of the Peace in 1872, and re- 
elected each term since, up to this writing (1881). He was appointed Postmaster at Cedar Creek, and 
held the office five years. 



TOWN OF JACKSON. 

HON. JAMES FAGAN, deceased; was born in Ireland, county of Westmeath, July 4, 
1806. He followed farming in the old country. In 1837, he came to America, and settled in Orange 
Co., N. Y., where he worked as night watchman in a large woolen factory. In 1844, he came to 
Wisconsin, and bought 280 acres of land from the Government, on Sec. 26, town of Jackson, Washing- 
ton Co. He took an active part in politics and home improvement. He was one of the framers of the 
State Constitution, and a member of the Assembly in 1848, and again in 1850. For years he was Chair- 
man of his town. He was honest and upright in all his dealings, and was loved and honored by all who 
knew him. In politics, he was a Democrat. He was also a faithful Catholic. He died of cancer in the 
face Feb. 11, 1868. He was married, in 1842, to Miss Anna Monahan. They had five children, all 
boys; they are James, Jr., who is now at home, and was born in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1843; Thomas, 
now Father Fagan, of Bay View; Patrick, now at home, and, with James, has charge of the farm ; he 
was born in Jackson in 1846; Robert, who graduated at the head of his class from Columbia College, 
also at the head of the law class from the same institution ; he died in Oregon March 18, 1879 ; Garrett, 
now farming in Minnesota, and John, who died when quite small. The family have made a good record. 
They have 140 acres improved, a large stone house, with comfortable outbuildings. They are all well 
educated, and still striving for knowledge. 

THOMAS FAGAN, brother of the Hon. J. Fagan, is a farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. O. Jackson ; 
was born in Ireland in 1814. Came to Orange Co., N. Y., in 1839, and was coachman and gardener 
there. Came to Jackson, and got 80 acres of land from the Government, on Sec. 25 ; has 70 acres im- 
proved. He has been Town Clerk thirteen years, also Superintendent of Schools. Is a Democrat, and a 
Catholic. 



724 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

HON. JOHN (w. I'RAXK, merchant. Jackson ; was born in Prussia in 1831. In 1839, 
lie came with his parents to America. His father having died while crossing the ocean, the family 
stopped in Buffalo. N. Y., where they remained seven years; during this time, Mr. Frank attended 
school. In 1S46, he came with his mother to Wisconsin, and settled on a firm in Germantown, where 
he remained two years, when he went to Cedarburg, and engaged as clerk for William Vogentz in a store, 
where he remained until 1S62, when he moved to his present place, and bought 40 acres of land. In 
1863, he built a small store and stocked it with general merchandise. In 1878, he built a fine store and 
dwelling-house; his store is 22x00, two stories high. He has been Town Clerk of his town since 1864 
and Justice of the Peace since 1867. In 1878, he was a member of the Assembly, receiving 1,138 
votes, against 861 for his opponent. He is a Democrat, with independent proclivities. The Jackson 
Post Office was established at his store in 1875, and he became its first Postmaster, but resigned in 1878, 
in favor of August Krause. In 1856. he married Miss Wilhelmine Krause; they have ten children — 
Clara, now Mrs. Froehlich. of Riceville ; Paulina, now dressmaking in Milwaukee; Theodore, Gusta, 
Lizzie. Minnie, John, Charles, Susie and George. In 1880, he started a branch store and built a grain 
■ •levator at Riceville. He has 325' acres of land, 130 of which are improved. 

WILLIAM H. FROEHLICH, merchant, Riceville; was born in Jackson in 1857. His 
father was a shoemaker, and was born in Saxony. Came to Washington Co. in 1853. Our subject at- 
tended common schools, and then clerked three years for Theo. Grosskopf, of Cedarburg. He then 
attended the Spencer Business College, of Milwaukee, of which institution he is a graduate. He then 
was book-keeper three years for T. A. Chapman & Co., of Milwaukee. He then came to Riceville, and 
took charge of J. G. Frank's store in 1880. In 1879, he married Miss Clara Frank. He is a Repub- 
lican, and was appointed Postmaster at Riceville in summer of 1881. Is a Lutheran. 

CHRISTOPH HERMAN, farmer. Sec 17 : P.O. Riceville; was born in Germany in 1827. 
In 1846, he came to Jackson, and settled with his parents on the present place. They first b; ught 10 
from the Government. He now has 110 acres, with about 5o acres of improvements. He was a 
member of the 6th W. V. I., and was in the battles of Hatcher's Run, Petersburg and Appomattox. He 
has been Town Clerk. Supervisor and Treasurer. He was married, in 1852, to Anna E. Faber. They 
have twelve children — Anna, now Mrs. Koepke ; Nicholis; Frank ; Mary, now Mrs. H. Pautz ; Elizabeth 
Katie. Mergret, Caroline, Andrew, Bertie, Jacob and Christoph, Jr. He is a Democrat, and a member of 
the Reform Church. 

FREDERICK HORN, fanner. See. 5; P. 0. West Bend; was bom in Saxony June 5, 
1825. He was early apprenticed to a broadcloth weaver, and served three years' apprenticeship. He 
afterward followed his trade a number of years. In 1845, he came to Quebec, Canada. In the summer 

of 184ti. he came to the town of Jackson, and worked out by the month, receiving in summer $10 a 
month, and in the winter (8 a month. He finally bought HI acres in Sec. '.I. and commenced to improve 
it : sold it. and made enough, so that be bought 90 acres in Trenton. He now has 2!t7 acres of fine land, 
245 acres of which are improved. He has a tine stone house, 26x40 feet, with wing 22x22 feet upright, 
three stories high. He was for Beveral years Superintendent of the County Poor Farm. In 1850, he 

married Miss Louisa Webber, who was horn in Newfoundland in 1827. They have seven children, all 
at or near home. lie is a Democrat, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. For sixteen years, 
he has been troubled with rheumatism, and the last six years he has been an invalid. 

DAVID ,1 EXX E IS. deceased ; was a farmer on Sec. 7. His family's post office is Riceville. 
He was born in Germany in 1 >2.'.. His early life was spent on a farm. In 1843, he married Miss 
Catherina Hoffman, and in IS 14 they came to America. They stopped in Xew York one year, and then 
me to their present place. He got from Government 120 acres of land, which he increased to 1 T * » acres, 
till of which was covered with heavy timber. He had nothing but his hands to begin with : but, by hard 
work and frugality, he cleared about hill acres of his land, and erected good, substantial buildings, a tine 

brick house, and numerous barns. Although he never learned a trade, he built hi.s own buildings. He 
was Lssessor of his town the first year he lived here. He was a Democrat, and a member of the German 
Reform Church. There have been nine children in the family — Daniel, Jacob (now dead), Elisabeth 
l now Mrs. Rev. John Wernley, of Illinois I, John | dead I, George, John I dead ), Thomas, Christiana and Anna 
'dead i. David is the oldest of the children, and 1 as charge of the faun. He was born in J tick. son in 1848. 
Iii 1872, he married Miss Christens Schmidt, They have had five children, four of whom are living. 
Tle\ are Bertha, Louisa. Hiiiiiiu and Lena. David is a Democrat, and a member of the Germau Reform 
Church. 

< . I < ► IC<« I', .IEXXER. tinner and hardware merchant, Riceville; was burn in the town of 
Jackson July 27. 1^57. The earlv part of his life was spent on a farm. When 111 years of age. he 



TOWN OF JACKSON. 725 

went to West Bend, and commenced his trade, and then went to Milwaukee and completed it. He worked 
in Green Bay a short time, and then came to his present place and established himself in business. 

GEORGE W. JONES, farmer and bee man, Sec. 3 ; P. 0. West Bend ; is the only child 
of William Jones, who was born in Philadelphia Co., Penn., in 1807. In 1841, he married Miss Mary 
Gates, who was born in Connecticut in 1801. In 1846, he came to Milwaukee and made a tour through 
the southern part of the State in search of a location, but not liking it he came to his present place and 
secured a quarter-section of land. He has now IIS acres of fine land, 85 acres of which are improved. 
The location of their dwellings is fine and the buildings are good. George was born in Utica, N. Y., in 
1S43, and was but 3 years old when his parents came to Wisconsin. He received a coinmom school edu- 
cation and then attended the schools at West Bend and the commercial school at Milwaukee, and was 
intending to enter the State University when the war came. In August, 1S62, enlisted in Company G, 
26th W. V. I., and served till the close of the war. He was in the Army of the Potomac, and was in the 
battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg ; was transferred to Sherman's army ; served in the Atlanta 
campaign, ''march to the sea," then north to Goldsboro, thence to Washington and participated in the 
grand review. He went out as a private and came back as Lieutenant and Adjutant of the regiment. 
He is now serving his second year as President of the Washington County Agricultural Society. In 
1870, he married Miss Buth Jones, who was born iu Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1842 ; they have one child, a 
lit le girl. The senior Jones was an original Abolitionist, then a Republican, is now a Greenbacker ; 
George was a Republican, is now a Greenbacker, and is Chairman of the Washington County Greenback 
Committee. He is also Captain of the Grand Army of the Republic of Washington County. 

JACOB KEUMB, proprietor of Jackson House, and carpenter; was born in Prussia in 1838. 
He came with his parents to Washington County in 1847, and settled on Sec. 17 ; his father bought 40 
acres of land from the Government; they now have 120 acres 70 of which are improved. Jacob has 
worked at the carpenter trade for twenty-two years. He is a " boss " mechanic, sometimes having charge 
of thirty men at once ; some of the largest buildings in the county have been built by him. He built 
Slitz's Hall at West Bend, the schoolhouse at West Bend, and the Lutheran Church at that place; is 
now building a residence for Franckenburg. He has been Supervisor and is now Town Treasurer. He 
started the first lumber-yard at Riceville. He was married in 1862 to Catherine M. Gumui. They have 
had nine children — J<>hm:y, Lena, Peter, Jacob (deceased l, Minnie, Rosa, Willie, Mary and Anna. Is 
a Democrat. 

HERMAN KOEPKE, farmer. Sec. 16; P. O. Riceville; was born in Prussia in 1S36. 
He came to Jackson with his parents and settled on Sec. 28, in 1846. They purchased 40 acres of land 
and remained on it till 1851, when they moved to their present place. Herman worked in the pineries in 
Oconto County about nine years. Every cent of his wages was sent home and his father laid them out 
on the farm. He now has 164 acres, 80 acres of which are improved. His father (Frederick Koepke) 
was born in 1S07, and his mother in 1811. He is now serving the tenth consecutive term as Chairman 
of his town. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Lutheran Star of David Church ; 
was a Republican at time of war. He was married in 1865 to Louisa Nicklaus, who was born in Prussia 
in 1841. They have five children — Henry, Herman, Jr., John, Ida and Louisa. 

HON. ANDREW MARTIN, retired farmer; P. O. Riceville; was born in Germany June 
1, 1830. In 1853, he came to Jackson and settled on Sec. 19. He bought 40 acres of land at first. In 
1856, he married Fredericke Brugger, who was born in 1836 and died March 10, 1879. After his wife 
died, he sold nut and moved to his present place on the town line of Polk. He has been Justice of the 
Peace eighteen years, Notary Public twenty-two years. He was a member of the Assembly in 1875 and 
and 1876. He is now President of the " Germantown Fire Insurance Company." Has been one of 
the Directors of the company for several years. He is a Democrat and a member of the German Reform 
Church. He has had ten children, five of whom are dead. Those living are Mary, Caroline, Anna. 
Bertha and Fredericke. Those dead are Lewis, Eleazer, Lewis, Emma and Minnie. 

CHRIS REIS, merchant, Riceville ; is the second son of Frank Reis, who was born in Ger- 
many Sept. 28, 1821. He came to Washington County and settled on Sec. 20 in 1847. He bought 40 
acres of land at first. The farm now contains 360 acres, 200 of which are improved. He was the first 
to start in the mercantile business at Riceville. In 1873, he built a large store and saloon, and has since 
done a flourishing business ; he also built a grain elevator there ; the village having been built on his farm, 
gave him superior advantages; he died in 1878. Chris, our subject, was born in Jackson in 1852; when 
he became old enough to work on the farm, he was put to work there; when the store was built he 
entered it and now has charge of it. The post office of Riceville was established in 1874, and he was 
appointed Postmaster. He was married in 1873 to Katie Pfeil ; they have four children — Ella, Laura, 



726 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

[da and Olka; he is a "Democrat. His father's family consisted of Peter, now dead. Chris, Mary. Anna, 
Elizabeth, now dead, and Frank, who has charge of the farm. 

P. O. ROIIX. farmer, Sec. 8; P. 0. Riceville; is the youngest son of the Hon. William Rohn, 
who was born in Germany in 1804, and who came with his family to Washington County in 1846. He 
got 120 acres of land and has 90 acres improved, with excellent buildings upon them. In Germany he 
worked on a farm and in a brick and coal yard, also ran a soap-factory. In 1824, he married, his wife 
dying in .March, 1879., He has been County Treasurer two terms, and was the man who started the agri- 
cultural society in this county and its first President. Our subject. F. O., was born in Germany in 1839. 
He has always lived with his parents and has charge of the homestead. He was married in 18(59 to Miss 
Jennie Wilke. They have four children Oscar, Adolph. Alnia and Alviu. He had three brothers in 
the army; Herman was First Lieutenant in the 45th W. V. [, ; Victor, Second Lieutenant in the 45th 
W. V. I., and Richard was Quartermaster in the 9th Wisconsin Battery. 

JIRS. J AXE SALTER, farm is in Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Horn's Corner; born in Ireland in 1 B23 ; 
widow of the late Robert Salter, who was born in 1815, in Cork. Ireland ; came here in 1845, and took up 
land where the home now is, and later bought 200 acres adjoining. Mr. Salter was a prominent man in 
his town, being Supervisor, and holding various offices in it. In 1802. he served a term in the Wisconsin 
Legislature with credit and honor to himself. He was fortunate in all his business enterprises, and did 
much in introducing fine horses in this section of the country at an early day. He married Mary Cammier 
about 1834. They have had four children — Michael. William, Robert and Frank. Frank married Jane 
Sweetmaii in 1843. The children are Mary, Richard, Jane, John. Henry, Lizzie, Sara, Agnes, George 
and Robert. Mr. Salter died Aug. 1, 1876, after a painful illness of lour months. His son, Henry, has a 
farm one mile north of Sec. 34; was born in 1853; bought his present farm in 1877; raises grain mostly. 
Be lived in Chicago after the fire for a time. He married Caroline Horn in 1877. She was born in 
Jackson. They have three children — Alfred, Agnes and Milton. Frank Salter is doing a fine business 
in Chicago. 

PETER SAIERMAXX, farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. West Bend; was born in Germany in 1 313 
lie learned the harness-maker's trade there, and followed it till after he came to America in 1837. He 
first stopped at Cleveland; then came to Germantown in 184?. where he bought from Government 4t> acres 
of land on Sec. 23. He remained there till 1855, when he moved to his present place. Efe has 196 
acres, 130 of which arc improved. He has a fine stone house. 32x2 1 led. with wing 20x24 feet. In 1841 
he married Phillipine Hassinger, who was born in Germany in 1815. He has been Town Clerk, Treas 
urer and Assessor of Germantown. He is a Democrat, and belongs to the Lutheran Church. They have 
five children — Mary (married), Jacob (was a member of the 2lith VV. V. I., and died in the army), Peter, 
John at home; Katie, now Mrs. Fink, of West Bend, and William. 

PETER ZEHvLER, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Riceville: is a son of Andrew Zeigler. who was 
born on the River Rhine, near Frankfort, in Germany, in 1800. He was a shepherd in the old country as 
were all his father's family. In 1836, he came to America, and settled in New York. He spent four 
years on a farm there, and worked four years on a canal. In 1846, he came to Washington Co., and 
settled on the farm now occupied by his three youngest sons. He first got 120 acres of land from the 
imient. The farm now contains 286 acres of fine land, 125 of which are improved. The buildings 
upon it are fine, and cover an extensive area. He was married, in 1837. to Mi.-s Mary Rcidcr, who died 
April 10. 1S70. She left twelve children — George, John, William, Jacob, Henry, Andrew. Jr.. Peter, 
Fred, Philip, Margret, Catherine and Kliza. In 1877, he again married, this time to Johanna Schultz. 
Jn 1*77, he gave his splendid farm to Peter. Fred and Philip. In 1879, he built for himself a tine brick 
house on the farm, a part of which he hail reserved for himself till his death. Peter is the only one mar- 
ried of the three sons. Fred and Philip live with him. Peter was born in Jackson in 1854, and married 
Jan. 25. H-ii i,, Klizaheth Becker. Tiny have one child — Katie. They arc all Democrats, and mem- 
bers of the German Reform Church. 



TOWN OF TRENTON. 727 



TOWN OF TRENTON. 

HENRY A II MO KM, farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. West Bend. Has 132 acres of land lying 
partly in West Bond and partly in Trenton. Was born in Oldenburg, Germany, Sept. 8, 1818 ; came 
to the United States in 1852. and direct to Wisconsin ; settled in the town of Trenton, Washington Co. 
He was married Feb. 26, 1853, at Cedarburg, to Miss Dorette Windier, daughter of Frederick Windier ; 
Mrs. Aiders was born in Hanover, Germany ; they have had seven children, of whom only three are living 
— Frederick H., married to Miss Sophia Williams, and residing in Minnesota ; Henry C. and John B. 
Mr. Ahlera has one of the best cultivated farms in his section of the county. 

WILLIAM ALBRECHT & CO., Newburg; are engaged in milling; the firm is William 
Albrecht, Poggenburg and Schoenleber ; the mill was built in 1847 by Salsbury, and was one of the first in 
the country ; this firm do an immense business, running day and night ; they have the latest inventions in 
mill machinery, and give satisfaction in their work. 

JOHN DftBAXO, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. West Bend; born in Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1845; 
the family came to Wisconsin in 1854, and bought their present farm of 86 acres, then all wooded. He 
was married, in 1S75, to Margaret Buffer, who was born in Wisconsin ; there are three children — Eliza- 
beth, Louisa and Joseph. 

DR. JOHN W. HEXDRICKM, physician and surgeon, Newburg; born in Cullenborg, 
Holland, in 1848 ; graduated in the languages and sciences ; took his degree as M. D. in Utrecht, Hol- 
land, after a five years' course, in 1869; went to the East Indies for a time; then was Surgeon in the 
army in Holland ; his father was a doctor of high standing in that country ; Dr. H. speaks seven lan- 
guages ; he is a scientific and skillful physician; has a fine practice, due to that skill. He was married to 
Anna Maria Say, of Montreal, in 1871 ; two children were born — Adrian and Agnes; Mrs. H. died in 
1880 ; married a second wife — Emma Neunnebel, in 1881. 

C. 31. KRAE3IER. school teacher; P. 0. West Bend; born in Milwaukee Co., in 1857 ; his 
father died soon after, and his mother married, and came to Trenton and took their present farm ; Mr. K. 
was at Valparaiso, Ind., five terms at the Normal School ; began teaching in 1877, and has taught ever 
since, and with the best of success ; he graduated in Spenccrian penmanship at Valparaiso, Ind. 

GEORGE W. 3IcCARTY, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Barton ; has 45 acres of land ; son of 
James and Sarah McCarty; was born in Medina Co., Ohio, June 17, 1841 ; came to Wisconsin, with his 
parents, in 1852 ; located in the town of Trenton, where he has continued to reside to this time. He was 
married, Oct. 20, 1862, at Port Washington, to Miss Julia Wilson, daughter of Lemuel Wilson ; Mrs. 
McCarty was born near Syracuse, N. Y. ; they had one child named Melville, who died when 6 years of 
age ; in August, 1862, Mr. McCarty enlisted in Co. I, 27th W. V. I., and served to the close of the war. 
Mrs. McCarty died Nov. 26, 1864, during her husband's absence in the army. Mr. McCarty was married. 
March 15, 1866, at Newberg, to Miss Caroline Young, daughter of Mr. A. C. Young; she was born 
in the State of New York ; they have four children — Ida A., Austin A., Ambrose C. and Alva 0. Mr. 
McCarty has been Justice of the Peace in Trenton two years ; has made his home on his present farm 
since 1870. 

3IELCHIOR Xftl XI ftllftft. merchant, Newburg; was born in 1842, in Saxony, Ger- 
many ; his parents came to Saukville in 1848 ; Mr. N. came to Newburg in 1868, and opened his present 
business; is Treasurer of the German Reading Society, established in 1871, which is a flourishing affair. 

HENRY SEIVERS, merchant, Newburg; born in 1856 in Trenton; his father was an early 
settler here ; Mr. H. Seivers spent two years at West Bend, clerking for Franckenburg, now a banker there ; 
has an interest in his father's store, and has run it fourteen years. He married Ida Neunnebel, in 1880, 
in Newburg; they have one child ; he is a member of the Sons of Herman ; he has been Town Clerk two 
years successively ; Notary Public, three years. 



7-* BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCEL&S: 



TOWN OF KEWASKUM. 

MATHIAS ALTENHOFEX ( Kewaskum Village) ; son of John and Anna Altenhofen ; was 
born Aug. 31, 1831 : came to America in June, 1847, with his parents, and located in the town of North Bend, 
Washington Co.. Sec. 2 (now Kewaskum) ; shortly afterward, the subject of this sketch went to the village of 
Salisbury 1 now Barton i. and engaged as an employe in the saw-mill of Barton Salisbury; continued this employ- 
ment only one year, and then accepted a position as clerk in the store of Russel Holmes of the same place; 
after two year>' service with Mr. Holmes, he engaged as clerk with Moses Weil, and continued that con- 
nection till 1855, when he came to Meyer's Mill, now Kewaskum Village, and, in oompany with Mason 
Hired), opened a general store; carried on that business about eighteen months, and then sold out to Mr. 
Iliisch ; six months later, Mr. Altenhofen, formed a partnership with Henry Backhause, and, buying Mr. 
Hirsch out, they continued the business till 1857, when Mr. A. sold out his interest in that establishment 
and began business in the same line alone. He was elected Chairman of the town of Kewaskum in 1857, 
and held that office, and that of Town Clerk alternately with James Carrell for twelve years . was a mem- 
ber of the Wisconsin Legislature in 1860. from the Northern District of Washington Co.; was appointed 
Deputy United States Marshal in 1860, to take the census in the mirth half of Washington Co. Mr. A. 
was married in the town of Kewaskum to Miss Theresa Weis. daughter of Anton Weis. Mrs. Altenhofen 
was born in Bavaria, Germany; four children were born to them — Anton, married to Louisa Schneider, 
and residing in Kewaskum ; Charles, married to ILmna Boegel, and also a resident of Kewaskum ; Nicho- 
las, of Colorado, and Sophia. Mrs. Altenhofen died June 6, 1866. Mr. A. was married in Kewaskum 
Village, Sept. 15, 1867, to Miss Barbara Uelmer, daughter of John Ueluier. Mrs. Altenhofen was born 
in Prussia: they have five children— Albert N., Rosa, .John. Susanna and Jacob. On the completion of 
the railroad through the village. Mr. Altenhofen built the first elevator, and began buying wheat for several 
years, he bought on an average 800,000 bushels of grain annually, while he was selling through his 
about 840,0011 worth of goods yearly. After operating a few years very successfully in wheat and amass- 
ing a very comfortable fortune, like many others who have trodden the same paths, he got caught at last, 
and saw his many thousands swept away in a few weeks. Dec. 7, 187 s , he settled with his creditors, turn- 
in.: over everything he had left. Two years previously, he had rented the 1 uilding which he now occupies, 
and established his son in the liquor business. On his closing up in the mercantile business, he took his 
son's place in the saloon, where he is doing a good business. 

.TAJIKS CAKKKK, farmer. Sec. 9; P. O. Kewaskum; was bom at Waltham. Addison Co., 
Vt.. in 1822, where he resided till 1843; he was educated at Castleman Academy. Rutland Co.; came to 
Washington Co. in the sprini; of 1 8 Is. and settled on his present farm, which he purchased of 11 S. 
Crass, then a resident of Milwaukee. His wife was formerly Louisa Sherbonnow, born in Vermont, of 

French descent ; they have four children — Louisa, now Mrs. Daniel McQueen ; Adella and Estella twins . 
oid Emma. Mr. Carrel is one of the prominent men of Kewaskum; In has held several town offices; 
he was Town Clerk for several years; he is the present Chairman of the Town Board, a position he hi- 
hcld sii 1*7:; ; has also been Chairman of the County Board of Washington Co. for the last four years. 

DAVID C'ASKY, farmer. See. 19; P. 0. Kewaskum; BOD of Daniel Casey, who was horn in 
County Cork. Ireland, iu 1808; came to this country in 1835, settled in Boston, Mass.. and removed to 
Milwaukee in L849 : he was engaged in railroad construction for many years: he purchased a farm in the 
town of Kewaskum in 1840. where he settled in 1852; he died duly 8, 1881. David was horn in Bi - 
ton in 1836; he now owns the homestead farm. Has been Deputy Sheriff for several yean. lie is un- 
married : hi> parent- have had live children — three living David. Johanna and Ellen. 

IIKXItY I'. E ABIES, farmer ; son of Philip and Beulah ^Messenger) Barnes; was horn in 
Berkshire Co., Mass., Nov. 29, 1815. Was married, Jan. 1, 1845. at Peru, Berkshire Co., to Miss Elmira 
Thompson, daughter of Daniel and Abigail Thompson. Mrs. Eatnes was horn in Berkshire Co. In Oc- 
tober, 1853, Mr. Eames and family moved to Washington Co., Wis., and located near Myers' Mill, town 
of .North Bend, now Kewaskum. Mr. .) . II. Myers, B single man, had built a log house near the river 

bank which was tl nly habitation of what is now the thriving village of Kewaskum. Mr. Karnes 

rented thi- house of Mr. Myers and occupied it till the following spring, when, having erected a com- 
modious frame house on the opposite side of the road, he moved into it, and has continued to make it his 
home. This was the first frame dwelling in the town, and, having undergone some repairs and improve- 
ments, is -till one of the beet. The house is situated on the BOUth side of Main street, directly opposite 



TOWN OF KEWASKUM. 729 

"West Water street. Mr. J. H. Myers and H. P. Earues made the first plat of the village of Kewaskum. 
Mrs. Eames was instrumental in organizing the first Sunday school in the village, which was accomplished 
in 1855, Mrs. Eames being the first Superintendent. They have one son — Charles, living at home. They 
lave a farm of 40 acres, situated adjacent to the village. 

XICOEAUS GUTH, Jr., proprietor of American House, and lumber dealer, Kewaskum ; 
son of Nicolaus Guth, Sr., who was born at Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and immigrated to this country 
in 1846, and setled in the town of Polk, Washington Co.; he came to the town of Kewaskum in 1856, 
and settled in the village in 1865, and engaged in milling, which business he still follows. Nicolaus Guth, 
Jr., is the successor of his father in the hotel business and in the lumber trade. He was born in the town 
of Kewaskum in 1856. He was married to Lena Fleischman ; they have two children — Clara and 
Fredda. 

A. G. KOCH, merchant, Kewaskum ; son of Christian Koch, and a brother of William Koch, 
of this village ; was born in the village of Kewaskum in 1859. Previous to engaging in business, he was 
employed as clerk for several years ; he was with J. C. Kuhlmann for two and a half years, also for David 
Stolper, of the town of Scott ; he afterward started a store in the latter town for his brother Charles ; he 
engaged in business in Kewaskum in September, 1881 ; he keeps a general stock of merchandise. 

WILLIAM KOCH, proprietor of Washington House, Kewaskum ; is the present Town Clerk 
of the town of Kewaskum, a position he has held since 1877 ; he is also a Justice of the Peace. Mr. 
Koch, with Mr. Krahn, has built a cheese factory in the village the present year. Mr. Koch was the son 
of Christian Koch, who immigrated to this country from Brunswick, GermaDy, in 1847, and settled in 
Washington Co., purchasing a farm in the town of Kewaskum ; this farm is now owned by William. Mr. 
Christian Koch was one of the pioneers of Washington Co. He cast his first vote in this country at an 
election held in Septembei, 1848, for the purpose of locating the county seat of Washington Co. He 
died in April, 1865. The parents of Mr. Koch had seven children; the oldest and youngest are not 
living. William Koch was born in Germany September, 1846. He was married to Emma Jones, from 
Germany ; they have three children. 

CHARLES MILL!', I J. druggist, Kewaskum; was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1840 ; he 
came to this country in 1867 ; he was engaged in his present business in Germany; his first location in 
this country was in the town of Barton ; he went to Milwaukee in 1870 and engaged in the drug bus- 
iness ; came to Kewaskum in 1874. His wife was Katie Reck, a daughter of Hobart Reck, who was a 
soldier in the Union army, and lost his life in the war. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have three children — Louise, 
Meda and Edward. Mr. Miller has the only drug store in Kewaskum. 

CHARLES MOOERS, station agent at Kewaskum; was born in Indianapolis, Ind., in 
1856. He came to Wisconsin in 1872 ; he learned telegiaphing at Chicago, where he was messenger boy 
for some time; came here as operator in January, 1873; he was station agent at Jackson for a few 
months, going there October, 1880 ; he has been at Jackson and Kewaskum since he came to Wisconsin 
in 1S73. 

HORITZ ROSENHEIMER AND ADOLPH ROSENHEIMER, Kewas- 
kum ; sons of L. Rosenheimer, and managers of the branch store of L. Rosenheimer & Son, at Kewaskum 
(See sketch of L. Rosenheimer). Moritz was born in the town of Addison, Washington Co., in 1850; 
married Lena, daughter of Peter Weimer. Adolph was born at Schleisingerville in 1S61. This branch 
house was established in 1874. Besides doing a general mercantile business, these gentlemen are exten- 
sively engaged in buying grain, produce, etc. 

JOHN SCHWENDENER, M. D., Kewaskum; is the son of Michael Schwendener, who 
emigrated to this country from Switzerland, and settled in the town of Wayne, Washington Co., in 1847, 
but removed to the town of Kewaskum about 1863, where he still lives. The Doctor was born in Swit- 
zerland in 1847 ; he was educated at Fond du Lac, and at Warrenton, Mo. He began the study of 
medicine in 1873, with Dr. Senn, of Milwaukee, and graduated at the Chicago Medical College in 1878 ; 
he married Lena Schuppert, daughter of John Schuppert, of the town of Polk, Washington Co., a clergy- 
man of the Baptist Church. Dr. Schwendener has quite an extensive practice ; he is the only physician 
of Kewaskum. He has four children. 

FREDERICK STORK, proprietor of hardware store and tin-shop, Kewaskum; son of 
John Stork, an early settler of Washington County. He was born in the town of Barton, Washington 
Co., Oct. 8, 1854. He learned the trade of a tinner at Holton, Jackson Co., Kan., where he lived about 
three years; he returned to Washington County in 1874, and established his present business the follow- 
ing year. He makes a specialty, in his trade, of stoves ; he also manufactures cheese vats, and does con- 
siderable roofing. His wife was Miss Etta Smith ; they have two children. 



730 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 



TOWN OF ERIN. 



MICHAEL FOLEY, former, Sec. 30; P. O. Toland Prairie; is the son of William and 
Marcelle Foley; he was born on Section 34 of the town of Erin. Washington Co., Feb. 25, 1845. He 
spent his early years on his father's farm ; when 23 years of age, he was elected a member of the Town 
Board of Supervisors and served one term. He was elected Town Clerk; was re-elected aud held thai 
office five terms. In 1879, he was elected Chairman, and re-elected in 1881, being the present incumbent. 
He was married at Hartford, Nov. 24, 1873, to Miss Annie Maloy. daughter of James Maloy. They 
have three children, one son and two daughters — Michael, Minnie B. and Elizabeth. Mr. Foley has a 
well-cultivated farm of 140 acres. 

TIMOTHY GARVEY, farmer, Sec. 8; P. 0. Thompson. He has a well-improved farm of 
140 acres. 120 of which is without a stump. He had a tract of 520 acres in extent till very recently. 
He was one of the pioneer settlers of Erin, coming in 1843. He was born in the county of Kerry about 
lsnf, . is the son of James and Ellen (Mahoney) Garvey. He came to America in 1837 and located in 
Cayuga Co., N. Y.. and took out bis naturalization papers in 1840. In 1843. he quitted the East and 
settled in the town of Erin on the site of his present home. He was married in this town. February, 
184S, to Miss Bridget Sweeney, daughter of John Sweeney. Mrs. Garvey was born in the county of 
Sligo, Ireland, and came to Erin, Wis., with her parents in 1846. They, Mr. Garvey and wife, are the 
parents of thirteen children, of whom nine arc living — lames died when 12 years of age; Bridget IS the 
wife of Patrick Simmers, of Erin; Margaret is the wife of John Murphy, of Erin; Mary Ann died 
when 21 years of age; John married Miss Julia Walsh and lives in Erin; Patrick; Hannah is now Mrs. 
William Shinners, of Erin; Ellen, Catherine. Eliza. TiniotliN ; Owen M. died when - years of age. 
JAMES (iOKRY, Jr., farmer; P. O. Men. lies'; is a native of the town of Erin; is the 
son of James and Ann Gorry, and was born March 25,1847; he received a common school education, 
aud was brought up a farmer ; he has 100 acres of land, situated en See. 13 ; he was elected and served 
three terms us a member of the Town Board of Supervisors of Erin. 

Ja.mks Giihi'.v, Su.. emigrated from Ireland to America, and made his home in the town of Erin, at 
a very early day; there are seven daughters and one sen living of the family; five of the daughters an 
married — Catharine, to George Hartman, of Genesee ; Mary, to Patrick Diamond, oi Sister Bay. Ellen. 
to Patrick Riley, of Milwaukee; Jane, to William Dunkel, of New York City; Maggie resides in Chicago, 
Sarah and James at heme. 

BERNARD KELLY, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Monches, Waukesha Co.; has 160 acres of 
land; is a native of Ireland : Was horn in the county of Wcstmoath. in 1 ~ 1 ."> ; he is the son of William 
and Mary Kelly ; in 1837, he came to America; from the time of his arrival in this country till 1844, 
he spent in the States of New York and Michigan ; he then came to Wisconsin, and located in the town 
of Lake, Milwaukee' Co., about where the Seminary of St. Francis is located ; he continued to reside at 
that place till March, 1849, when he removed to the site of his present home, on Sec. 34, Town of Erin. 
He was married at Rochester, N. Y.. July 4, 1843. to Miss Ann Scollan, daughter ol Sylvester Scollan; 
she was a native of Ireland ; two children were born to them— Mary .1 and William ; Mis. Kellej died 
Sept. 5, 1854. Mr. Kelley was married again on the 27th of May, 1857, in Waukesha Co., to Sarah 
Ann MeConiicll. daughter of Patrick McConnell ; nine children were born of this marriage , of whom 
eight are living -Sarah. Daniel, Catharine, .lames, Margaret (died when 6 years of Bgi Ellen, Joseph, 
Bridget and Emma; Mr. Kelly lost his Becond wife, who died Aug 19, 1880; in 1856, Mr. K. was 
d a member of the Town Board id' Supervisors, and in 1859 and I si;.", was elected Chairman. 
JAHI'IS KEXEALY. Sr. d< ceaa d was born in Cloyne, county of Cork. Inland, in 1S13 ; 
came to America in 1835, and located in Boston, Mass., where he resided till 1842, when he moved to the 
town of Meiton. Waukesha Co., Wis.; in 1844, he moved to the town of Erin, and located on Govern- 
ment land, on See. 21 ; he was tin- first Town Clerk of Erin, and held the office several years ; was • 
Chairman, and served on the County Board before the division of the county ; while the county govern- 
ment was organized under the Commissioner plan, he was Chairman of the County Board; while Chair- 
man of the Town Board, be helped lav out the first pnblic highway in the town oi Erin; he represented 
the South Assembly District of Washington Co. in the Wisconsin Legislature during the sessions oi 1858 
and 1866. He was married, in Bo-ton. Mass.. in ls:;s. t,, Miss Mary Fljnn . Mrs. Kenealy was hem in 
Ireland; there were eight children in the family, of whom five ate living; .lames, John, William, Mary 



TOWN OF ERIN. 731 

(dow Mrs. Walter Cavin, of Minnesota), and Annie, the wife of James Lynch, of Erin. Mr. Kenealy 
died Jan. 17, 1830. 

JAMFi^i KENEALY, Jr., farmer and Justice of the Peace, resides on Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Thomp- 
son ; has 80 acres of land ; he was born in Boston, Mass., Nov. 28, 1840 ; son of James and Mary (Flynn ) 
Kenealy ; in 1842 he came, with his parents, to Wisconsin, and located in the town of Merton, Wauke- 
sha Co.; removed thence to Erin, in 1S44, and located on Sec. 21 ; he received a common school ed- 
ucation ; was elected Clerk of the Court of Washington Co.; was re-elected and served five successive 
terms ; he was elected Town Clerk and Justice of the Peace, in 1880, and re-elected in 1881. He was 
married at Monches, May 6, 1866, to Miss Bridget O'Conner, daughter of John and Joanna (Bain) 
O'Conner ; she was born in Portland, Conn.; they have had seven children, of whom six are living, three 
sons and three daughters — Mary J., Joanna, Bridget (who died at the age of three years), John J., James, 
William and Bridget. 

WILLIAM KENEALY, farmer, Sec. 33 ; P. O. Monches, Waukesha Co.; has 120 acres 
in company with his brother. Mr. Kenealy was born in the town of Greenfield, Milwaukee Co., June 15, 
1846 ; is the son of John and Mary Keuealy ; in 1849 (having lost his father), he came with his mother 
to the town of Erin, and settled on the site of his present home. He was married at Monches, June 14, 
1869, to Miss Mary Lenox, daughter of Andrew Lenox. Mrs. Kenealy was born in the town of Erin. 
They have six children — -Mary, John, James, Thomas, William A. and Johanna C. 

' WILLIAM MOLXTIX, farmer, residence Sec. 21 ; has 600 acres of land ; is a native of 
county of Cork, Ireland ; son of William and Margaret Mountin ; came to America in 1847, and to Erin 
in 1842, in company with a cousin and namesake, who was always called big Bill Mountin, to distinguish 
him from his cousin, who was much smaller. The larger William is now a resident of Minnesota ; the 
two Mountins, by industry and frugality, have acquired a large property. 

JOHN MURPHY, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Thompson; has 100 acres of land; is a native of 
the town of Erin ; is the son of James and Ellen Murphy, and was born July 26, 1846 ; his parents emi- 
grated from Ireland to xlmeriea in 1836, and to Town 9, Range 18, now Erin, in 1S42. Mr. Murphy 
was married at the village of Hartford, Nov. 25, 1874, to Miss Margaret Garvey, daughter of Timothy 
and Bridget Garvey. Mrs. Murphy was born in the town of Erin. Mr. Murphy sold his farm, and in 
the fall of 1874 he engaged in trade in company with Mr. William Foley, at Ramdon Lake Station on 
the W. C. R. R.; he continued in the mercantile business till May, 1878, when he sold out. returned to 
Erin and re-purchased his old farm, where he has continued to reside. They have had five children — 
John J., Minnie J., Timothy E. (died in infancy), Ann E., George H. Mr. Murphy was elected Chair- 
man of the town of Erin for the term of 1880. 

PATRICK SHINNERS, Postmaster, and proprietor of hotel, saloon and dealer in general 
merchandise, Thompson ; busiuess located at the center of Sec. 9 ; has a farm of 140 acres, situated in 
the town of Hartford. He was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1842 ; is the son of John and 
Mary Shinners : when quite young, he moved with his parents to Delafield, Waukesha Co., where they 
remained about four year, and then removed to Hartford on Sec. 34 ; young Shinners continued on his 
father's firm till 20 years of age, when he started out for himsdf; he spent two years steamboatiug ; some 
years in the pine woods and in traveling; he next located in Chicago, where he remained three years en- 
gaged in various employments ; he then returned to Hartford; in 1872, he bought a small building at 
the site of his present business ; he soon after built the hotel and store ; was appointed Postmaster of the 
Thompson office soon after locating here. He was married at Hartford, Sept. 5, 1871, to Miss Bridget 
Garvey, daughter of Timothy Garvey ; they have six children, of whom four are living — Mary Ann (died 
when 2i years old), Timothy, John, James, Theresa (died in childhood), Anna J. Mr. Shinners has 
been Town Treasurer of Erin two terms. 

PATRICK SCOLLARD, farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Hartford; was born in County Kerry, 
Ireland, in 1S0S. He was married, Feb 4, 1836, to Elizabeth Murphy. Thirteen children were born to 
them, of whom eight lived to be men and women. William, the eldest, married Sarah Kilmartin, and is a 
farmer of Erin , James ; Elizabeth is the wife of Henry Marble, of Nebraska ; Julia is now Mrs. B. Crowley ; 
Garrett married Mary Ryan, and lives in Cheyenne, Colo. ; John married Margaret Donnelly, and resides 
in Custer City ; Mary lives in Souix City with her brother James. Mr. Scollard and family came to 
America in 1840; lived three years in the town of Caledonia, Livingston Co., N. Y. ; then came to Dela- 
field, Waukesha Co., Wis., where he resided till 1846. when he removed to the town of Erin, Washington 
Co. ; settled on Sec. 5, where he has continued to reside till this date. He has 40 acres of land. Mr. 
Scollard was elected Justice of the Peace in 1848, and served two years; served as Supervisor five years, 
and Chairman one term. 



732 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

WILLIAM SCOLLARD, farmer, Sec. 5; P. 0. Hartford; has 320 acres of land; Bettled 
in the county in 1846. He was born in County Kerry, Ireland, Feb. 4, 1837; is the son of Patrick and 
Elizabeth Murphy Scollard. He came to America with his parents in 1840; lived in the town of Cale- 
donia, Livingston Co., N. Y., about three years. The family then moved to Delafield, Waukesha Co., 
Wis., where they resided till 1846, when they removed to the town of Erin, and located on the site of 
their present home. The subject of this sketch received a common-school education, and for several winters 
engaged in teaching school. In 1859, he was elected Superintendent of Schools for the town of Erin. 
He was elected Chairman in 1861, and re-elected in 1862, 1870—71 and 1874. He was elected to the 
Wisconsin Legislature of 1^7^ from the South District of Washington Co. He has served as Clerk of 
his School District for sixteen years. He was married, at Monches, Waukesha Co., Feb. 3. 1861, to Miss 
Sarah Kilmartin, daughter of Michael Kilmartin. Mrs. Scollard was born in the State of New York. 
They have had nine children — James, John i died in infancy), Patrick. Michael. William. Julia, Margaret 
Joseph and Elizabeth. 

PATRICK TOLAXD, deceased: was burn in the county of Tyrone. Ireland; came to 
America about 1830 ; resided in Pennsylvania several year.-, where he was married. He moved to Mequon, 
Washington Co. (now Ozaukee), at an early day, being one of the pioneers of that section ; about 1844, 
he moved to the town of Erin, and settled on Government land. He was elected to the Second Legisla 
ture ( 1849). He was an active, enterprising man. with good, executive ability. For a long time, he was 
one of the Commissioners in charge of the construction of the Fox and Wisconsin River Improvement. 
His death occurred in the spring of 1858. 

JOHN WHELAK, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Monches; has 120 acres of land; settled in the 
town on his present farm in August. 1*42. He was born on the Isle of Arran. in Galway Bay, Ireland, 
iu 1814. He came to America in 1S32, and located in the city of Boston. Mass., where he learned the 
trade of a stereotype caster. He followed this business about nine and a half years. He was married 
July 3, 1842. and then removed to Wisconsin. On arriving in this State, he made his home in the then 
wilderness of Town 9, Range 18, since called Erin. At the meeting of a half dozen of the settlers, for the 
purpose of naming the town, at which the Rev. Father Condig presided, Mr. Whelan proposed the name 
of Erin for the town, which suggestion was adopted. At this meeting, Mr. Whelan remembers that Mr. 
James Kenealy, the two William Mountins and a Mr. McCormick were present. Mr. Whelan was elected 
the first Superintendent of Schools for the new town, and also served one term as Chairman. Mr. and 
Mrs. Whelan were blessed with ten children. The eldest. Mary J., was bom April 1. 1843, being the 
first white child born in the town. She is now the wife of Mr. John Sullivan, of St. Paul, Minn. The 
second was Peter, now proprietor of the Monches House, at Munches; Ann is the widow of T. Flynn. 
residing at Monches; Margaret is now Mrs. John Sullivan, of Erin; John and Robert died in infancy; 
Joseph is a citizen of New Mexico ; Luke, Ellen M. and Kate. 



TOWN OF RICHFIELD. 

HE\KY BAI'lHilARTX l*jlt, proprietor of saloon, and junior partner of the firm of Schuster 
& Banmgartner, manufacturers of cheese, Richfieid ; the latter business was established in the fall of 1881 ; 

itj of factory, 60,000 pounds of cheese annually. Mr. B. was bom in Baden, Germany, July 11, 1 * I" . 
is the son of Victor and Mary Baumgartner; he came to America with his parents in 1846, and located 
in German town, Wis.; lived there till 1856, when he cam' to tic town of Richfield, Washington Co., 
and settled on a farm ; Jan. 12, 1876, he moved to the village of Richfield and engaged in the saloon 
business; in the fall of 1881, he formed a partnership with Leonard Schuster, in the cheese business. He 
was married, in Germaotown, Jan. 7, 1863, to Miss Catharine Uereokel, daughter of George Mereckel; 
Mrs. Banmgartner was born in German to wo, Wis.; they have five children —Leonard, Annie. Lena. Mar- 
garet and Henry; they have losl three sons and daughter — John, aged 3 iths; Charles, 3 years ; 

Jacob. - \ear-; Mary Ann. died in childhood. 

IIICHAISL FAI1KY. fitrmer.Seo. 27; P. O. Richfield; has 240 aores; was born near West- 
ford, County Mayo, Ireland. Oct. 1. 1813; is the son of William Fahej . he same to America in 1811 ; 
landed in Quebec. Canada, where he remained till 1844, when he moved to Town 9, Range 19 | now Rich- 
field) ; he purchased his land of the Government. He was married, iu Ireland, previous to coming to 
America, in 1841, to Miss Mary Stanton, daughter of Patrick Stanton ; two children were born to them 



TOWN OF RICHFIELD. 733 

before coming to Wisconsin — William and Mary E.; those born in Washington Co. were John, Ann, Pat- 
rick (died in childhood), Bridget, Maria (died when 20 years of age), Michael, Patrick S. and Kate. Mr. 
Fahey was elected Chairman of Richfield in 1854, and re-elected for four successive terms ; since 1865, he 
has been agent-at-large for the Germantown Mutual Insurance Co. ; has served as Justice of the Peace 
about fifteen years and Notary seven years. 

JOHN KESSEL, farmer, and President of the West Bend, Polk & Richfield Farmers' Mu- 
tual Insurance Company, Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Richfield ; has 75V acres of land ; settled in the county in Octo- 
ber, 1842; Mr. Kessel was born in Schwabsburg. Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Aug. 25, 1822; is the son 
of John and Margarette Kessel : he came to America in 1842, arriving in Town 9, Range 19 (now Rich- 
field), Oct. 7 ; a few days previous, he purchased the east half of the southeast quarter of Sec. 12 of the 
Government, on which he has made his home nearly forty years. Mr. Kessel was married, in Richfield, 
in August, 1849, to Miss Margarette Zimmerman, daughter of Jacob Zimmerman ; Mrs. K. was born Jan. 
21, 1824, in Sitzen. Hesse-Darmstadt, and came to America in 1848. Mr. Kessel has served as Chairman 
of the town of Richfield during the years I860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1876 and 1877 ; 
he took out his naturalization papers in 1848, and was appointed the first Road Commissioner of Richfield 
the same year. 

JACOB KLIPPEL, cooper, Richfield ; was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, May 16, 
1817 ; is the son of Phillip and Mary Klippel; learned the cooper's trade in his native country and came 
to America in 1844 ; stopped one year in Boston and then came to Milwaukee in 1845 ; in 1846, he came 
to the town of Richfield and made a claim ; remaiued only a short time, when he sold out and wejit to Il- 
linois ; in 1858, he returned to Richfield and engaged in the cooperage business, which he has continued 
to this time. He was married, in Illinois, in 1849, to Miss Catharine Melius, daughter of Henry Melius. 
Mrs. Klippel was born in Germany ; they had ten children, of whom six are living — George, married Eva 
Laubenheimer, and a resident of Richfield ; Sarah, now the wife of Charles Reidenbach, also of Richfield ; 
Mary ; John, married to Ida Uelsenberger, of Milwaukee, and Frederick ; those lost were Barbara, aged 
6 years ; Jacob, aged 4 ; Charles, aged 2 ; and Annie, died in childhoad. Mr. Klippel has served as Jus- 
tice of the Peace four terms, and Notary Public since 1870. 

PHILLIP LAUBENHEIMER (deceased); was born in Dexheimer, Hesse-Darmstadt, 
Germany, March 23. 18(13 ; was the son of Phillip and Barbara Laubenheimer. He was married, in 1824, 
to Miss Gertrude Sparver. Seven children were born to them — Clara, now Mrs. Jacob Breivogel, of 
Richfield ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Anton Widebach, of Manitowoc Co. ; Phillip ; Peter lives in Illinois ; 
Frederick lives in California ; one daughter, name not given, who died in childhood, and Gertrude, now 
Mrs. Herman Schape, of Milwaukee. Mr. Laubenheimer and family emigrated to America in 1842, and 
directly to Town !>. Range 19, now Richfield. Mr. L. selected the site for his home on See. 12, now the 
site of the village of Richfield. He was one of the earliest of the pioneers, and his old block-house was 
always a popular stopping-place for travelers and laud-hunters. Mr. Laubenheimer lost his wife the winter 
following his settlement in the town.- He was married again, December 31, 1845, in the town of Richfield, 
to Mrs. Anna Margaret Reisse, widow of Mr. John Reisse, and the daughter of George Arnet. She was a 
native of Beerbach, Germany, and was the mother of one child — Catharine, now Mrs. Herman Fritche, of 
Grand Rapids, Wis. Eight children were born of this marriage — Henry, married to Lissette Dorn, and 
residing at Richfield ; William, a merchant of Richfield ; Margaret, now Mrs. P. Hartman, of Black Creek, 
Wis. ; Eva, the wife of George Klippel, of Richfield ; Charles died when 2 years and 6 months old ; 
John died when 18 years old; Barbara, now Mrs. Julius Specht, of Appleton, Wis. Mr. Laubenheimer 
built the store now occupied by his son William, in an early day, which he leased for several years. He 
subsequently engaged in the mercantile business in company with Mr. Richard Seifert, under the firm 
name of Laubenheimer & Seifert, commencing business about 1870. Mr. Laubenheimer bought out his 
partner's interest, and afterward conducted the business alone. He also built the elevator on the comple- 
tion of the Li Cr.isse & Milwaukee Railroad to this place about 1855, which he leased several years. The 
elevator is now used by William Laubenheimer, who is extensively engaged in buying and shipping grain. 
Mr. L. had a finely cultivated farm of 140 acres. In addition to his store and elevator, he built a fine 
brick building, which is used by the family as an hotel, called the Railroad House, and which includes a 
capacious dance hall and saloon. Mr. Laubenheimer was an active farmer, and a careful business man, 
who commanded the respect and confidence of his neighbors and acquaintances. His death occurred Oct. 
7, 1878. His son, Henry, was born in the town of Richfield Aug. 7, 1846. He was brought up a farmer, 
and devotes his time to the cultivation of the homestead farm. He was married, in Richfield. Nov. 27, 
1873, to Miss Dora Eimermann, daughter of John Eimermann. She was born in the town of Richfield. 
Three children were born to them — Ledia, Madia D. (died in childhood), and Clara. Mrs. Laubenheimer 

T 



734 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

died Jan. 1, L878. Mr. L. was married again, this time at Port Washington, to Miss Lissette Dorn • 
William Laubenhcimer, the youncer son, was born in the town of Richfield Jan. 7, 1S4S. He is a genera] 
merchant, and dealer in grain and produce at Richfield Village, Wis. 

IIEXRY J. LOWE, dialer in farming implements and hardware, Richfield; was born in the 
town of Richfield Aug. 16 1853. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits up to 1S77. when he moved 
to the village of Richfield the same year, and engaged in bis present business. Mr. Lowe left Wisconsin 
(in- California Sept. 7. 1874, where he remained until January, 1875, when be returned to his native town 
and married Miss Emma Schwandenbach Marth 4, 1875, with whom he is blessed at present with a son 
and a daughter, the former, Percival Arthur, 5, and the latter, Leona Theresa, 2 years of age. He has a 
beautiful borne, where happiness seems to dwell. 

CHARLES REIDEXBACH, carpenter; dealer in furniture, and a member of the firm of 
('. Reideubach & Co., proprietors of saw-mill, Richfield Village. Mr. R. was born in Hesse- llomberg, 
Germany, Sept. 14, 1S42 ; is the son of Peter and Elizabeth Reidenbach. He came to America, and 
direct to Richfield, Wis, in 1848; was brought up on a farm ; learned the carpenter's trade in the town 
of Richfield, and moved to the village in 1 8(19. In 1873, he opened a shop in the furniture business. 
which he has carried on to this date. In the summer of 1881, he formed a partnership with Mr. George 
Klippel in the saw. mill business. They expe i to have the mill fitted up and ,;irted by Nov. 15 of this 
.ii Mr. Reidenbach was married in Richfield, Oct. 23, 1869, to Miss Sarah Klippel, daughter of Jacob 
Klippel. Mrs. R. was born in Illinois. They bad two children — Louisa and Charles; the latter died in 
ebildll 1. 

CORNEEUS ST I T ESS ER, farmer, Sec. 1; P. 0. Richfield ; hao200acres; settled in the 
town in September, 1842 ; his filler's family was the first white family to settle within the limits of Town 
9, Range l!l i now Richfield); he is the son of Francis Joseph and Elizabeth Stuesser, and was born in 
the city of Rheinbach, Germany, Aug. 18, 1827; came to America, with bis parents, in 1842, reaching 
their destination in Wisconsin in September of that year; they settled on Sec. 2. Town 9, Range 19 (now 
Richfield); subsequently moved to See. 1. Mr. Stuesser was married, June 8, 1851, in this town, to Miss 
Mary Landgraf, daughter of Henry Landgraf; Mrs. Stuesser was burn in Germany; they have six chil- 
dren — Theresa, now Mrs. George Schwalbach, of the town of Mcrton, Waukesha Co.; Elizabeth is the wife 
of Peter Wolf, of Germantown ; Joseph, John, Mary and Christian. 

Ii. HENRY ZAUN, farmer; P. 0. Richfield, residence, Sec. 12; has 180 acres of land in 
this town i ; be was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, March Ii. ls.'!2; is the son of Phillip A. Zaun ; 
he came to America in L849, remained in the State of New Fork till the following year, when be removed 

in the town of Richfield. Washington Co., Wis.; on the arrival of his lather, iii 1851, they selected their 
land, since which time Mr. Zaun has continued his residence in the town. lie was married in Richfield, 
March 15, 1859, to Miss Pauline Beyer, daughter of John W. Beyer; Mrs. Zaun was born in Saxony, 
Germaoj ; tbej have six children — Louis L., Henry II., Emil B., Edwin, Bertha and Emma; Mr. Zaun 
has served twelve years as School District Treasurer. By industry and judicious investments, he has ac- 
cumulated a large property, 



TOWN OF ADDISON. 

KI T lf AI'T BROS., proprietors steam saw-mill, See. 17 ; P. 0. Addison ; they do custom-work 
giving the highest satisfaction, pleasing all ; credit, first class; saw over 2,000,000 feet of lumber a year, 

of oak and baaswood ; it is the only steam mill in all the country. William Kuhapt was bom in 1846, in 
Kurhessen, Prussia ; in 1858, be came alone tn Schloisimrerville ; came here in 1879 ; began his pri 
business. He married Sophia [se in 1870; they have limr children — George. Will. Martha and Anna. 
Henry Kuhapt was burn in 1849, in Kurhessen, Prussia; came to Sehleisiie.'erville. with bis mother and 
sister; lie worked at his trade, masonry, with his brother; in 1879, they came to Addison, and bought 
their present mill ; are members of the Odd fellows; their great-grandfather was a Hessian soldier of the 
English, in mil Revolution. Mr. II. K. married Margaret Bender, in 1874 . they have two children — 
Lizzie ami Louis. 

JOHN C KUIIEM A\, merchant, Aurora; born in Hesse Darmstadt in 1847 ; his parents 
Came to Milwaukee in 1852 ; lived there eight years, then came here ; are Btill living : Mr. K. left here, 

in 1863, for Kewaskum ; was there two years iii the store ol' II. Bachausan ; in 1865, he went to Mil- 
waukee; clerked one year; in 1 B67, to St. Louis one year; then to Milwaukee; was in Kuhlsville one 



TOWN OF GERMANTOWN. 735 

and a half years ; opened business there ; from 1870 to 1875, was Postmaster and Notary Public; tame 
to Aurora in 1875, and engaged in mercantile business on a large scale ; Mr. K.'s judgment and word can 
be relied on ; Mr. K. is a public-spirited and enterprising man, and is of political prominence; was a del- 
egate to the Republican State Convention from Washington Co., in 1873. He married Eva Illian, in 
1872, who was born in Germany ; they have six children — Robert, George, Ida, Edward, Albert and 
Anna. 

HENRY STEINMITZ, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. St. Lawrence ; born in Luxemburg, in 1820 
came here in 1845, and took up his present farm ; has been District Treasurer and Trustee of St. Law- 
rence Church. He was married to Maria Seekairen, in 1848, in Milwaukee ; she was born in Hanover; 
they have nine childrer. — Henry, Michael, Angeline, Maria, Margarhetta, Katie, Anna, Theodore and 
Lizzie. 



TOWN OF CERMANTOWN. 

PHILLIP B » 1 1 1 . E V ; P. 0. Rockfield ; was born in the town of Germantown May 12, 1834, 
being the first white male born in this town. His parents immigrated to America in 1842 and settled in 
Sec. 8, in Germantown, being some of the first settlers in the town. Mr. Dhein has lived on the old 
hi n.Lstead all his life. He is the present Treasurer of the Germantown Insurance Company, a substantial 
institution in the county, with a capital of $250,(100. Mr. Dhein married Miss Elizabeth Schowalter, Oct. 
15, 1872 ; he has three children ; the oldest son, Philip, is 7, his daughter Ida 5, and John 3 years of age. 
His father died in 18G5, at the age of 51, and his mother, who still lives, is 60 years of age, and enjoys 
excellent health. 

PHILLIP G. Dl'ERWAECHTER, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1847. He 
came to America with his parents in 1857. His lather settled on Sec. 25, Germantown. Afterward he removed 
to Schleswig, Manitowoc Co., where he remained until 1862, when he set out for himself, engaging in dif- 
ferent kinds of business, and traveled several years, until his return to his old home in Germantown, in 
1871, when he commenced the lumber business, and, in 1880, he added the manufacture of agricultural 
implements ; he is a very successful business man. He has been eleeted Town Clerk four years, which 
position he still holds. He married Miss Mary Diefenthaler in 1873 ; he has two sons; the eldest, John 
Adam, 6, and Arthur 2 years of age. His father died July 16, 1874, at the advanced age of 81 years. 

NICOLA I'S KLI'jfIB, one of the oldest settlers in this town ; was born near Coblentz. Ger- 
many in 1820. He came to America in the month of July, 1843, and located on 40 acres of land on Sec. 9, 
Germantown, the same year : he is one of the successful fanners, owning at present 160 acres of the finest 
land in the town, and everything around him shows, through his industry, comfort and thrift; he has had 
the misfortune to lose one of his hands by a thrashing machine, in 1871. He was married to Miss Mar- 
garet Rheingans in 1847, with whom he has nine children — Elizabeth, aged 31 ; William, 29 ; Heinrich, 
27; Juliana, 25 ; Margaret ta, 23; Friedrich, 20 ; Christina, 18 ; Philip, 15, John, 12 ; five of themare 
married. Mr. Klumb held the position of Treasurer of the Germantown Mutual Insurance Company for 
several vears. 

REV. CASPAR RUEGG, Rockfield ; was born April 9, 1837, in the Canton of Zurich, 
Switzerland ; has studied for the ministry at St. Chrisbona, near Rale, Switzerland, for the Evangelical 
Church ; after completing his studies, he was assigned to the palish at Rex, Canton Yaud, Switzerland, 
where he remained two years, when, in I860, he eame to Madison, Wis., to preach the Gospel to the con- 
gregation of St. Paul's Church (Evangelical), and, in 1868, betook charge of Christ Church (German 
Evangelical) in the town of Germantown, where he has been ever since. His congregation consists of 
about seventy families. He married Miss Amalia Zimmerman, formerly of the Canton of Clams, Swit- 
zerland, in 1867 ; she received a thorough course of all the English branches at the Minneapolis High 
School, and became a teacher, which she followed until her marriage. Mr. Ruegg has five children; 
the oldest. Amelia, asied 13; Nelly, 10 ; Lilly, 7 ; Samuel, 8. and Albert, 6. 

VALENTINE SCH AETZEL, fanner, Sec. 35 ; P. O. Menomonee Falls ; was born in the 
Duchy of Hesse, Germany, Feb. 14. 1814. He immigrated to America in June, 1841 ; bis destination 
was the State of Wisconsin ; he arrived at Milwaukee the fame summer, and east his vote at the first 
county election of Milwaukee Co., held in 1841. There were only four stores and three saloons in the 
place at that time, and many Indians were encamped around. At first he settled on Sec. 25, where he 
r emaincd two years, when he moved to his ] resent heme, where he has since lived. He was Chairman of the 



736 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

town in 1855 and also in 1S5S ; he was School Commissioner for several years, and a member of the Legis- 
lature in 180 1, and at present is one of the Directors of the Gerniantown Mutual Insurance Company. He 
married Miss Elizabeth Gemnenden, in 1843, in Milwaukee; they have eight children living; the oldest 
daughter, Elizabeth, aged 36 ; John, 34 ; Mary, 32 ; Johanna, 30 ; Adam, 29 ; Jacob, 26 ; Philip, 24 ; 
Henry, 21. Mr. Schaetzel was the fourth settler in Germantown. 

MARTIN SCHOTTLER, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in March, 1833 ; he 
came to America with his parents in 1846, and settled in the town of Germantown. Mr. Schottler was 
twice elected to the Legislature, his first term being in 1863 and the second in 1864 ; he has held the 
office of Justice of the Peace twenty years, and that of Town Clerk fourteen years ; at present Mr. Schottler 
is Secretary of the Firemen's Mutual Insurance Company, of Germantown, and is much esteemed by his 
fellow-citizens. He married Miss Anne Bartol, in 1864; his matrimonial life is blessed with nine chil- 
dren, the eldest being Mary, aged 15 ; Katy 13 ; Louisa, 12 ; Anna, 10 ; Sophie, 9 ; Martin, 7 ; Mina, 5 ; 
Ida, 3, and Willie, 2. His father is 73 years of age and enjoys excellent health ; he lives in the town of 
Richfield. 



TOWN OF WAYNE. 

JACOR LAY, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Wayne. Mr. Lay is a successful farmer 
and stock-raiser. He was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1830 ; he came to this country with his parents 
in L846. The family lived in Ozaukee County one year and settled on the farm where Jacob now live- 
in the following year. The father of Mr. Lay now lives in Kansas. Mr. Lay's wife is a native of Switzer, 
land. They have ten children, three boys and seven girls. Mr. Lay has been Supervisor of the towns 
and is the present Chairman of the Town Board. 

WENDEL PETRI, merchant, farmer and Postmaster, Sec. 10; P. O. Wayne. Mr. Petri is 
one of the most prominent and influential citizens of the town of Wayne. He was born at Hesse-Darm- 
stadt, Germany, in 1835 ; he came to this country with his parents, Wendel and Mary M. Petri, in 1848. 
His father settled in the town of Polk; he settled in Wayne in 1862; he had seven children, six of 
whom are living and all are residents of Wisconsin. Wendel settled where he now liyes in 1856, and 
engaged in boot and shoe making. He established his mercantile business in 1859. He has been actively 
engaged in business since that time, and also attending to his large farming interests. He has, by indus- 
try and economy, acquired a competence. He was the first Postmaster of Wayne; was appointed in 
1864 ; he has held that position since that time, except two years. He has been Treasurer of the town 
■ it' Wayne for the last thirteen years. Mr. Petri's wife is also a native of Germany. They have teu 
children, six sous and four daughters. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ABBREVIATIONS. 

Co Company or county I W. V. I Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry 

W. V. A Wisconsin Volunteer Artillery P. Post Office 

W. V. C Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry | St street 



PORT WASHINGTON. 

WILLIAM AHLil Al SIK1S. County Treasurer, Port Washington; was born in the town 
of Mequon, Ozaukee Co., March 13, 1855 ; received a good common-school education at Saukvijle, his 
father being Postmaster of that place ; he acted as clerk in the post office for a period of about six years, 
commencing in 1867. From 1876 to 1880, he acted as Deputy Town Clerk, during which time, in the 
fall of 1880, he was elected County Treasurer, which office he now holds. When he was about 10 years 
of age, he had the misfortune to injure his right knee-joint, from which, however, he nearly recovered, 
but in January, 1879, he again fell, and so strained the joint as to compel him to use crutches up to the 
present time. 

J. N. BAER, Port Washington; was born in Germany in 1831 ; came to the United States in 
1853, landing at Baltimore, where he resided one year. He then went to New York City, where he 
worked at his trade as cabinet-maker about three years, then continued the same at Boston, Mass., eight- 
een months, at the end of which time he went to Chicago, where he remained six months; he then went 
to Cairo, 111., where he was employed as carpenter in the navy yards about five years ; then spent one 
year at Memphis, Tenn., from which place, in 1866, he came to Wisconsin, living at Milwaukee twu 
years, after which he came to Port Washington, and has since been engaged in the furniture business, in 
connection with which he has carried on a saloon since November, 1879. He is a Democrat. Has been 
Town Treasurer two years, and is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Was married, in 1859, to 
Barbara Sehoeck; they have six children — Bernard, Maggie, Lame, Jacob, John and Leo. 

HON. JOHN K. ROHAN, editor and publisher Port Washington Advertiser, was born at Col- 
lege Hill, near Templemore, County of Tipperary, Ireland, Dec. 7, 1824; was educated at the public and 
grammar schools, graduating at Mamel Semiuary in 1842, after which he studied the Latin and Greek 
languages, and also learned engineering. In 1846, he emigrated to the United States, and first settled 
with his parents at Hartford, Washington Co., where he helped to clear the land and taught school. In 
1852, was elected Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of Washington Co., and the new county of Ozaukee 
beiDg organized therefrom, he remained Clerk of the latter until 1858; was a member of the Assembly 
in 1859, elected to the Senate in 1862, served as Clerk of the Court from January, 1865, to January, 
1869, and, in the fall of 1871, was again elected to the Assembly. Has also held various local offices. 
In 1858, he purchased a one-third interest io the Port Washington Advertiser, and the year following 
purchased his partner's interest, and published the paper alone until 1865, when he took in F. J. Mills as 
a partner, and continued the paper under the firm name of Bohan & Mills, until 1869, since which time 
Mr. Bohan has been sole proprietor. He was married in 1852, to Miss Mary Sullivan, a native of Ver- 
mont ; they have seven children living — Michael, Eunice, Matie, John, George Stanley, Frank and 
Maude. 

K. B. ROLENS, editor and publisher, Port Washington; is among the oldest editors in Wis- 
consin, having been engaged in printing and publishing since 1840. He is a native of Ohio, born in 
1830; received a collegiate education, and early turned his attention to his present profession. His first 



733 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

newspaper venture was at Toledo, Tama Co., Iowa, where, in 1856, he assisted in getting out the Toledo 
Tribune, the first paper in the county: He did the principal part of the editorial work, half of the type- 
setting, and all the press work. He sold out iu 1858, and, in 1860, vent to Washington, Iowa, and 
established the Washington Democrat, which he continued uotil 18G6, at which time he removed to 
Janesville, and established the Janesville Democrat. He continued its publication until L869, when he 
removed to Juneau, and established the Dodge County Democrat, which he edited and published until 
October. i^T J. when he leased the office fir two years and went to Madison to enter upon the duties as 
Mtate Printer, which office he tilled for the years 187.") and 1ST'!. In April. 1873, he established a 
iu inthly paper in the interest of the Granger movement, called the !> taver Dam Sun, which he moved 
with him to Madison, and continued it fur some time under the name of the Wisconsin Granger, as a 
weekly: then changed the name again to Statesman., dropping its grange feature, but discontinued its 
publication a few m mths thereafter. In 1877. he began the publication of the Wisconsin Farm Journal, 
a strictly agricultural and literary paper, but soon discontinued it for want of proper support. In Janu- 
ary, 187:', he went to Fund du Lie, and engaged in the publication of the People's Champion, but soon 
severed his connection with it, and removed to Milwaukee, and for a few months edited the Daily News 
and th • Daily Dispatch, after which he came to Port Washington and revived the ll'W.7// Star, which 
he now e tits and publishes. Of the papers with which he hits been connected as proprietor, the following 
are yet published by his successors: Toledo Tribune, changed to Chronical; Washington Democrat} 
Janesville Democrat, now Times; Dodge County Democrat, now Juneau Telephone; People's Champion, 
now Standard, published at Oshkosh; Weekly Star, Port Washington. He has held the office of 
Mayor of Baton, the county seat of his native county: Postmaster in Iowa, ami State Printer in Wiscon- 
sin. In politics he is a Democrat, and bar been quite active, participating as a campaign speaker in the 

lential elections of 1852, 1856, 1 Still. ISO! and 1863. In the campaign of I860, he spike nearly 
every day for two m inths*, and mostly at OUt-door meetings, by which he contracted a throat and lung 
isc which still troubles him very much. In 1868, he was the Democratic candidate for State Senator 
in Rook County against Eon. Charles ti. Williams, now a member of Congress, which gentleman he 
challenged to a public discussion. He made over thirty speeches in Rock County tint fall, and in;reased 
the I' smocratic vote from 600 to over 1,100, which has been maintained since. The effect of this sever, 
work has been such that he has been compelled to almost wholly abstain from public speaking, and con- 
sequently ha? taken a less active poit in politics Mr. Bolens has been twice married. Maroh 10, 1853, 
in Elizabeth M' Trewsdale, a native of Ohio, she died at Toledo, Iowa, May 11, 1859. In L861, to 
oarali M. Brown, then of Iowa City> but formerly of Pennsylvania. They have three children living 
— Albert 1)., Harry W. and Josephine. 

II OX. <'. K. CIIAJIISFiRLiIX. Port Washington, is among the pioneers of Ozaukee Co. He 
was born in Catskill, Greene Co., X. V., March 9,1818; received a common-school education ; learned the 
printer's trade, and, in 1839, went to Chenango Co., where he continued work at his trade, and, from 18-11 
to 1843, was one of the publishers of the Oxford /{ejiii/i/ican. a Democratic paper; he then came to Wis- 
consin, and first settled in Milwaukee; at that time, the city was in great need of a school in the Second 
Ward, and, as they had no schoolhouse, Mr. Chamberlin fitted up an old bowling alley, and taught a pri- 
vate school in it for a term of three months. He lien acted as foreman in the printing office of the Amer- 

Freem in : the following year, as he had previously entered a piece of land in what is now Mequon, 
Ozaukee Co., he moved onto it. and followed farming in that vicinity until 1S.">7, during which time he 

i one term as County Treasurer and one term in the Assembly; he was then appointed Clerk of the 
Circuit Court by Judge Larabee, in the place of Heidkemp, removed, and, in the fall of said year, was 
elected to the same office, which he held one term. He then taught school most of the time uutil 1872, 
meantime taking up dentistry, which profession he -till follows. In the fall of 1871', he was elected to 
the Assembly, and Berved one term ; he then had charge of the office of Clerk of the Court, as Deputy, 
and, at the same time, did most of the writing in the office of the Register of Deeds ; in the fall of 1 376, 
was i leeted Clerk of the Court and served one term, after which he retired from public life. He was mar- 
ried t.« Eliza Hill, a native of Oxford. X. Y.. on the 26th day of January, 1814, and now has six chil- 
dren Charles A . Ella D., now Mrs. Alex Wood, of Spring Lake, Mich.; Mary Iv. now Mrs. William 
Guy, of Wausau. Henry L., Benjamin !•'. and Nellie. 

II. L. C/OK, Postmaster of Port Washington; was born at Le Roy, Genesee Co,N. Y., in 
\t the age of 8 years, cam i with his parents to Port Washington . was educate'] at the Lawrence 
University at A.ppleton, and Carroll College, Waukesha; then followed Farming and surveying until 1865 ; 
he then entered the law school at Albany, X. V.. where he graduated iu 1866. Returning to Port Wash- 
ington, be formed ■ law partnership with Ge irge W. Foster, with whom he continued until 1879, during 



PORT WASHINGTON. 739 

which time, in 1871, they took in James Hedding as a partner, making the law firm Foster, Coe & Hed 
ding, and continued until 1874, when Mr. Hedding withdrew, and G. C. Foster was taken in, making the 
firm Fosters & Coe; in 1878, Mr. Coe withdrew from the firm and practiced alone until the fall of the 
same year, when, on account of poor health, he gave up law practice. In the fall of 1879, he was ap- 
pointed Postmaster. In 1869, Mr. Coe, G. W. Foster and G. A. Rowe, purchased real estate in Kewanee 
Co., containing water-power, mill privilege, etc., which they improved by building a saw-mill, also a pier in 
the lake, and started a town, which they named Foscoro. Mr. Coe was married, in 1862, to Miss Nettie 
E.Wilmet. a native of St. Lawrence County, N. Y. ; they have three children — Clara, Florence R. and Mary 
Mabel. 

FRWK DELLES, liveryman, Port Washington; is the son of John Delles, one of the old- 
est settlers of Oziukee Co., having settled in the town of Belgium in 1846; was born in the town of 
Fredonia May 24, 1849, and lived with his parents until 1869 ; he then spent two years at Sturgeon Bay, 
engaged in lumbering; returning to Ozaukee Co., he was in the employ of his father, who was engaged in 
hotel and livery ; in 1876, he purchased his father's livery. He is a Democrat. Served as Under Sheriff 
during the years 1873 and 1874, as Sheriff in 1875-76, and again in 1879 and 1880, since which time he 
is again Under Sheriff. He was married, in 1873, to Mary Kessler, of Port Washington; they have two 
children living — Maggie and Frank. 

PHILIP ECKEL, merchant; was born in Germany in 1824; immigrated with his parents to 
the United States in 1832 ; was shipwrecked off the coast of Charleston, S. C-, but, in a few days, sailed 
for Philadelphia, where the family resided until 1837; then removed to Hancock, Md. ; in 1839. returned 
to Pennsylvania and settled at McConnellsburg, where he learned the mason's trade. In 1849, he was 
married to Mary Kern. In tlie fall of 1854, he came to Port Washington ; continued his trade and also 
taught school ; since 1S60, he has been engaged in the grocery business. The children living are William, 
John L., Henry K., Ida, Susan and Rollo. 

JUDGE LEOPOLD EGHART, Port Washington; one of the pioneers of Wisconsin ; 
is a native of Austria, born in 1824; emigrated to the United States in 1849, and settled in Washington 
Co., purchased land and commenced farming, but as he was a single man, he did not admire the business, 
so in about three months he engaged in mercantile business at Newburg, which he continued about one 
year; in the fall of 1850, he came to Port Washington and engaged in the store of Joseph Goldsmith as 
clerk and bookkeeper, with whom he remained until 1859 with the exception of about eighteen months in 
the years of 1854-55, when he was engaged in mercantile business at Newburg. In 1859, he was elected 
Clerk of the Court, which office he held one term, when he again returned to the employ of Goldsmith ; 
in 1867, he went to Cedarburg, and in partnership with Fred Horneffer, engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness uuder the firm name of Horneffer & Co., and continued the same until 1875, at which time they dis- 
solved partnership, and Mr. Eghart was employed as Deputy Postmaster, also acting as agent for insurance 
companies, sewing machines, etc.; in the fill of 1877, he was elected County Judge, which office he now 
holds, and was re-elected in the spring of 1881 without opposition. In 1850, he was married to Anna 
HornefTer, a native of Lancaster, Penn.; they have six children living — Ida, Adele, Emaly, Matie, Albert 
and Elsa. 

GEORGE WARREN FOSTER, Port Washington; is the son of Jacob Foster, who 
was of English and Scotch descent, and who was born in Connecticut. The subject of this sketch was 
born in Washington Co., N. Y., Sept. 13, 1817, and, when 5 years of age, removed with his parents to 
the town of Mentz, Cayuga Co.; at the age of 15, he engaged in teaching (being then in appearance a 
young man of 18 or 19 years) ; in his 17th year, he again taught school, and his 18th year was spent by 
studying at home and reciting in the academy at Auburn, which was about five miles distant. In 1837, 
he entered the law office of Seward & Beardsley, afterward Porter & Beardsley, where he remained 
until the fall of 1841, during which time he served as Clerk of the Courts of civil and criminal jurisdic- 
tion ; he then studied, with Judge Hulbert as preceptor, about one year, acting meantime as Deputy Clerk 
of the United States Court for the Northern District of New York, under Judge Conkling. In the fall 
of 1842, he entered the Yale Law School and remained one year, which was not a sufficient time to per- 
mit him to graduate, although he finished all the studies in the course. Before entering Yale College, he 
had saved about $1,000, and therefore expected to be able to procure a fine library, but, having loaned the 
money without good security, he lost it. After being admitted to the bar, on his return from college he 
practiced law at Port Byron two years, then came to Wisconsin, and, arriving at Milwaukee Sept. 21. 
1845, opened a law office. But law was not a prafitable pursuit there at that time. In December of that 
year, he went to Sheboygan Co., where he selected a piece of land and engaged to work in a lumbering 
camp for the purpose of procuring lumber to make necessary improvements upon it; he soon returned to 



"40 BIOGRAPHICAL .SKETCHES: 

Milwaukee to see that his library was well cared for ; on his way back to the lumbering camp, he stopped 
at Hamburg ( now Grafton), and, as he was a jolly fellow, he sang a song to assist in passing the time pleas- 
antly, and being a good singer, of course interested all who heard him, and one of the crowd, Mr. Coe 
(afterward hie father-in-law), introduced himself to Mr. Foster and requested him to apply for the Port 
Washington school, as they were in need of a teacher at that place, to which Mr. Foster replied that he was 
already engaged in a lumbering camp, and therefore could not afford to waste time on uncertainties; but 
Mr. Coe was so well pleased with him that he spoke to the School Board, and, in a few days, wrote Mr. 
Foster at the camp that he could have the school, and as VIr. Foster preferred teaching school to lumber- 
in- tint having done manual labor in several years), he at once came to Port Washington and ac- 
cepted the school for a term of three months at $9 per month and board ; and so it can be seen that the 
song he sang at Hamburg no doubt changed his future career. In the fall of 1846, he commenced >nr- 
veying ; also did conveyancing and what other law business came before him, and continued the same until 
the summer of 1847, when he was taken with inflammation of the eyes, and was unable to do business 
until the following December; he then resumed surveying, etc.. and followed the same until 1849, by 
which time he had established quite a law practice, and therefore gave his entire time to his profession. In 
the spring of lS50,he purchased land on the Milwaukee River, built a sawmill, started the present village 
of Waubeka, and the following winter returned to Port Washington ; in May, 1879. he removed to Apple- 
ton, when his nervous system became so broken down as to compel him to drop his profession ; he therefore 
returned to Port Washington in October, 1880. and as he has nearly recovered, he expects to resume law 
practice again soon. He is a Republican ; he has been Justice of the Peace, and was appointed District 
Attorney in 1862. He was married, Oct. 18, 1848, to Miss Mary E. Coe, a native of New Y'ork, born at 
Leroy, Genesee Co.. N. Y.. Oct. 23, 1830 ; they have had seven children, five of whom are living — George 
('.. now a practicing lawver, of Florence; William M.. a photographer, employed in'Milwaukee; Charles 
L., Annie S. and Freddie A., living at home. 

,14 HI X CwII.iSOX. inventor and molder. Port Washington ; his father is a native of Luxemburg; 
emigrated to the United States in 1848, and lived at Milwaukee until 1850, at which time he settled at 
Port Washington, The subject of this sketch was liorn in Milwaukee June 11. 1850, and as the family 
soon moved into Ozaukee Co., he has spent his life at Port Washington. At the age of 10 year-, he en 
tered his father's foundry and learned the molder's trade, which he still Follows, and, since 1880, has 
a partner with his father and brother. In 1879, he invented a Stove-drum, which now has a good sale in 
several States, and, subsequently, he invented a haine fastener, which was patented May In. 1881. He 
was married in Ausust, 1873, to Lizzie Rappold, an adopted daughter of Hon. Eugene S. Turner; they 
have five children — Mary, Emma. Annie, Johnnie and Maggie. 

JAMES O'CrORMAN, retired farmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Port Washington ; a native of Ireland. 
born in County Kilkenny in 1815; emigrated to the United States in 1844, lauding at Boston July lti; 
was a resident of the State of Massachusetts until 1848, at which time he came to Porl Washington. He 
purchased his present farm of 80 acres, but soon went to Racine and worked a- a common laborer until 
1850, by which time he hail saved money enough to permit him to commence farming, when he returned 
to Ozaukee Co.; in 1877, he let his sons work the place, and, in 187'.', sold them the same Mr. ()'<ior- 
man was married in 1848, to Bridget Doyle; they have three children — lolm, (iarrct and Mary. Re- 
ligion, Toman Catholic. 

JAJIES BEDDING, attorney, Port Washington; was horn in Clintou Co.. N. V.. July 29, 
1829, After reoeiving his education, he learned the millwright trade, and, in L854, came to Wisconsin, 
tir-t settling in Washington Co. In 1861, in partnership with John 1!. Kendall, he built the furniture 
manufactory at Waubeca, and operated the same under the linn name of Kendall & Hedding about ten 
years, during which time, in 1X04, he enlisted in Co, <i. 1st W. II. A., ami served until the close of the 
war In 1871, he came to Porl Washington, and has since been engaged in a general law and collection 
business, and is at present serving his second term as District Attorney. Was married in 1850, to Miss 
Catherine Ackers, a native of Clinton Co., N. V.; they have five children — Rosamond, James, Adalbert, 
Fred and Lillie, 

.IOIIX KAISFIt. boots anil shoes; horn in Luxemburg in 1X14; received a common-school 
education , learned the Bhoemaker's trade, and, in 1870, emigrated to thi' United States, and worked at his 

trade at Chicago, 111 . and Menasha, Wis., about one year ; then came to Porl Washington and served in 
the employ of Andrew Hein one year; then in partnership with Jos. Winger, engaged in boot and shoe 
business, which they continued under the firm name of Winger \ Kaiser for four years, when he sold to 
his partner, opened a new store and has since been doing business alone. He was married in 1 ^~o. to 
Catherine Dellefl ; thev have three children — John. Frank and Katie. 



PORT WASHINGTON. 741 

R. C. KANN, lumberman. Port Washington ; was born at Cologne, Germany, May 4, 1841 ; 
was brought by his parents to the United States in 1844, and lived at Milwaukee until 1859, during which 
time, in 1854. his parents died of cholera, leaving him to take care of himself. In 1859, he came to Port 
Washington, and, in 1861, enlisted in Co. K, 16th W. V. I., jnd served one year, when he was discharged 
on account of physical disabilities. He then attended a commercial college at Chicago, where he graduated, 
and, subsequently, returned to Port Washington, and again clerked in a store until 1870, at which date he 
engaged in mercantile business and continued the same until 1874, when he began dealing in lumber. He 
does a business of about $15,000 annually. In 1868, he was married to Ella A. Lytle, a native of Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y.; they have two children — Lottie A. and Richard C, Jr. Politics, Republican. 

N. KEMP, firm of Kemp & Co., Port Washington ; is a native of Luxemburg, Germany ; born 
Dec. 20, 1827 ; received a common-school education ; learned the blacksmith trade, and, in 1846, emi- 
grated to America, and first settled in Kenosha Co., where he worked one year on a farm at $8 per month, 
then chopped wood at 25 cents per cord; worked at his trade. In 1849, helped operate the first eight- 
horse power threshing-machine in Dane Co. In March, 1850, he went across the plains to California, 
where he remained about eighteen months, and then returned to Kenosha Co. Sept. 22, was married to 
Miss Susan Kass, a native of Luxemberg, Germany, and soon afterward removed to Jackson Co., Iowa ; 
purchased land and followed farming until 1856, when he again returned to Kenosha, and purchased a farm. 
In 1858, in partnership with John Deiedarich, he engaged in a general mercantile business, which they 
carried on at Kenosha until 1860; they then removed to Port Washington, and continued the same until 
1866, at which time Mr. D. sold his interest to Nicholas Poull, and the business was continued under the 
firm name of Kemp & Poull until 1870 ; the firm then built a malt house, and ran the same until 1873, 
at which time Mr. Kemp purchased his partner's interest, and continued the business alone until fall, when 
he took in William H. Ramsey as a partner. He is married, and has seven children — -Elizabeth, Barbara, 
Kate, Mary, John, Melchur and Michael. Mr. Kemp and family are members of the Roman Catholio 
Church. 

JOHN K FvSSIjEK. firm of Notting & Kessler; was born in Germany in 1838 ; came to the 
United States with his parents in 1844, and settled in Ozaukee Co., and lived on a farm with his parents 
in the town of Cedarburg. In February, 1S65, he enlisted in Co. A, 62d 111. V. I., and served until the 
close of the war. The year 1864, he spent railroading in Arkansas. In 1874. in partnership with Ber- 
nath dotting, commenced the hardware business in which they are now engaged. Mr. Kessler was mar- 
ried in 1871 to Mary Schait. Bernath Notting was born in Germany, in 1845 ; came to the United States 
in 1855 ; settled at Port Washington ; followed painting three years, since which time he has worked at 
the tinner's trade. Was married in 1870, to Fsrona Cimmer; have two children — Lizzie and Mary. 

ITLRICH LANDOLT, Port Washington ; is a native of Switzerland ; born in 1822 ; emi- 
grated to the United States in 1846, and lived in New York City until May, 1848, when he came to Wis- 
consin and settled in the town of Belgium, Ozaukee Co., which town at that time embraced nearly all of 
Ozaukee and Sheboygan Cos.; here he served as the first School Trustee, and followed farming until 1853, 
passing through all the hardships of pioneer life; he then removed to the village of Port Washington, and 
clerked in a store; also acted as forwarding clerk on the lake until 1858; then served as Deputy County 
Treasurer until 1862, when he was elected County Treasurer, which office he held two terms. In 1866, 
he engaged in flour and feed business, and continued the same until 1875, since which time he has been 
in the insurance business. Is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the A., F. & A. M., of which lodge 
he has been Secretary from 1856 to 1862, and since 1875. 

WILLIA1I H. LANDOLT, banker, Port Washington; was born in Heidelburg, Ger- 
many, in 1S44; was brought to the United States by his parents in 1846 ; lived in New York City about 
two years, then came with his parents to Wisconsin, and has since been a resident of Ozaukee Co.; he 
received a good common-school education, and in April, 1861, enlisted in Co. C, 5th W. V. I., and served 
until the close of the war, taking part in a great many battles, as he was with the Army of the Potomac 
the entire time ; he received no wound to amount to anything until the battle of Sailor's Creek, April 6, 
1865 ; here he received a gunshot wound just above the knee which necessitated amputation of his left 
leg near the hip; after the war he returned to Port Washington, but soon entered the commercial college 
of Milwaukee, where he graduated in 1866, and in the fall of the same year, was elected County Treas- 
urer of Ozaukee Co., which office he held until 1872, since which time he has been the partner of James 
W. Vail in the Ozaukee County Bank, doing a general banking business under the firm name of James 
W. Vail & Co. In 1872, Mr. Landolt was married' to Miss Elizabeth Kandihas, who died in September, 
1879, leaving two children — Eddie, oorn Sept. 23, 1873, and Louise, Aug. 9, 1875. 



742 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

S. C. FARSOX, toucher and fanner. Sec. 19; P. 0. Port Washington; was born in Norway 
in 183i>; was educated in Norwegian and English languages; emigrated to the United States in 1844, 
and first settled in Chicago; in 1859, he attended Etathaway's Academy, after which he taught school 
winters and sailed summers until 1872, durifg which time in 1866, he removed to Port Washington; in 
1872, he went to Michigan and followed book-keeping; also served as Town Superintendent of Schools 
until the fall of 1875; be then returned to Fort Washington, and has since lived on his present farm of 
60 acres which he purchased in L873; be still teaches school during the winter season. He was married 
in December, 1862, to Anna Olson; she died in January, lSlili. leaving one child — Christian O. In 
April, 1871, be married his present wife, K. Maria Olson, a sister of Ids first wife; their children are 
Isaac Anton, Jens Thomas. Martin. Rachael Mariah, Gunhild Elizabeth, Carl August and Anna Johanna 
Politics, Republican. Has been Justice of the Peace, and is at present Secretary of the Ozaukee County 
Agricultural Society, which was established in 1859. Mr. Larson took the census of Port Washington 
in Hsu. 

NICHOLAS MARTIN, is a native of Germany, born in 1817; learned the molder's trade. 
In 1847, was married to Mary Hansen, after which, in 1850, he came to the United Slates, and settled in 
Ozaukee Co . be followed farming a part of the year 1850, since which time he has 'worked at his trade; 
in 1853, he pun based an interest in a foundry, and did business under the firm name of Grilson & Martin : 
in 1865, 1c gold lii> interest and opened his present foundry which he ran alone two years, since which 
time the firm has been Martin & Wester. In 18ti0. his wife died, leaving two children -Nicholas and 
Mary, and in May, 1862, he married his present wife, Margaret Wester. Mr. Martin is a Democrat, has 
held local office, and is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. 

JAMFS MeCARTHV is a native of Newfoundland; born in 1825; received a common- 

education and followed sailing until 1849, during which time, in 1848, he was married to Miss 

Mary Ann George, of Newfoundland; he then came to Port Washington, purchased 80 acres of land in 

Section 16 and lived on the same until 1868, since which time, has 1 n living in the village of Port 

Washington. Mr. McCarthy has been Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Assessor, Clerk of the 
Circuit Court from 1862 to 1S66, member of Assembly, and is at present Justice of the Peace, Town 
Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court, which is good prooi that be is highly esteemed by the 
citizens of bis town. 

Al'Ul'ST MFYFR, firm of Meyer & Ackerman, Port Washington; was born in Baden. 
Germany, in 1840, and when 5 years of age was adopt id into tie' family of bis ancle, Dominick Meyer. 

with whom 1 migrated to the United States in ISfti; after living in Milwauki ne year, be settled in 

the town of Belgium, Ozaukee Co., where he remained until 1854, then came to Fort Washington, and in 
1S55, commenced work at the tinner's trade, in 1858, he went to Milwaukee where be followed bis trade 
until I860, then returned to Port Washington and served in the employ of John Desmond; in 1864, he 
purchased an interest in his employer's business and conducted the same one year under the firm name of 

John Desmond & Co . then sold his interest to O. P. Melin, and served in the employ of the new firm 
until 1867, at which time he opened a new hardware business, and in 1809 took in Martin Ackerman as 
a partner, and has since continued the business under the linn name of Meyer & Ackerman ; they now 
carry a stock of (8,000 to 810,000, which is the largest in the county. Mr. Meyer is a Democrat ; was 
Register of Deeds one term, and i- Chief of the Fort Washington Fire Department. lie was married in 
L865, to Mary S. Aekifman. They have seven children — Anton. Leopold J., Martin. Mary Anna. Louisa, 
Oei *ge and Frank A. 

HOX. CHARFFS <». ME YE B, capitalist, Port Washington . one of the oldest settlers and 
most prominent men of Ozaukee Co.; was born in Saxony Feb. 3, l s 27. and. with his parents, came to the 

I ii i ed State- in L843, landing at Milwaukee; with his brother, he started on foot for Mequon, Ozaukee 
Co . where they at once commenced clearing land, which business they followed in Ozaukee and Sheboygan 
i until 1850; during that time, they cleared 1,400 .ere-, for which they received $3.50 per acre and 
dinner, or s4 and board themselves; when they burned tin- brush, they received 50 cents extra ; but all 

the work was d in one year's time. In 1850, be was married to Mens Beger, and followed farming 

in the town of Fredonia, where he had previously purchased land ; in 1859, on account of his wife's | ■ 

health, lie leased his farm, moved into Fort Washington, and served as County Clerk one term; then kept 
I ks f,,r B. Blake until September, I SOU; he then removed to Madison, where he kept the books for W. 

II II on-. \ . in the Bank Comptroller's office. In 1864, bis wife did. leaving three children — C. B., now 

a merchant at Waubeka; F.rn>t and Herman (the latter not living). In .lime. 1865, Mr. Meyer went to 

Germany, where he was married to Mena Helmert ; returned to Wisconsin in November, ami served M 

Deputy Itegister of D Is of Dam- C,,. one year; he then removed to Watertown, and, in partnership 



PORT WASHINGTON. 743 

"with Charles Wesjemann, engaged in the dry goods business, which was carried on under the firm name of 
Meyer & Wegeman, about eighteen months; then removed the same to Waubeka, Ozaukee Co., where 
they continued until 1874, at which date they sold to Meyer & Witt ; in the fall of 1872, Mr. Meyer 
was elected County Treasurer, which office beheld for four consecutive terms, since which time he has been 
living a private life ; he also served in the Assembly two terms. The children are Richard, Herman, 
Ernst and Martha. 

CHARLES A. MUELLER, proprietor of Port Washington Tannery; was born in Germany 
in 1842; emigrated to the United States in 1854; lived in Detroit, Mich., one year, then came to Wis- 
consin, and first settled at Two Rivers, where he learned the tanner's trade, and, in 1861, came to Port 
Washington; continued his trade until 18(33, when he commenced business at Sheboygan Falls, and con- 
tinued the same at that place until 1872, since which time he has been in business in Port Washington ; 
in 1880, he built his present tannery, which has all the latest improvements for making rough leather, and 
now tans about 20.000 sides, uses 800 cords of bark, employs ten men, and does a business of $50. Olio 
annually. Mr. Mueller was married, in I860, to Barbara Wolf; they have five children — Louise, Char- 
ley, Harry, Louis and Ida. 

JOHN NEUENS was born in Luxemburg in 1831 ; emigrated to the United States in 1852 ; 
was a resident of Ohio about eighteen months, at the end of which time he settled in Port Washington and 
for about four years was in the employ of B. Blake, as foreman, building roads, etc., since which time he has 
been in the saloon business with the exception of two years, when he was at Waubeka, engaged in a flour- 
ing-miil. He is a Democrat ; since 1868, has been Town Treasurer, and is at present Coroner, which office 
he has held for a number of years. He was married, in 1854, to Margaret Seil ; their children are Louise, 
Minnie, Freddie, Sisilie and Otto. 

E. H. J. OIJL A I>E\. teacher, Port Washington ; is a native of Prussia, born in 1824 ; emi- 
grated to the United States in 1842, landing in the city of New York in the month of August ; he at 
once proceeded up the Hudson River to Fort Plain ; there he spent the winter, and in the spring removed 
to Utica, and, as he was educated in the English as well as the German language, he taught school one 
year, at the end of which time he came to Milwaukee, where he stopped with his old friend and school- 
mate, Hubert Kurt, about two months ; then came with his father to Ozaukee Co., and located land in the 
town of Belgium ; here he helped his father clear several acres, but he concluded to go to Milwaukee and 
engage in some business which would furnish ready cash ; arriving in the city, he made arrangements to 
work for H. H. Harriss at the rate of $6 per month and board, with the privilege of attending school one- 
half of each day, and, as he gave good satisfaction, he remained in Mr. Harris' employ until 1850, during 
which time he acted as book-keeper, and had his salary raised to $75 per month ; in 1850, he returned to 
Belgium, Ozaukee Co., and taught school in that town until 1854, since which time he has been teaching 
in the school at Cornellsville, with the exception of four years, which time he spent as teacher in the Port 
Washington Schools, and one year which he spent in the United States service, he being drafted, in 1862, 
into Co. C, 34th W. V. I., and mustered out as Lieutenant in 1863. Mr. Obladen was married, in 1850, 
to Margaret Poff, of Columbus, Wis.; they have six children — Hubert A. (a printer in Milwaukee), Hel- 
len, Margaret, Lizzie, Frank and John. 

JOHN OLI \ii ER. one of the leading merchants of Port Washington, was born Luxemburg, 
County Echternach, village Beaufort, Europe, in 1838; when three years of age, his father died, and. as 
his mother was poor, he, when 10 years of age, went to work lor farmers, which he continued until 23 
years of age; the year 1863, he spent in Paris, and in 1864 emigrated to the United States and at once 
settled at Port Washington, where he worked at the carpenter's trade one year; then went north and 
worked in the mines of Lake Superior until Sept. 29, 1865, when he returned to Port Washington and 
attended the public schools three months, after which he worked in the store of Joseph Goldsmith. In 
January, 1869, he was married to Theresa Pelt, daughter of Peter and Catharine (Schumacher) Pelt, 
and spent the following year in the employ of Mr. Pelt; on May 1, 1870, he removed to Manitowoc, 
where he engaged in business until December, 1872, when he returned to Port Washington, and has since 
been engaged in general mercantile business, dealing extensively in farm produce, wheat, etc., etc. The 
children living are John, Peter, Mary, John, Katie, Mary, Theresa and Maggie. 

WILLIAM A. PORS, attorney at law, Port Washington ; a native of Hamburg, born Nov. 
17, 1827 ; immigrated to the United States in 1849, and settled in Washington Co., where he followed 
farming one year ; served as clerk in the Register of Deeds' office one year ; he then went to New Hamp- 
shire, and commenced the study of law with Stephen Crosby, of Francistown, with whom he remained 
about one year, then went to Lowell, Mass., and continued his study, with Judge Crosby as preceptor, 
until December, 1853, at which time, on motion of B. F. Butler, he was admitted to the bar, and soon 



T44 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

after returned to Port Washington, and has since been engaged in law practice. He was Draft Commis-" 
sioner during 1862, and has been District Attorney several terms. He was married, in 1 S5!». to Miss Ida 
Heineniann. a native of Hanover. They have one child — Emil C, now a practicing lawyer at Oshkosh. 

N. POIIjLj, merchant. Port Washington; was burn in Luxemburg, Germany, April 18, 1832; 
learned the blacksmith's trade, and, in 1848, immigrated to the United States, settling at Chicago, where 
he followed his trade until 1858, at which time he came to Port Washington ; he was engaged in the 
saloon business eight years ; he was then engaged in mercantile business with N. Kemp until 1870, at 
which time the firm built the malt-house and did a malting business, under the firm name of Kem & Poull, 
until 1873, when he sold his interest to Mr. Kemp, since which time he has been doing a general mercan- 
tile business. He was married, in 1853, to Miss Barbara Adam, a native of Luxemburg; they have six 
children — Nicholas. George, Mary, Rosa, Julia and Louise. The members of the family belong to the 
Catholic Church. 

M. (jr. Rl'PPERT. Port Washington ; a uativeof Luxemburg, Germany ; he was born in 1848, 
and, the following year was brought by his parents to the United States, who came direct to Wisconsin 
and settled twelve miles north of Port Washington ; here he grew up and attended school ; in I860, he 
went to Kenosha Cm. where he followed farming one year; he then returned to Port Washington and fol- 
lowed steamboating fas waiter boyO for one season. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted in Co. C. 34th W. V. 
I., and served one year, and. March 111. 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran in Co. A, 38th W. V. I., and 
served until the close of the war; he was one of the first men who entered Fort Mahone at the time of 
its aptnre. Returning to Port Washington, he was appointed as Deputy Sheriff', which position he filled 
until the spring of 1866, at which time he resigned, went to Menominee, Mich, and served as porter in a 
boarding-house about four months. Again returning to Port Washington, he clerked in a store one year. 
then went to Chicago and followed auctioneering; in 1869, he was called to Port Washington to act as 
Under Sheriff, in which capacity he served until the fall of 1872, when he was elected Sheriff and served 
one term; he then served as I'nder Sheriff' until the fall of 1S76, after which he followed auctioneering 
and collecting about one year ; in the fall of 1877, he was elected Clerk of the Court, in which office lie 
is now serving his second term ; dining the years 1S71 and 1872. Mr. Ruppert also served as Town Clerk, 
and, in 1n72. collected the first money for the Port Washington harhor. In the summer of 1880, he took 
an extensive trip among the Rocky Mountains for the purpose of improving his health. On the 9th day 
of December, 1869, he was married to Miss Anna Flamming, a native of Luxemburg, Germany, born 
June 1."). 1848; they have three children — Louise, Maggie and Rosa 

MA J. JOHN €. SCHROELIWw, County Clerk; is a native of Germany; was born in 
1816, and. in 1830, entered the military school ; was in the war of 1848, serving as Lieutenant ami after- 
ward promoted Captain. In 1853, he immigrated to the United States ami settled at Cedarhurg. < )zaukee 
Co., where he \va il in the grocery business, etc., until 1859, during which time, in 1854, he organ- 

ized the Singer Society, the Cedarburg Rifle Company (of which he was Captain), and the Turner So- 
ciety; lie then came to I'ort Washington, engaged in hotel business, and, in December, 1859, organized 
the Singer Society, of which he was leader, and, the following year he organized the Turner Society. 
May 1 f. 1861, lie was commissioned as First Lieutenant of Co. C, 5th W. V. I., ami. in December of the 
same year, was promoted Major of the 3d W. V. C., and served until March, 1865. Returning home. 
In' was appointed Deputy Ke-ister of Deeds, and, in the tall of the same year, elected Register of Deeds, 
which office held two terms. He was proprietor of the Union House from 1868 to 1S7.Y In 1872, he 
was elected County Clerk, which office he has since held. He was married, in 1843, to Margaret Mord- 
horst. They have had nine children, only one of whom is living — Minnie, now Mrs. John Druecker, of 
( Ihicago. 

IIHXRY It. SC'IIWIN. Port Washington; wasl.omin Prussia March 1, I844,and,in 1845, 
was brought by lii- parents to Ozaukee Co.; at the end of one year, the family moved into Washington 
Co.. where he was educated in both English and German languages, ami helped upon the farm until 1863; 
lie then attended tic State University, Madison, three terms, after which he followed teaching school until. 

1874, it which time he removed to Port Washington, and has since been keeping the Union BoUSi in 

partnership with John Sievers. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Barbara Brenner, a native of New 
York State, born in 1849; they have five children — Mary, Katie, Lena, Rosa and Amelia. Mr. Schwin 
is a Democrat in politics. Was Town Clerk and Justice of the Peace in Washington Co., which offices 
be resigned on removing to Ozaukee Co., and is at present serving his fourth term as Justice of the Peace 
..f I'ort Washington. 

JACOB SCIIUMAC'HFR, proprietor of Port Washington Ma.-I.le and Granite Works; is a 
son of l>. Schumacher, a native of Luxemburg, who emigrated to the United States in 1854, and settled 



PORT WASHINGTON. 745 

at Port Washington. Here Jacob was born in 1857, and received a common-school education in both 
English and German. At the age of 18, he commeuced work at his trade as marble worker, which he 
completed at St. Louis, Mo., in 1878. Since that time, he has been engaged in business at Port Wash- 
ington. He has fouj brothers living — Frank, Nicholas, Toner and John, all of whom are older than he. 

LA FAY r ETTE TOWSLBV, lawyer; was born at Williamstown, Oswego Co., N. Y., 
July 8, 1824 ; was reared on a farm, and attended district school until 16 years of age. He then clerked 
for a small trader a short time, and subsequently attended the Mexico Academy ; read law in the office of 
Munger & Stewart, at Camden, N. Y. ; taught school for three winters, receiving one of the first certificates, 
and that a perpetual one, issued under the County School Superintendent's system of New York. After 
engaging in one or two enterprises, and meeting with but poor success, about Aug. 1, 1847, he came to 
Port Washington. He taught the village school the following winter, and the year after was admitted to 
practice as an attorney at law ; was elected Clerk of the Court the same year, and held the office three 
terms; has been District Attorney Clerk, Chairman, Justice of the Peace, Court Commissioner, and is at 
present County Surveyor, which office he has held with one exception for twenty (20) years. He has 
been a Democrat for the last twelve or fifteen years ; but takes little interest in local politics. He was 
married, Sept. 1, 1851, to Miss Martha J. Calkins at Richland, N. Y. The children are Alice J., Fred- 
rick A., Charles D., Henry A. and Robert B. Charles is a cadet at West Point; Fredrick A. is married, 
and resides at Kaukauna. Mr. T. owns the suburban residence on the hill just west of the depot, where 
he has resided for the last twenty-nine years. 

HON. EUGENE S. TURNER, was born at East Oswego, N. Y., June 14, 1824. His 
lather was Hon. Joseph Turner, who was married to Mary Griswold, at Sangerfield, Oneida Co., N. Y., 
in 1816. He served honorably in the last war with Great Britain and received in later years his bounty and 
pension for the same. The lather died at Menasha, in 1 874, after nearly sixty years of public service. The 
mother is still living at the advanced age of 85 with her oldest son, Dr. Joseph H. Turner, at Berlin, 
Wis. The 11th of May, 1840, the parents, with their family of one daughter and four sons, Eugene 
being the third in years, arrived at Milwaukee Bay and landed; within three weeks from that time, they 
had located upon 320 acres of Government land, three miles west of Prairieville (now Waukesha), where 
they built a log house and lived for two years, until a frame house could be provided. There were at 
that time but three settlers' houses on the trail between their cabin and Aztalan on Rock River, west, a 
distance of thirty miles. For nearly four years, the subject of this sketch toiled early and late on that 
new farm in a manner such as none but pioneers can endure or understand, with a thousand youthful 
annoyances, hindrances, hopes and pleasures interspersed. He had been thus far educated at private 
schools and at the Oswego Academy, but during all of this period of toil, and afterward, he laid under 
contribution every available resource to prepare himself for the legal profession. After nearly two years 
in the office of Hon. Alexander W. Randall, afterward Governor and Postmaster General, he spent nearly 
a year in Milwaukee as Deputy Clerk of the United States District Court under Cyrus Hawley, Esq., 
and in the law office of Messrs. Tweedy & Crocker, Mr. Tweedy then being the delegate from Wisconsin 
Territory in Congress until June, 1846, when he, with Hon. A. R. R. Butler, of Milwaukee, passed a 
creditable examination and was admitted to the bar in that city. In the autumn of that year, he located 
at Grafton, Washington Co. In the succeeding winter, Session of 1846-47, he was at Madison, Assistant 
Secretary of the Territorial Executive Council under the then celebrated Thomas McHugh. With his 
pay for this service, he bought the commencement of a law library. In 1848, be was a candidate for 
District Attorney of Washington County, but was defeated a few votes by Samuel H. Alcox. In 1849, 
after a severe and very spirited contest, on account of his youthful appearance, he was elected to the Leg- 
islative Assembly, where he served the succeeding winter with credit, and some notoriety in the contest on 
the county seat question, and as Chairman of the Finance Committee of the House. He gave marked 
evidence of a very successful future political career. In 1850, he was Democratic nominee and elected 
District Attorney for Washington County, over Leland Stanford by a majority of more than 600 ; Stan- 
ford was then practicing law at Port Washington. Soon after his defeat, he moved to California, and 
subsequently became the wealthiest individual on the Pacific Coast. He has been Governor of California ; 
was one of the projectors and the first President of the Union Pacific Railroad, and drove the golden 
spike which bound with an iron band the Atlantic to the Pacific. He is now the President of that cor- 
poration. The salary of District Attorney at that time was fixed at $300 per year, but so efficiently had 
they been performed, and so regardless of personal considerations, that the County Board voted Mr. 
Turner a bonus of 8100. In 1852, Mr. Turner was again the regular Democratic nominee for District 
Attorney, and for his outspoken zeal in behalf of friends and of local measures, his canvass was so close 
that he was regarded as defeated, until the official count two weeks after election. 



740 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Iu 1853, Washington Co. was divided, and Mr. Turner was by no means idle in opposing what was to 
him known aa a flagrant violation of the popular will; he continued actively opposed to the operation of 
the law for a division until he had fully tested the constitutionality of the act of the .Supreme Court at the 
June term, 1853, in a mandamus on Circuit Judge Larrabee (See 1st Wisconsin Reports, p. 200, reported 
as Powers vs. Larrabee |, it was really E. S. Turner vs. Larrabee ; but afterward two separate motions for 
a mandamus were combined, and as such presented to the Court ; this question having been settled by the 
highest authority in the Commonwealth, Mr. Turner advised and acted a full acquiescence without chang- 
ing his own view of its merits, or of the legal or constitutional questions involved. The different localities 
competing for the permanent location of the county seat had caused divisions among the voters, and really 
controlled and influenced them in the elections for ten years, and led to the division act, in all of which 
Contest, from 1845, Mr. Turner had borne a prominent part. 

After the division of the county became a fixed fact, there was one more question to settle, and that 
was the constitutional question as to the location of the county seat of the county of Ozaukee, under the 
division act, Mr. Turner claiming that it should be at Grafton. This question was fully tested in the Su- 
preme Court at the December term. 1853 (See Wis. Sup. Court Reports, Vol. II, page .VI'-'. Att'y Gen. 
ex-rel. E. S. Turner vs. John Fitzpatrick |, in which Mr. Turner made an able argument sustaining his 
view of Sec. 8 of Article L3 of the State Constitution. In the summer and autumn of 1 S54, he made a 
trip to Europe on business and pleasure combined, and traveled extensively in Great Britain and on the 
Continent. In the fall of that year, he was again elected District Attorney, and served another term of 
two years. In 1856, having lost confidence in the administration of State affairs, and viewing with die 
the uncertainty of political recognition for merit, he in a great measure withdrew from political activity 
and devoted himself to his profession and business therewith connected ; but was always found ] unccd 

and certain on all the important measures of the day. At the breaking-out of the rebellion, and ail through 
the war, he was for its suppression by furnish i _ men and means without limit or carping criticism, and 
ever after the war closed it has been his frequent boast, " that during those troublesome times, his voice 
was never known to give forth any uncertain sound, and that he had never been known to draw a disloyal 
breath." In 1862, he was anion.; those drafted from Ozaukee Co. After three weeks remaining in Camp 
Washburn, near Milwaukee, he had a recurrence of rheumatism, of which he had been for weeks at a time 
in his pioneer Hie a sufferer, and became satisfied that he could not endure army life, and so procured a 
substitute; that same year, in September, be had helped at Janesville to organise what was then dis- 
tinguished as the War Democracy; it afterward became entirely merged in and made a permanent Buceess 
of the Republican Party of the State, and ever since such a union, he has been known and recognized 
throughout the State, as a thorough, active, and certain Republican in the stronghold of Democracy, ever 
ready to aid his party organization with time and means and argument : leu never asking or accepting any 
political patronage therefor. In 1863, he moved to Port Washington, retaining a large share of the real 
that lie had accumulated in and neur Grafton ; be has remained at Port Washington Bince that time 

in the constant attention upon bis professional business, except two year- atel a half that he spent with his 
family in Chicago and Waukesha, and a place that be had built up and largely invested in on the east shore 
of Lake Michigan called Turner's Port. As a lawyer and advocate, he has made more than an average 
success. The preserved records of the courts of Washington and Ozaukee and adjoining counties, and the 
volumes of his own printed arguments and the files of his written arguments and briefs attest his perseverance 

and ability, and furnish an encomium greater than any written biography. There arc many of a lawyer's 

ablest and most effective and creditable efforts that never make any distinctive mark in any history, and in a 
brief peril. il are even lost to a casual remembrance. In addition to his professional engagements, be assisted 
gratuitously on the editorial pages of almost every one of the lift ecu papeis that have been published in Wash- 
ington and Ozaukee Cos., and has been a regular correspondent for some of the larger city dailies, besides 
having had the principal ag< ncy in establishing three of them within the pn si til limits of < Izauka Ci He 
has been frequently Bought alter for lectures, addresses and paper.-, on a great variety of subjects and ocoa- 
rarely failing to respond with laborious and well-considered effort. Although certain and emphatic in 
i, or with the pen, it can be said of him. as of but few, that he has very seldom if ever place d up n pa- 
per, or in ] print . any of his Utterances in a manner that might cause him future I iino_\ancc. Mr. Turn, r was 

married, in 1850, to Frances II K . eldest daughti r ol Elijah Gove, of Waukesha, by whom he has had four 
children, only two of whom survive. They are foih daughters, and arc Milled in life. He has ever been 
temperate and a promoti r of religious and moral efforts, careful m t to carry Buch sentiments t.. the exti nt of 
narrowness or bigotry, and although uniting with other denominations cheerfully and cordially in thei r 
services, ha- always be< m iii si otiment and view- of church disci]. line a Baptist. In fact, in all ol his life' s 
work, whether at the bar or otherwise a measure, a principle with him, has uniformly taken the lead to tb e 



PORT WASHINGTON. 747 

exclusion of personal considerations of himself or others, at the same time, he was facetious without being 
offensive in character. Below the medium height in stature, but while fearless, was winning and persua- 
sive in business or personal intercourse. Verily, the world will be better for his having lived. But for 
his care in the preservation of files of papers, and law documents, and his memory to explain events, a lib- 
eral share of the general and of the special histories within these pages would have been wanting and lost 
to the future reader. 

JAMES W. VAIE stands conspicuous among the prominent men of Washington and Ozaukee 
Counties, both on account of his character and success in life. His forefathers were among the Quakers, 
who landed on the shores of America some two hundred years ago. His parents were natives of the Slate 
of New York, and he was born in Onondaga Co. in 1826. IT is early years were spent attending common 
schools and neighboring academies; and, at the age of 17, he turned his attention to printing, which trade 
he learned and followed, with the exception of one year, which he spent at the State Normal School at, 
Albany until 1848, when he came to Port Washington. During the first year, be did not engage in any 
particular business; and in July, 1849, returned to New York, where he remained until fall. Again 
coming West, he worked a short time at Sheboygan; then went to Madison, and was employed in the 
printing office of Beriah Brown until the following spring, at which time he purchased an interest in the 
Washington County Blade, published at Port Washington, with which he was connected until the 
spring of 1853, when he sold his interest to his partner, It. A. Bird. At this date, Washington Co. 
was divided ; the new county of Ozaukee formed, and Mr. Vail appointed Deputy County Treasurer 
under John Fitzpatrick, who left him in special charge of the office. While serving in this capacity, 
he was also Deputy County Clerk, and in those years laid the foundation for his future career. It 
was then that he commenced loaning money, furnishing exehang •> merchants, etc.; and, in 1856, 
in partnership with S. A. White and Lyman Dowd, established a bank ; but when the panic of \*~u 
came on, his partners withdrew, and so Mr. Vail continued the business alone, meeting with marked 
success; in ls73, he associated William II . Landolt with him an a partner, with whom he has since 
continued doing a general banking business, under the firm name of James II. Vail & Co. Mr. Vail 
has been intrusted with several important financial transactions, the most prominent of which are admin- 
istrator of the large estate of Judge S. A. White (his former partner), of Whitewater; executor of the 
estate of George C. Daniels, and guardian of some of the minor heirs of Henry Thien. On the -1th day 
of April, 1881, E. Schumacher & Sons, proprietors of the Western Malleable and Gray Iron Works 
Foundry, made an assignment; and, as Mr. Vail had claims to the amount of several thousand dollars on 
the same, he associated H. VV. Lyman with him as a partner, reopened business under the firm name of 
H. W. Lyman & Co., and, as soon as matters can be got into proper shape, expect to employ 125 men 
Mr. Vail is an active member of the Republican party. lie was married, in 1859, to Miss Celestia M. 
Beals, then of Port Washington, but formerly of Michigan, and they now have three children — Mary B., 
Frank W. and James D. 

PETER WATRY, farmer, Sec. 19; P. 0. Port Washington; was born at sea during the 
voyage of his parents to this country, June 19, 1847, and spent his younger years on a farm in the town 
of Belgium. In 1867, he was married to Catherine Young, and purchased his present farm of 80 acres, 
and has since been working the same. The children are John, Domnie, Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Elizabeth, 
Leo Frank. Is a Democrat, and is at present Assessor, which office he has held since 1877. He is also 
a member of the Roman Catholic Church. 

THEO. J. WERLE, son of Jacob and Catherine I Mampel) Werle. He was born at Port 
Washington, Nov. 9, 1862 : received a common-school education in both English and German languages, 
also studied music, and, in February, 1881, entered the post office as < lerk and now has entire charge 
most of the time. Mr. Werle is a bright young man of good habits and one who has many friends. 

JOIIX P. WEYKER, Sheriff. Port Washington; was born in Belgium Dec. 10, 1836; 
brought to the United States by his parents in 1848; lived in the town of Belgium, Ozaukee Co., until 
1865 ; then came to Port Washington: served as Under Sheriff one term; then as Constable two years, 
and as Jailer six months, at the end of which time he went to Peshtigo, where he followed lumbering and 
railroading. In 1871, he was burned out by the great prairie fire. He then returned to Ozaukee Co., and 
leaving his family in the town of Belgium, returned to Peshtigo and followed lumbering until June. 1 372 
he then began farming and railroading in Ozaukee Co. until December, the following year, when be was 
employed in the lumber yards of Port Washington, and worked in a store ; since October, 1874, he has 
been engaged in saloon business. He was Under Sheriff during the years 1877 and 1878, and, in the fall 
of 1880, was elected Sheriff. He was married in 1858, to Anna Lecher, a native of Holland ; they have 



748 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

had twelve children, only four of whom are living— Margaret, now Mrs. Hubert Knepprath, of Milwau- 
kee ; Nicolas, Susan and Peter. 

JIICTIAEE WEYKKR, dealer in general merchandise, Port Washington ; is a native of 
Luxemburg, Germany; born in December, 1836; emigrated to the United States in 1847, and lived with 
his parents in the town of Belgium, Ozaukee Co. until I860, at which time he was married to Elizabeth 
Wester ; then purchased land, and followed farming about two years; then lived near Lake Superior one 
year when he returned to Belgium and continued farming In 1868, he again removed to the Lake Su- 
perior country, and remained four years, at the end of which time, in 1872, he came to Port Washington, 
and in partnership with his brother, J. P. Weyker, did a general mercantile business under the firm name 
of Weyker Bros. In 1 S79, he purchased his brother's interest, and has since conducted the business alone. 
He is a Democrat in politics ; has been Treasurer of the town of Belgium, and is a member of the Roman 
Catholic Church. The children living are John, Nicholas, Melchur, Mary, John P., Rosa, Lizzie, Michael 
and Margaret. 

REV. FR. HEXRY WILJIES, Port Washington ; was born in Luxemburg, Germany, 
Dec. 25, 184+ ; emigrated to the United States in 1857; came direct to Wisconsin, first settling in 
Dodge Co. In I860, he entered St. Francis Seminary, near Milwaukee, and December, 1868. was 
ordained as priest, and was first stationed at Sun Prairie, where he remained until 1870, when he came 
to Port Washington, and has since been Pastor of St. Mary's Church. 

Bf. VOl'N{w, Port Washington; one of the early settlers and leading druggists of Ozaukee Co.; 
is a native of Belgium, born in 1834 ; he came to the United States with his parents in 1851, and came 
direct to Port Washington; he helped his parents on the farm four years, then clerked in the store of 
Young & Kaehler two years, after which he had charge of the branch business of B. Blake, at Blake- 
ville, until the spring of 1864; he then returned to Port Washington, and carried on a drug business in 
partnership with M. Audier for about four years, at the end of which time he sold his interest to his 
partner, and soon after embarked in the drug business alone. He was married in November, 1 860, to 
Mis* Theresa Wunderle, a native of Ohio, born April 21. 1839; they have nine children living — Lizzie 
T.. Rosa I.. Clara II.. Edward N., George A., Anna R., Frances \.. Emma A. M. ami Amelia. 

A. ZASTR(nV, proprietor of the American House, Port Washington; is a native of Pome- 
rania, Prussia, born December, 1835, came to the United Stairs in the spring of 1 S j2. and lived near 
Milwaukee one year; then came to Ozaukee Co. aud followed fanning at Grafton three years; then went 
to Sheboygan Co. and continued farming; also kept hotel about four years, after which he returned to 
< taankee Co.; in the spring of 1862, he rented the Americau House, which he ran two years; then sold 
goods in the northern part of Michigan one season, after which he was engaged in mercantile business at 
Port Washington ; in 1871, his store was destroyed by fire, and he went to California, where he remained 
eighteen months; returning to Port. Washington, he engaged in photographing, which he continued until 
1879, since which time he has kept the American House. He was married in 1856, to Miss Agnes 
Schroeling. 

WALTER ZA ST ROW, Register of Deeds, Port Washington; a native of Pomerania, 
Prussia; born in 1837; emigrated to the United States in the sprin- of 1852, and first settled in Mil- 
waukee Co., where he followed farming until the fall of 1853, at which time he came to Ozaukee Co . 
purchased land in Grafton, and commenced farming; in the fall of I860, he went to New Ultn. Minn., 
and April 29, 1861, enlisted in Co. H, 1st Minn. V. I., and served three years; he then returned to 
Ozaukee Co., organized a company, of which he was commissioned Captain, and was assigned to the ">2d 
W. V. I., and served until the close of the war. Returning to his home at Grafton, he followed farming 
until 1868, at which time he sold his farm, moved into the village of Port Washington, and acted BS 
clerk in the Register of Deeds office about one year; be then took a trip to California, where he remained 
about two and one-half years, when he returned to Port Washington ; engaged in hotel business, also 
cigar manufacturing, until 1876. In 1879, he was elected Register of Deeds, which office he now holds 
He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Sons of Hermann 



TOWN OF CEDARBURG. 749 



TOWN OF CEDARBURC. 



HUGO BOCLO, druggist, Cedar-burg ; is a native of Germany, born in 1827; learned the 
drug business, and in 1846 emigrated to the United States, landing in Milwaukee in April, where he 
clerked in a store for the purpose of learning the English language, until August, when he came with Dr. 
Theo. Hartwig to Cedarburg; the May following, he returned to Milwaukee and entered into partnership 
Dr. Zuening, with whom he carried on a drug business; in September, 1848, he returned to Germany 
and remained until April, 1849, when he came to Cedarburg. In 1862, he enlisted in the 26th W. V. I., 
and served in the Medical Department one year. He then returned to Cedarburg, and, in partnership 
with William Vogenitz, carried on an insurance business, etc., until 1870, during which time he served as 
Town Clerk. In the fall of 1869, he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, and served two terms; in 
1873, here-opened his drug business. He was Postmaster for about twelve years. He was married, in 1850, 
to Emily Luther; they have had four children, of whom Charlotte is the only one living. 

A. M. BOEHME, book-keeper for Hilgen Manufacturing Co., Cedarburg ; one of the oldest 
settlers of Ozaukee Co.; is a native of Germany, born iu 1831 ; emigrated to the United States in 1851, 
and settled in Cedarburg ; rented a saw-mill, which he ran about seven years ; then served as Town Clerk ; 
■was engaged in mercantile business two years, and followed various employments until 1878, since which 
time he has been book-keeper for the Hilgen Manufacturing Co. He was married, in 1852, to Caroline 
Seifert ; they have three children — William, Augusta and Ida. 

AUGUST BOHRTZ, blacksmith, Cedarburg; is a native of Germany, born in 1842; learned 
his trade, and, iu 1867, was married to Johanna Margwardt, and in a few weeks emigrated to the United 
States ; first settled at Milwaukee, where he followed his trade until 1875, owning a shop during the last 
five years ; he then came to Cedarburg, purchased his present shop — a stone building, 30x40 feet — and 
has since ran two forges. The children are Robert, Emma and Willie. 

JOHN F. BRUMS, merchant, Cedarburg; was born in the town of Mequon, Ozaukee Co., 
Nov. 8, 1847; received a common-school education in England and Germany; at the age of 16 he went 
to Manitowoc Co. and clerked in the store of John Bruss two years, then purchased an interest in the 
business, and continued under the firm name of John Bruss & Co., two years ; in 1868, he spent one 
term at the " Spencerian College" of Milwaukee; then came to Cedarburg, since which time he has been 
engaged in a general mercantile business, in connection with which, in 1880, he purchased an interest in 
the hardware business of H. G. Groth, which is now being carried on uuder the firm name of H. G. Groth 
& Co. Mr. Bruss was married, in 1870, to Miss Mary Groth, of Cedarburg. They had four children — 
John, Lenord, Emma and Theodore. Politics, Republican ; religion, Lutheran. 

C. F. BURG WARDT, teacher in the Lutheran Schools; was born in Niagara Co., N. Y.; 
he was educated at the German College of Addison, III., and at the age of 21 went to New York City and 
served as clerk in a lumber office eight months ; then as teacher in Western Canada six months, when he 
returned home, and two months later came to Wisconsin, arriving at Cedarburg July 1, 1878, and has 
since been teaching the German Lutheran Schools. He was married in November, 1879, to Alma Co- 
walsky, then of Cedarburg, but a native of Germany. They have one child — Berthold, born in Septem- 
ber, 1880. 

WILLIAM H. FITZGERALD, Cedarburg; is the son of John and Ellen (O'Keffe) 
Fitzgerald, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States in about 1830, and settled in Ozaukee 
Co., where he was born May 15, 1849 ; received a common-school education. Oct. 27, 1877, he was 
married to Miss Theresa Dunn ; they have three children — Edward H., George F. and Arthur R. In 
1875, his father deeded him his farm of 105 acres, which he worked until 1881, when he rented the same 
to his brother. Mr. F. is a Democrat, and has been Town Treasurer, and is at present Justice of the 
Peace ; has been a member of the Assembly three terms, the last time he came out as an independent 
candidate only five days before election, but was elected by a majority of eighty-one. 

P. K. GANNON, a native of Ireland, born in 1826, received a thorough classical course in 
Latin and Greek, being educated for the ministry (which, however, he did not choose to follow), at May- 
nooth College, where he graduated in July, 1851, and immediately emigrated to the United States, landing 
in the city of New York in August. The first two years he spent rusticating among the Alleghany Mount- 
ains of Pennsylvania, then spent one year in Southern Indiana, and the year following in the office of the 
Illinois Central Railroad, at Chicago. In 1855, he came to Wisconsin, and, after spending one year at 

u 



750 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Waukesha, settkd at Cedarburg, and was Principal of the schools until 1864, during which time he also 
served as Town Superintendent of Schools. In 186-1, he was elected County Superintendent, and served 
two terms; in the fall of 1809, he was a candidate for State Superintendent, against Alexander Craig : he 
then took charge of the schools of Cedarburg, until August, 1875. Mr. Gannon is at present special 
ageut for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, with whom he has been since 1876. He 
was married, in 1S60, to Miss Mary Griffin, then of Milwaukee Co., but formerly of Boston ; the children 
are Henry, now railroading in Chicago; Martha M., teacher in the Primary Department of the Cedar- 
burg Graded School; John (deceased); Gerald, a clerk in the store of Boerner Bros; Eugene. Mary, 
Walter, Thomas and Melvin, living at home. 

CHARLES GOTTSCHALK, liveryman, Cedarburg; a native of Germany ; born Sept. J.;. 
1844 ; when 4 years of age, was brought, by his parents, to the United States, and lived with them oil a I arm in 
the town of Mequon, until 10 years old; then commenced working for other parties, which he continued 
until 1862, at which time he enlisted in Co. B, 26th W. V. I., and served until the close of the war: re- 
turning tip Wisconsin, he spent a few months at Milwaukee; then came to Cedarburg; in the spring of 
1866, in partnership with Frederick Erntz, built a limekiln and burnt lime one season, when they dis- 
solved partnership, and Mr. G. followed teaming, hauling flour to Milwaukee for two and a half years ; 
then spent one summer on a farm, after which he followed teaming at Cedarburg, until 1 S7 1 . when he 
commenced the livery business, and now has the largest livery in Ozaukee Co., keeping twenty horses and 
many fine carriages, sleighs, etc. He was married, Oct. 18, 1869, to Mina Beckman; they have four 
children living — Charles, Adline, Hulda and Matie ; politics. Democratic; has been Deputy Sheriff. Con- 
stable, etc. 

THOMAS HALPIN, farmer, Sec. 16; P. 0. Cedarburg; was born in Albany. X. Y . in 
1S42 ; the same year his parents returned to Ireland, but in a few months again came to the Fnil 
and settled in the town of Cedarburg, where they now live; Thomas attend) 1 school at Cedarburg. and 
the State University ; in 1S7U. his father gave him his present form of 55 acres, which he has since culti- 
vated, teaching school during winter. In 1S73, he was married to Miss Anastasia J. Latherty, of Milwau- 
kee Co.; they have four children — Mary F.. Anastasia, Thomas C. and William C. Mr. Halpin is a 
Liberal in politics, and is, at present, Chairman of the Town Board ; his father. P. Halpin, is one of the 
Mdest settlers of Ozaukee Co.; was born in Ireland July 1, 1813. In 1839, he was married to Julia 
Martha, emigrated to the United States, and lived at Albany. X. Y., until 1842; in June, 1S43, came to 
Wisconsin, purchased his present farm, and has since cultivated the Bame. Mr. Halpin i- a Liberal in 
politics; has been Chairman of the Town Board seven years, and Town Commissioner of Schools one 
term, besides holding other local offices ; the children living are Thomas, Catherine. Rose, now Mr-. Edward 
O'Brien, of Franklin Co., Iowa, and Mary Ann. 

I>l{. Til. HAKTWIG. Cedarburg; the pioneer physician of Ozaukee Co.; was bom in Frank- 
enburg. Kur-Hessia, Germany, June 7, 1820 ; at the age of 19, he turned his attention to the study of 
medicine ; entered the schools of Marburg, where he graduated in 1845 ; he then spent one year with his 
lather i who was also a physician . and, in 1846, immigrated to the United Stairs, landing at .Ww Fork 
Aug. 10; in a few days, in company with three friends whose acquaintance he formed while crossing the 

Atlantic, h ncluded to go West on a hunting expedition, and accordingly started for Wisconsin, via the 

great laki s. While crossing the lake.- they made the acquaintance of William Luening, who was then build- 
ing the Columbia Mills, near Cedarburg. He requested them to make him a visit. So, after landing at Mil- 
waukee, they prepared their l:uiis. ammunition and tenl equipments, and started up the Milwaukee River 
to Cedat Creek, thence up the latter to Cedarburg. Here they met Conrad Horneffer, a countryman of 
Hartwig's, who requested him to remain and practice medicine. The Doctor did not consider it a very 
good point for bis profession, but concluded he would stay until spring; but, as the winter passed, he be- 
came somewhat settled, and, as the | pie did no- wish to spare him, he continued his practice ; in 1847, 

built the house now owned by John Buch. In 1850, he was married to Caroline Hodann, daughter ol 
Albert and Mary i Behling Bodann, then of Cedarburg but now of Mequon, " In 1860, be was induced 

by the people of West Bend tO Come to that place, atel. a- t'.ey ..tiered him a -alary, lie consented to go ; 

but, after practicing at that place eighteen months, ,,ne wintry day seventeen Bleigbs, loaded with people of 
Cedarburg, called upon him atel requested bin. to return, and, as this could be considered as a unanimous 

call, he COnId hardly refuse. He then-lore returned to Cedarburg. purchased property, built the residence 

which he -nil occupies, and has tince i tinned his practice here. Be was Examining Physician during 

the draft of L862. Dr. Efartwig took OUt his naturalization papers on the day of his arrival ill < Vdarhurg 

in L846. Ha- been an active worker for the Democratic party; voted for the first constitution of Wis- 
consin, but has never held a public office, as he considered his profession of far more importance. Thechil. 



TOWN OF CEDARBURG. 751 

dren are Theodore, who is engineer in Sherman's Mill, at Eau Claire ; iVIbert is a member of the firm of 
Carstens & Hartwig, brewers, Eau Claire ; Max ; Ida, now Mrs. Charles B. Carstens, of Eau Claire, and 
Agathe. 

HENRY HENTSCHEE, firm of Hentsehel & Jochem, Cedarburg; was born in Fischheim, 
Saxony, April 29, 1839 ; came to the United States in 1860, and settled in the town of Mequon on the 
2d day of May ; followed tailoring until August, after which he clerked in the store of Louis Wagner nine 
years, at the end of which time he purchased an interest in the mercantile business of Botentarfer & Co. 
at Hamilton; two years thereafter he purchased his partner's interest ; continued the business alone six 
years, then took in his present partner, changed the firm name to Hentsehel & Jochem, and, in 1877, re- 
moved the business to Cedarburg. He is a Democrat, a member of the A., F. & A. M., O. D. H. S. and 
the Cedarburg Fire Company. He - was married, in 1869, to E. Zimmerman, of Mequon ; they have three 
children — Anna, Louisa and Otto. 

J. F. II ! 3,<^ !'\. Cedarburg; was born in this place in 1846 ; was educated in both English 
and German languages, having finished his school days at Lincoln College, of Milwaukee. He kept the 
books for the Cedarburg Woolen Mills until 1872, when he engaged in the lumber trade, and subsequently, 
in partnership with his father, built a planing-mill and ran the same under the firm name of F. Hilgen & 
Son, until 1879, when it was sold, and is now known as the Hilgen Manufacturing Co., since which time 
he has been keeping the " Hilgen Spring Park," of which he took charge in 1878. He was married, in 
1871, to Kate Dietrich, of Cedarburg. 

HON. F. W. HORN, lawyer, Cedarburg. The subject of this sketch ranks with the prominent 
mevi in the State of Wisconsin ; he was born in the village of Linum, near Berlin, Prussia, Aug. 21, 1815; 
received a collegiate education at the College Gray Friars, Berlin ; he left Prussia for the United 
States in 1836 ; resided in the State of New York until 1837 ; went in the fall of that year to Michigan ; 
th n traveled through Illinois and Iowa, returning to Michigan in the winter of 1839 ; in 1840, he came 
to Milwaukee ; in 1841, settled at Mequon ; and, in 1847, removed to his present place of residence. Mr. 
Horn has been in public life nearly t'rj entire time since he came to Wisconsin ; he was Postmaster dur- 
ing his residence in Mequon; was appointed by Gov. Doty, in 1842, Justice of the Peace of old Wash- 
ington Co., then the only magistrate in the county ; he served as Register of Deeds in 1846-47 ; was 
elected Independent candidate to the first State Senate in 1848, and re-elected in 1849-50 ; was elected to 
the Assembly in 1851, 1854, 1857, 1859, 1860, 1867, 1868 and! 872; was elected Speaker of that body in 
1851 and 1854 ; was State Commissioner of Emigration, having his office at New York ; in 1854-55, was 
delegate to the Democratic Convention ; at Charleston and Baltimore in 1860, serving as Vice President; 
and to the Democratic Convention of New York in 1868. Mr. Horn has been twice married — in 1845, to 
Adelheid Schoellncr; she died in 1849, leaving one child — Agnes — now Mrs. Wm. Rettberg, of Cedarburg ; 
in 1850, he was married to Minna Schaper; the children are Bertha, now Mrs. G. B. Zaun, of Milwaukee ; 
Frederick, station agent at Pewaukee ; William, station agent at Cedarburg; Minna, Alexander and 
Hannah. 

F. JAl'CKE, proprietor of Washington House, Cedarburg; a native of Germany; born Sept. 
22, 1827 ; learned the miller's trade, and, in 1854, emigrated to the United States; lived in Ohio until 
1856, then came to Wisconsin, and worked at his trade in various places in the State until 1859, at which 
time he was married to Mary Leifer, then of Manitowoc, but formerly of Germany. He then settled in 
Walworth Co.. where he was engaged in the milling business until 1863, when he went to Burlington, 
Racine Co., and continued the same business. In 1871, he built the Western Union Hotel of that place, 
and ran the same until June, 1876, when he sold out; came to Cedarburg, and purchased the Washington 
House. He is a Republican and a Mason. 

E. E. .MM 'II EH, of the firm of Hentsehel & Jochem. Cedarburg; was born in Mequon in 
1853. His parents, Adam and Gertrude Jochem, were natives of Germany, who came to the United 
States, and settled in the town of Mequon in 1840, and therefore were among the earliest settlers of 
Ozaukee Co. They followed farming; reared a family of twelve children, of whom seven, four boys and 
three girls, are now living. Mr. Jochem served as County Treasurer one term, and held many local offices. 
He died in 1871. His wife died in 1873. The subject of this sketch received a common-school education ; 
and, at the age of 16, went to Waupun, whore he learned the carriage trade, and followed the same at that 
place about five years; then spent one year at Ripon and Oshkosh, at the end of which time he returned 
to Ozaukee Co.; purchased an interest in the business of Henry Hentsehel, of Hamilton, and, in 1S77, 
removed the business to Cedarburg, and has since been doing a general mercantile business. He is agent 
for the American Express Company, and Deputy Postmaster. He was married, in 1878. to Mary Boden- 
dorfer. They have one child living — Albert L. 



752 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

,|. \V. JOHAX\, of the firm of Hilgen Manufacturing Company, and Cedarburg Woolen Mills ; 
is one of the leading business men as well as one of the early settlers of Ozaukee Co. He was born in 
Bavaria, Germany, in 1837 ; emigrated to the United States with his parents in 1846, and lived with them 
on a farm in the town of Belgium, Ozaukee Co. In 1862, he enlisted in the 34th W. V. I.; afterward 
transferred to the 35th W. V. I., and served until the spring of 1865, when he was mustered out as 
Captain. He then returned to Ozaukee Co., and was engaged in a dry goods business at Port Washington. 
In 1869, he sold out and removed to Cedarburg, purchasing an interest in the Cedarburg Woolen Mills, 
of which he has since been Secretary, keeping the books until 1880, when he purchased an interest in the 
Hilgen Manufacturing Company, of which he is also Secretary. In politics, Republican ; and is at present 
Postmaster, which office he has held since 1869. He was married, Aug. 2, 1866, to Miss Eliza Hilgen, 
daughter of F. Hilgen. They have three children — Albert, Emil and Nellie. 

CH ARISES l/Al T , Principal of the Cedarburg Graded School ; is the oldest teacher in Ozaukee 
Co. He was born in Germany in 1836; received a collegiate education; and, in 1854, with his parents, 
emigrated to the United States, and settled on a farm near Cedar Lake, Washington Co. His health did 
not permit him to teach the first season ; but in the winter of 1855-56, he taught in the district in which 
he resided a term of four months. In the fall of 1S57, he was called to teach school in District No. 14, 
town of Mequon, Ozaukee Co., which situation he held for six years, spending the summer vacations 
working on farms in different parts of the State. In the spring of 1863, he was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Jocheui, daughter of Adam and Gertrude Jochem. In 1866, he removed to Thiensville, and taught the 
school at that place until August, 1875, since which time he has hud charge of the Cedarburg Graded 
School. While at Thiensville, he was a candidate for County Superintendent against J. C. Whitfurd. He 
is a Republican, but takes little interest in politics. Has been a delegate to State Conventions, etc. Is a 
member of the 0. D. H. S., I. 0. O. F., Turnverein and Cedarburg Fire Company. The children are 
William, Charles, Martha, Mary and Otto. 

C W. L/EMJIANSf, firm of Lehmann Bros., hardware merchants, Cedarburg ; is a native of Ger- 
many, born in 1840; emigrated, with his parents, to the United States in 1854, and, after living in Milwaukee 
about three mouths, settled in the town of Mequon, Ozaukee Co., where he attended school and helped his 
parents until 1S57, when he went to Chicago, learned the tinner's trade, and, in I860, returned to Ozau- 
kee Co.; followed farming until 1862. when he was drafted into the United States service, and served in 
Co. C, 34th W. V. I., nine months ; he then engaged in the furniture business at Evansville, Wis., and 
afterward started the hardware business for Nels Sawyer; in 1867, he came to Cedarburg, started a hard- 
ware store, and the following year took in his brother, Julius Lehmann, since which time the firm has 
been Lehmann Bros.; in 1874, they erected their presentstore, which is a stone building, 50x50, and three 
stories in height; also, an addition, 28x20, one-story high ; the first flour of the entire building is used as 
a store and workshop, the second floor as a dwelling, and the third is a hall occupied as a lodge-room by 
the O. D. H. S. ; cost of building, $6,000 ; they now carry a stock oi' about $5,500. Mr. Lehmann was 
married in 1870 to Miss Caroline Horneffer, daughter of Conrad Hornefi'er; they have two children — 
Paul W. and Martha M.; is a Liberal in politics, a member of the V. & A. M., and the O. D. H. S. 

<«l'STI T S I'OIMHjL, photographer, and dealer in general merchandise, Cedarburg; a native of 
Prussia, born Sept. 12, 1841 ; emigrated to the United States alone in L853, and first settled at Michigan 
t 'it y , 1 nd.; learned the machinist trade, and spent the year 1857 on a farm near San Pierre ; the following year 
he attended school at Valparaiso; in 1859, he returned to Prussia, where he remained until 1861, during 
which time he served one year in the Prussian Army, aud. in 1861, was married to Ida Kimps ; returning 
to the United States, he enlisted in the 4th Ind. V. C, and served as First Lieutenant a short time, when 
he resigned his commission and again resumed work at his trade at Michigan City. Jan. 1, 1S63, his 
wife died, and soon after he removed to Chicago ; in the fall of 1866, he came to Cedarburg, and has 
since been engaged in photographing ; had a branch gallery at Port Washington about four years ; also 
ran a view wagon two years. In 1866, he was married to Mrs. Catharine Adler, widow of Herman Ad- 
ler, and, as she was engaged in general mercantile business at the time of marriage, Mr. Podoll has con- 
tinued the same in OOnnectii n with his other business. Is an active worker for the Democratic party. 

JOIIX ItOTII. Cedarburg; was born in Ohio in 1836, and, at the age of 7 years, came with his par- 
ents to Wisconsin, and. alter living one year in Milwaukee, lie settled in Cedarburg ; here he learned the car- 
penter's trade, and soon commenced contracting and building, which he continued with few exceptions until 
18S1 . In lSl'ili, he served in the United States service. During the pioneer days, he spent considerable 
time hunting, trapping, etc., and therefore has killed many wolves, deer, etc.; in those days, he frequently 
traveled sixty miles per day after deer ; in 1879, he removed to Milwaukee, where he remained until Feb- 
ruary, 1881, at which time he purchased his present business. He was married, in 1856, to Lanie Steel ; 



TOWN OF CEDARBURG. 753 

they have two children — Louisa and John. His father, John Roth, was a native of Germany, who emi- 
grated to the United States in 1832, and built the first frame building in Cedarburg ; his mother was a 
native of Switzerland. 

F. ii. SCHUETTE, Town Clerk, Cedarburg ; is the son of John and Catharine Schuette. 
natives of Germany, who settled in the town of Cedarburg in 1850, and reared a family of eight children 
— four boys and four girls ; they are still engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch was born in 
Cedarburg in 1855 ; was educated in the Cedarburg Graded School and Spencerian College of Milwaukee ; 
at the age of 17, he learned cigar-making, and in 1874 opened a cigar manufactory, which he ran until 
1881. He was married, in 1876, to Miss Eliza Keuther; they have one child — Frederick J. H. — born 
in 1877. Mr. Schuette is a Republican, and is at present Town Clerk, which office he has held since 1877. 
He is a member of the I. 0. O. F. and the 0. D. H. S. 

WILLIAM VOGENITZ. Justice of the Peace, Cedarburg; a pioneer of Ozaukee Co.; 
was born near Magdeburg, Province of Saxony, Prussia, in the year 1820 ; emigrated to the United States 
in 1839, and first settled on Sec. 18, town of Mequon, but in the spring of 1840 went to Milwaukee; 
worked as a common laborer until fall, then clerked two years for George F. Austin, being the first Ger- 
man clerk employed in Milwaukee; after leaving Mr. Austin, he clerked for other parties until the fall of 
1844, at which time Mr. Austin, wishing to retire from business, intrusted him with the stock of goods to- 
dispose of; he removed to Watertown ; while disposing of Mr. Austin's goods, he kept filling up with his 
own, and so continued business at that place until the fall of 1846 ; then removed to Jackson, Washing- 
ton Co.; purchased 40 acres of land, which, in connection with keeping a small grocery, also doing con- 
veyancing, he cultivated until 1848, when he settled at Cedarburg; here he opened a store, and was en- 
gaged in the mercantile business until 1866, since which time he has attended to the office of Justice of 
the Peace, which he has held for over twenty-five years. Mr. Vogenitz served in the Assembly of 1S56; 
was County Clerk of old Washington Co.; has been a member of the Town Board, and is Secretary of the 
Cedarburg Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which position he has held since the organization of the com- 
pany in 1873. He has been twice married — in 1842, to Christianua Schueler, an adopted daughter of 
Mrs. Charlotte Miller, of Milwaukee; she died in 1856, leaving five children, of whom Mary (now Mrs. 
Herman Klug, of Milwaukee), is the only one living; in 1857, Mr. Vogenitz was married to Aurelia 
Helhv.'g ; they have had six children, three of whom are now living — Johanna, Frank and John. 

JOHN WEBER, proprietor of the Cedarburg Brewery; was born in Germany in 1S30 ; 
learned the mason trade, and emigrated to the United States in 1854 ; continued his trade in Ohio one 
year, then came to Cedarburg ; in I860, in partnership with Dr. Fricke, he purchased the Cedarburg 
Brewery, and ran the same under the firm name of D. T. Fricke & Co. until 1864, when he purchased 
his partner's interest, enlarged the brewery, added new machinery, so that the work is now done by 
steam power, and so increased the business that he now employs five men, and manufactures 1,500 barrels 
of beer annually. Was married, in 1857, to Sopha Henning ; they have nine children — William, Ber- 
tha. August, Anna, John, Henry. Ida, Sopha and Olka. Is a Democrat, and a member of the I. 0. 0. 
F. and the 0. D. H. S. 

COXRAD WIESLER, Cedarburg; a native of Germany; born in 1828; emigrated to the 
United States in 1851, landing in the city of New York April 20; followed lumbering and farming in 
Oswego I'o. until 1855, then removed to Michigan and continued lumbering at Manistee one year, and at 
Escanaba five or six years ; he next went to Plainville, 111., where he followed farming until 1864, after 
which he went to Chicago and engaged in the express business six years; in 1876, he came to Cedarburg, 
and has since been engaged in saloon aud farming. He is a Republican. He was married, Sept. 22. 
L864, to Dora Hachfeld, then of Chicago, but formerly of Germany; they have six children living — 
William H. C, Dora A. R., Louis J., Frederick, Lena and Hattie. 

CHARLES WILKE, Cedarburg; is a native of Germany, born in 1836; emigrated to the 
United States in 1854, and first settled in Milwaukee, where he clerked a short time in a dry goods house, 
then learned the saddler's trade; subsequently worked in Chicago, and, in November, 1857, came to 
Cedarburg ; in 1858, he opened a harness and saddlery shop, and has since been engaged iu the same ; in 
1 si;:',, he returned to Germany to visit his parents and remained five months; in March, 1865, he was 
commissioned Recruiting Officer, raised a number of men, was commissioned Orderly Sergeant of Co. E, 
52d W. V. I., and served until the close of the war. In the fall of 1865, he was married to Mena Hor- 
neffer ; they have six children. Mr. Wilke is a Democrat ; a member of the A., F. & A. M., the I. 0. 
0. F., the 0. D. H. S., the A. 0. U. W., and has been an active member of the Turner Society since its 
organization, taking part in the first drama presented by the society at Cedarburg ; was also the first Sec- 
retary of the Cedarburg Fire Co. 



754 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

J. I*. WIKTII, one of the oldest settlers of Cedarburg ; is a native of Bavaria, Germany; 
born in 1S15 ; he learned the shoemaker's trade, and. in 1845, emigrated to the Cubed States, and after 
working one year in the city of New York, came to Wisconsin, and, in August, 1846, settled at Cedar- 
burg; the first year he Berved in the employ of Fred Sleifer, at the end of which time he was married to 
Miss Margaret Mueller, and eommeneod business alone; in 1850, becoming tired of living in a log hut, he 
built the frame house which he still occupies as a residence ; he subsequently purchased land, and, in 

1S65, commenced dealing in ready-made 1 ts and shoes; in 1870, he associated his sou Charles as a 

partner, built a fine stone building which they occupied as a store ; in 1878, Mr. Wirth retired and let his 
son Gustave take his interest, since which time the firm has been Wirth Bros. Charles, the elder of the 
firm, was born in Cedarburg in 1849; learned the shoemaker's trade, and, in 1871, was married to Mary 
GoetZ, of Milwaukee; they have two children— Fredrick and Emma. Gustave, the younger of the firm. 
was born in Cedarburg in 1S.50; learned cigar-making, and was for a shorttime engaged in the manufact- 
ure of the same. 

I>. WITTEXBEIMw, President of the Cedarburg Woolen Mills, is a native of Germany; born 
at Hanover in 1834; emigrated to the United States, with his parents, in 1844, and settled at Cedarburg. 
and is, therefore, one of the oldest settlers of the place; here he helped his parents on the farm, until 
1855, after which he spent ten years at teaming; in 1865, in partnership with F. Hilgen. he built the 
Cedarburg Woolen Mills; in 1872, it was made an incorporated stock company, of which be has since 
been President; he is a Republican. lie was married in 1858 to Margaret Hilgen; the children living 
are Johanna, Ida. Fred, Dedrieh, Lame, Maggie, George and Aggie 

K. ii. \VIIRTJIMA\N, painter, Cedarburg : is a native of Oldenburg, Germany, bora in 1846 ; 
at 10 years of age, be was left an orphan, and at 11 he emigrated, with his brother, to the United States, and 
settled in the town of Mequon, ( Izaukee Co.: here be commenced painting : in 1863, he went to Chicago, 
and remained three years ; then returned to Ozaukee Co., settled at Cedarburg, where he has since con- 
tinued his trade, and met with good success; he now owns 16 acres of "land just outside of the village, on 
which he has built a fine brick house, and made other improvements according. Mr. Wurthuiann was 
married in lSTO. to Hellen Eloebken ; they have two children —Otto and Adele. 



TOWN OF MEQUON. 

1IKNKY HAAS, Merjuon; was born in Oneida Co.. X. Y, in 1849.; in 1S55. the family 
came to Ozaukee Co. and settled in Mequon. At the age of 13, he commenced wnrk ;,t the shoemaker's 
tra le with his father, and followed the same until April, 1 S 7 7 . at which time he was married to Wilheiiiine 
Eliemschneider ; purchased bis present property, and has since been engaged in the saloon business. His 
wife died March 20, 1881, leaving one child, Ella, born Aug. 'JO, 187s. 

Al'(j} IIODAW. proprietor of " Mequon Bouse;" was born in Germany in 1842, but when 
'.', -. >ars of age, was brought by bis parents to what is now Cedarburg, Ozaukee Co.; here he lived with bis 
parents on a farm until 1864, at which time he was married to Mary Wcidinann, then of Cedarburg. but 
a native of licrmauy ; he then removed to Thienville, where he was engaged as millwright ami carpen- 
ter until the fall of L870, at which time his wife died, leaving live children --Mary, Line. Jennie, Aghaht 
and bla. In 1s7l', he was married to Mrs. Paulina i Vetteri 1 1< ntsi In 1. who was owner of the Mequon 
House, and since that time he has been engaged in the hotel business. His wife bad three children by 
her lir.-t marriage — Selina, Anna and Robert ; and now has four children — Emma. Albert, Otto and Theo- 
dore. Mr. Hodann is a Democrat, and has been Town Treasurer. His parents, Albert and Mary 
(Beliti'_'i Hodann, are still living, and are residents of Me.|iion. 

WILLIAJN P. JAIIX. farmer, See. 15; P. o. Mequon River; one of the early settlers 1 

prominent farmers of Ozaukee Co.; was born in Saxony in 1832; in 1844, the family emigrated to the 

I nind States, and settled on the farm where he now lives; here he helped to till the soil, and in 1 --55 

his lather d led him on acres of land, but be now owns 1 15 acres. In 1856, be was married to Miss 

Amelia Seyfert ; she died in 1857. In 1S5S, he married Laura Begcr ; they have five children — Mina. 
William, Gustave, Charles ami Clara. Mr. .1 all ii is a Liberal in polities, has been Town Superintendent 
of Schools three years; Town Clerk inn.- years, and is at present Justice of the Peace, which office be 
lias held since 1 B62 ; Chairman of the Town Board, which office he has held since 1 s 75. and Notary Public. 



TOWN OF MEQUON. 755 

ADAM JOCHEJI, saloon, Sec. 2S ; P.O. Mequon River; was born in Mequon in 1845; 
received a common-school education, and helped to till the soil until the death of his mother in 1873, his 
father having died two years previous ; he then purchased the estate, which consisted of 76 acres in Sec. 
28 ; but in June, 1874, he sold the same, and in August purchased his present property, and has since 
been engaged in the saloon business. He was married, in 1874, to Miss Mena Strassburger, of Mequon ; 
they have three children — William, Adam and Jacob. Politics, Democrat. 

S. S. LEONARD, speculator ; was born in Granville, Milwaukee Co., in 1846 ; his paren's, 
Jeremiah and Rosan (MeConville) Leonard, are natives of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States 
about fifty years ago, and settled in Milwaukee Co. in 1S40. Here the subject of this sketch was reared 
on a farm, and received but a meager education ; at an early age, he turned his attention to speculating, 
which was contrary to the wishes of his father, who always warned him against wild investments ; to this 
advice Sylvester would reply that he was determined to have a " gold chain on a wooden leg." At the 
age of 18, he commenced dealing in horses; in 1872, he purchased a farm, which compelled him to go in 
di lit several thousand dollars, but, to the surprise of his immediate friends, he soon paid for the same ; in 
1875, he purchased a Norman stallion, of M. W. Dunham, of Wayne, HI., at a cost of $600 ; in 1877, 
he purchased another horse of the same gentleman, st a cost of $2,000, and he now owns two others, 
valued at $700 each ; his horses took the first premium at the Wisconsin State Fair, held at Fond du Lac, 
in 1881, and be. therefore, owns the best in the State; he now deals in horses, i. e., he buys and sells, 
but does but very little trading; also speculates in wood, timber, etc.; Mr. Leonard is a man who always 
does as he agrees, but is very careful what he agrees to do; he has, therefore, won the respect and con- 
fidence of his neighbors, and thus far has been a success in life. He was married in October, 1873, to 
Anna Reilly, of Granville. Milwaukee Co.; they have three children — Agnes, Cecelia and Maxk. 

Hl T <jrH JIcELROY, Cedarburg; one of the pioneers; is a native of Ireland, born in the 
County Tyrone in 1812 ; in 1827, his mother died, and in 1829, bis father, with the family of six children 
(of which Hugh was the only boy), emigrated to America, and first settled in the Province of New Bruns- 
wick. Here, in 1835, Hugh was married to Mary Galagher ; came to the United States, and lived near 
Boston, where he served as a laborer about seven years; he then concluded to try the Western country, 
and accordingly came to the wilds of Wisconsin, settling in the town of Cedarburg, in 1842; at that time 
there were only two or three buildings on the site now occupied by the village of Cedarburg ; Mr. McElroy 
at once entered 160 acres of land on Sec. 33, and soon afterward entered 80 acres more on Sec. 28 ; he 
resided on the former until 1871, during which time he was very successful as a farmer, and, therefore, 
accumulated a goodly share of this world's goods; he then rented his farm and moved into the village. 
Mr. M. is a Democrat in politics, and served as Supervisor of Cedarburg before Wisconsin became a State ; 
he is a gemleman who is plain and pleasing in his manners and is respected by all who know him. The 
children living are Catherine, now Mrs. Thomas Savage, of Cedarburg ; Charles, now a resident of Nor- 
wav. Mich. ; Joseph, who is married and living in Washington Territory ; and Mary, living at home. 

JOHN W. MILBRATH, farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Mequon River; one of Ozaukee's early 
pioneers; is a native of Prussia, born in 1825; in 1839, the family emigrated to the United States, and, 
after living two years in Ohio, settled in Mequon ; in 1843, the subject of this sketch went to Milwaukee 
and served as clerk in a mercantile business for, about two years, when he returned home and again helped 
till the soil. In 1847, he was married to Miss Mena Wussow, a native of Prussia. In 1859, he pur- 
cnased his father's farm of 72J acres, which he has since well improved. Mr. M. is a Democrat ; has 
been Town Treasurer, Town Superintendent of Schools, and is at present Justice of the Peace, which office 
he has held, with two exceptions, since 1855. He has eight children — Louise, now Mrs. Fred Voeks, of 
Fredonia, Ozaukee Co.; Mary, now Mrs. Ferdinand Knepel, of Granville, Milwaukee Co.; Frederick W., 
of Milwaukee; David, of Milwaukee; Hannah; Wilhelmina ; Martha, now Mrs. Henry J. Ehlers, of 
Granville ; John and Henry, of Milwaukee. 

JOHN REYNOLDS, farmer, Sec. 10 ; P. O. Mequon River ; is a native of Quebec, Canada, 
born in 1830 ; his father died in 1837, and his mother died in 1862 ; John worked on a farm until April. 
1865, when he was married to Margaret Nelson, and, on May 10, he started for the United States, and 
soon purchased his present farm of 80 acres, where he has since lived. Mr. Reynolds is a Democrat in 
politics, and a citizen who is highly esteemed by his fellow-men. The children are Margaret Jane, Eliza- 
beth Bertha and Nelson. 

H. SCHELLEXBERlw, merchant, P. O. Horn's Corners; was born in Saxe-Altenburg 
in 1842 ; his mother died, but his father again married, and, in 1855, the family emigrated to the United 
States; upon arriving at New York, his father left the family and came to Saukville, and three years 
later the family followed ; a short time afterward, the subject of this sketch went to Newburg, Washing- 



756 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

ton Co., and served as an apprentice to the blacksmith trade for about sixteen months, at the end of which 
time his employer left for New Orleans, and therefore threw him out of employment ; but he immediately 
went in search of a job, and, after looking for some time, found employment in the copper regions of Lake 
Superior, where he remained three years, when he returned home and purchased 40 acres of land in Tren- 
ton, on which his father afterward resided ; the following spring, he went to Ruck Island, 111., and worked 
in a brick-yard, at the rate of SI 5 per month, but as the wages did not suit him, he abandoned the job 
and returned to the copper regions ; followed mining for nearly three years, then returned home and took 
charge of the farm, to which he added 80 acres. He was married, in 18ti6, to Lena Stenerwald, who died 
in December, 1872, leaving two children — Frank and Anna — the latter since deceased. He then sold his 
farm, removed to Horn's Corners, purchased his present property — which he has rebuilt — and has since 
been doing a general mercantile business, in 1875, he succeeded in having a post office established, and 
has since been Postmaster. He is a Democrat ; has been Chairman of the Town Board two years, and 
Justice of the Peace six years. He was married a second time, in March, 187'!, to Louise Maas, ol 
Cedarburg; they have three children — Albert, Olga aud George. Mr. S. is a member of the I. O. 0. F. 
and the American Legion of Honor. 

C. G. SCHNEIDER, merchant, Freistadt; is a native of Prussia; born in 1830. In 1841, 
the family emigrated to the United States ; lived near Buffalo, N. Y., until the following spring, when 
they removed to Wisconsin and settled in Mequon. In 1846, Charles went to Milwaukee, where he 
remained until 1852; then spent seven years in California, when he returned to Mequon, and has since 
been engaged in general mercantile business. He was commissioned Postmaster in 1859, and still holds 
the office. In 1850, Mr. Schneider was married to H ermine Kohlman. They have five children — 
Edward C, Ella, ! aura. Martha and Edmund Bause. the latter an adopted boo. 

CHARLES C. SEYFERT, merchant, Mequon; is a native of Saxony, born in 1843, and 
in 1851 the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Mequon. In 1860, Charles went to 
Illinois and spent the summer, but returned to Ozaukee in the fall, aud attended school at Grafton ; this 
he continued for several years. In 1867, he went to Manistee. Mich., where he served as Clerk until 1869, 
then as book-keeper until 1877, at which time he returned to Mequon. and has since been engaged in 
general mercantile business. In 1871, he was married to Doratha Barkhausen, of Mequon. They have 
three children — Charles E., Emma and Mary. Mr. Seyfert is a Democrat in politics. 

LOI'IS C. WAGNER, Mequon ; is a native of Saxony, born in 1835. His father, Charles 
Wagner, was born in Saxony in 1705; served in the German Army, and was at the battle of Leipsic, 
although he was nol acting as a soldier at that time. He ('migrated with his family to the United States 
in 1840, and settled in Mequon, where he was engaged in the manufacture of cigars for twenty-six years. 
He is still living, and is at present the oldest person in Ozaukee Co. Louis C. engaged as Clerk for 
Gaitch & Pinger in 1850, and remained with said firm two years. lie then went to St. Louis; but, in 
about eighteen months, returned to Mequon ; purchased the property of Gaitch A: Finger, and has since 
been engaged in saloon and general mercantile business. In the spring of ISSl.he built the Mequon 
Cheese Factory, and has since manufactured about four hundred pounds of cheese daily. lie is a Deuio- 
erat ; has been Town Clerk seven years; Chairman of the Town Hoard two years and Notary Public for 
twenty-five years. He was also Director of the Germantow'ti Fanners' Fire [nsurance Company for 
years; Pn sidi nt for two years, and kept the agency for said company in Milwaukee for five years, lie 

was married, in 1 Sf>5, to Miss Sophia KofV. then of Milwaukee, but a native of Cleveland. Ohio. They 
have eleven children — -Emma, now Mrs. Henry Goetz, of Chicago; Flora. Clara, Edwin, Nellie, Louis. 
Lvdia. Alfred. I'aulena, Julia and Martha. 

A. /!AI T N. farmer, Sec, 21 ; P. 0. Mequon River; was born in Mequon in 1845. His parents. 

• I icob and Chri-t. na Staus) Zaun, were natives of Germany, who emigrated to the United States, and 

settled on Sec, 21, Mequon, in 1840. There the subject of this sketch was reared. In 1865, his lather 

died, and, the year following, Andrew married • laroline Miller, of Mi quon, and settled oi e of his father's 

farms ,,f 80 .teres in Sec. 29, where he lived six years. He then purchased his present property, which is 

the original estate of his father, and contains 1 10 acres. Mr. Zaun is a Democrat, but takes little interest 
in politics, more than to perforin his right as a citizen. His children now living are Christena, Anna. 
Lizzie, Hellena. Henry and Max. 

ADOIil'll Zl li II ERJI A X V. Mequon ; is one of the early pioneers, and one of the most 
prominent men ol Ozaukee Co ; he is a native of Saxony, horn in 181 1. In 1839, he immigrated to the 

United States, and landed at Milwauk n the 1st day of August. Two days later, he was married to Miss 

F. Opitz who emigrated from Sazony on the same vessel in which Mr. Zimmerman came; one week later 
tie \ settled on Sec. 22, town of Mequon, where he purchased 160 acre- of land; he resided on the aami 



TOWN OF FREDONIA. 757 

until 1855, at which time he sold his farm and removed to Mequon proper, purchased the Edward Janssen 
property, and served as Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, Postmaster and County Treasurer, holding 
all the offices at the same time. In 1857. in partnership with William F. Opitz, he erected the Mequon 
Brewery, and ran the same under the firm name of Opitz & Zimmermann until 1859, at which time he 
purchased his partner's interest and continued the manufacture of lager beer until 1876, at which time he 
leased the property to his son Francis and August Gerlach. Mr. Zimmermann has often been called to posi- 
tions of trust and honor, having been Chairman of the town nineteen years, Chairman of the County Board 
eleven years, member of Assembly four terms, serving in 1848, 1870, 1873 and 1874 ; he is still an active 
worker in the Democratic ranks ; has been a delegate to the State Convention almost every session, and 
was a Delegate to the Cincinnati convention, which nominated Gen. Hancock for the Presidency. He is a 
man of more than ordinary intellect, an honest and upright citizen, who is highly esteemed by his fellow 
men. The children are Laura, now Mrs. Charley Hausburg, of Elgin, 111.; Emma, now Mrs. August 
Gerlach, of Mequon ; Francis, a partner in the Mequon Brewery ; Emily, nee Mrs. Henry Hentschal, of 
Cedarburg ; Anna, living at home, and Minnie, now Mrs. Christopher Klumb, of Saukville. 

FRANCIS ZIMMERMAN, firm of Zimmerman & Gerlach, Mequon Brewery ; was born 
in Mequon in 1847; received a common-school education in both German and English languages, and helped 
his father in the brewery until 1876, during which time (in 1872) he was married to Anna Harpst. 
In 1876, in partnership with August Gerlach, he rented the brewery, and has since ran the same, man- 
ufacturing about twelve huudred barrels of beer per annum. The children are Louis, Adolph and 
William. 



TOWN OF FREDONIA. 

CHRISTIAN REGER (deceased); was born in Saxony, Germany, March 3, 1797 ; was 
the son of John G. Beger; was a farmer and distiller in the old country. He was married in 1S19, to 
Miss Johanna C. Quidsch ; nine children were born to them, two of whom died in infancy ; those who 
lived to grow up were William, Charles, Theresa, who was the wife of Charles Rodolph. of Fredonia, and 
died in 1865, leaving a husband and seven sons; Wilhelmine, was the wife of Charles G. Meyer, and 
died in 1864; Mary, now Mrs. Julius Meyer, of Fredonia; Clara, now Mrs. William F. Young, of Me- 
quon, Ozaukee Co.; the youngest, Herman, is a farmer of Fredonia. Mr. Beger and family emigrated to 
America in 1846, and came directly to Fredonia, Washington Co., now Ozaukee, arriving in the county 
in September. They were obliged to chop out a road from Waubeca to their land on Sec. 19. Here 
they spent several weeks in an Indian hut while they were erecting a log house on the land which they 
bought from the Government. Mr. Beger lived to see a well-improved farm grow out of the wilderness 
which he found on his arrival. His death occurred in 1860. The wife lived to the age of 82, when she 
died (1877). 

HERMAN REGER, farmer; residence, Sec. 19; P. 0. Fillmore; is the youngest son of 
Christian and Johanna C. Beger; was born in Saxony, Germany, May 9, 1841. Came to America and 
to the town of Fredonia with his parents in 1846. Spent his early years on the farm. Was married, 
June 10, 1864, in Farmington, to Miss Mary Young, daughter of Jacob Young; Mrs. Beger was born 
in Alsace, France. Oct. 14, 1864, he enlisted in Company B, 45th W. V. I., and served as a non-com- 
missioned officer till the close of the war. Mr. Beger has served as Supervisor on the Board for the 
town of Fredonia four successive years, and has served twelve years as School District Clerk. Mr. and 
Mrs Beger were blessed with six children, two sons and four daughters ; the eldest, Willett, died in in- 
fancy ; Hermine, Clara, Richard, Ottelia, Martha and Alvier. Mr. Beger has 160 acres of land, lying 
partly in Farmington and partly in Fredonia. 

NICOEAS CHJRAND, blacksmith, Fredonia; a native of Luxemburg, Germany, born in 
1831 ; learned his trade, and, in 1852, emigrated to the United States, and after stopping two years in 
Ohio, came to Waubeca, but a few weeks subsequently removed to Newburg, and, in the fall of 1854, 
returned to Ohio, but only remained a short time when he again came to Waubeca and purchased prop- 
erty. Followed his trade until 1859, when he built the Eagle Hotel, and ran the same one year. He 
then rented the property, and again followed his trade ; subsequently he ran the hotel one year, at the 
end of which time he sold to his brother Jacob, since which time he has continued his trade. He is a 
Democrat. Held the office of Justice of the Peace sixteen years. Has also held other local offices, and. 



758 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

is at present Notary Public. He was married in 1855, to Miss SusaDna Smith. The children are Mary, 
now Mrs. Herman Korman ; Anna. Peter. Elizabeth, Katie and Bernard. 

CHARLES F. COOLEY, firm of Cooley & Race, Fredonia Station; was born in Tomp. 
kins Co., N. Y., in April, 1836. When one year old, he was brought by his parents to Michigan, where 
he lived until 1850, when hia father, on account of poor health, concluded to go farther West, and 

iiiuly came to Port Washington. Here Charles clerked in the store of W. A. Lawrence until 
July, 1854, at which time his employer died. Mr. Cooley then came to Fredonia, and lived with his 
parents. In December, 1854, his father died, and as Charles was the oldest of the children, it became 
his lot to take care of the family. In 1856, he removed to the village of Waubeca, and was engaged in 
mercantile business, keeping the only store in the place one year; he then sold out. and again followed 
farming. In 1860, in partnership with H. C. Thayer, he engaged in mercantile business, and continued 
two years. He then purchased his partner's interest, and soon after associated John Race as a partner : 
continued business under firm name of Cooley & Race until the spring of 1863, at which time they sold 
the store and purchased an interest in the grist-mill. In 1864, Mr. Cooley sold his interest in that, and 
purchased the saw-mill ; associated as partner his brother Franklin, but as Franklin entered the United 
States service, and sunn died, Mr. Cooley again took John Rare as partner, the mill manufacturing sleigh 
and wagon stock and lumber. In 1876, they removed their business to Fredonia Station, where they 
have since continued, and now do a business of about 810,000. In April, 1879, the mill was destroyed 
by fire, but was at once rebuilt by Cooley & Race. Mr. Cooley is a Republican. Is at present Justice 
of tin' Peace, and a member of the A.. F. & A. M. He was married Jan. 1, 1861, to Miss Helen 
English, of Tompkins Co., X. Y.; she died in June, 1874, leaving three children — Charles, George and 
Robert. In July, 1875, Mr. Cooley married Miss Mary Hoyt ; she was born in Canada, reared in Wis- 
consin, but at the time of marriage was living in Nebraska. They have had one child — Percy, deceased. 

W. XS*. COOLEY, mauufaeturer, Fredonia; was born in Michigan in 1841. and when 8 
years of age came with his parents to Waubeca ; his father died the following year; in-1864, Mr. Cooley 
enlisted in Co. C. 41st W. V. I., and served four mouths, then re enlisted in Co. I, 16th W. V. I., and 
served until the close of the war; he then returned to Waubeca, taught school two terms, then ran a saw- 
mill, and, in 1872, commenced his present business, which has steadily increased, so that he now manu- 
factures 20,000 cheese boxes and about 10,000 butter tubs annually. He was married, in 1865, to Mis> 
Carli.-l • Patch : they have four children — William. Herbert, Lester and Byron. 

JOHN FIXTZEX, Fredonia; is a native of Germany, born in 1849; learned the shoe- 
maker's trade, and. in 1868, emigrated to the United States, and at once settled at Waubeca; here he 
continued his trade until 1875, at which time he built his present building, and has since been engaged in 
a saloon : also does auctioneering, insuring, and is at present Deputy Sheriff. He was married, in 1870, to 
Christena Hansen ; they have tour children, two of whom are now li inir — -Mary and Edward. 

IIEXKT UROTELUESCHEN, Fredonia; bom in Germany in 1842; emigrated to the 
United States in 1858; came direct to Ozaukee Co.; worked with his brother on a farm in the town of Sauk- 
ville two years, then on a farm in West Bend eighteen months, at the end of which time he returned to 
Saukville, learned his trade, and two years subsequently went to Cedarburg, where he remained about 
eighteen months, then at Milwaukee two years, a short time at Chicago, and a short time in Iowa; in 
1867, he came to Waubeca; in 1871, he built his present shop, and now employs two men, and is meet- 
ing with good suceess. He was married, in 1868, to Willhelmini Beger ; the children are Louis, Her- 
man, George and Augusta. Politics, lVmorrat. Is at present Town Treasurer. A member of the 
i Society and Turnverein. 

JOIIV It. KI',\I> VLL. manufacturer, Fredonia; is a native of the county of Dorsy. 
England; born in 181 :i ; he learned the trade of an architect, and at the age of 21 . emigrated to America . 

stopped in Nova Scotia a short time, then removed to Newfoundland, and. in the spring of 1* 10. came to the 
I nited States lived three months in Boston, then started for California; but when he got to Wisconsin he 
DOnoluded to take a look at the country, and as he Was ijuite well pleased, lie stopped at Xewburg, Wash- 
ington Co.. about one year, then followed farming in the town of Trenton about live years, after which he 
n tinned to the village of Xewburg ; woikcd at building, etc.. until the spring of 1863, at w'nieh time he 
came to Waubeca, purchased a water-power, and in partnenhip with James Bedding, engaged in the manu- 
facture of furniture; he subsequently purchased his partner'.- interest, and has since continued alone. In 
1846, lie wa- married to Amelia Xicoll, of Newfoundland ; she died in 1 B57, leaving four children, two of 
whom are now living — Dianna and [sabelle; in 1860, he was married to Mary 10. Gear; they have three 
children — George S., Frank A. and John M. Polities, Democrat. Is a member of the F. & A. M. and 

'be I. (). I' 



TOWN OF FREDONIA. 759 

JULIUS H. KLiESSIG, Fredonia; one of the prominent young merchants of Ozaukee 
Co. ; is a native of Saxony; born in 1852 ; he emigrated to the United States with his parents in 1860 ; 
lived at Fillmore, Washington Co., until the following spring, at which time they settled at Waubeka ; at 
the age of 17. be entered the store of Charles G. Meyer, where he clerked until the spring of 1873 ; he 
then speut the summer at Escanaba, Mich., and in the fall, in partnership with his brother Oswald, 
engaged in mercantile business at Random Lake, Sheboygan Co. ; he continued about eighteen months, at 
the end of which time he sold to his brother, purchased his present store, and has since been doing a gen- 
eral mercantile business. In the spring of 1875, he was married to Miss Eva Rheingans ; she died in the 
fall of the same year, leaving one child — Ida; in 1878, he married Agnes Gruhle; they have one child — 
Bruno. 

K. 91 AERC KLEIN, proprietor of Eagle House, Fredonia; was born in Germany in 1853 ; but, 
while yet an infant, was brought by his parents to the United States ; he was reared on a farm in the 
town of Saukville ; at the age of 19, he went to Plymouth, Sheboygan Co., where he followed milling two 
years, at the end of which time he came to Waubeka, purchased the Eagle Hotel, and has since been its 
proprietor. He was married, in 1877, to Minnie Wermuth, of Waubeca; they have two children — 
Clara and Oscar. 

CHARLES E. MEYER, firm of Meyer & Witt, Fredonia; was born in the town of which 
he is now a resident, in 1851; at the age of 9 years, he removed with his parents to Port Washington, and 
subsequently to Madison ; in 1865, he attended school at Milwaukee ; in 1867, he removed with his father 
to Watertown, and clerked for him at that place until 1868, when they came to Waubeka; here he had 
charge of the store a good share of the time (as his father was County Treasurer one term and Assembly- 
man one term). In 1874, in partnership with Henry Witt, he purchased the store, and has since been en- 
gaged in general mercantile business, under the firm name of Meyer & Witt. He was married, in 1876, 
to Miss Annie Miller, of Waubeka ; they have four children — Mary, Henry, Edward and Cecelia. Mr. 
Meyer is a Democrat ; has been Town Treasurer, and is a member of the Turnverein. 

JOHN J. RACE, firm of Cooley & Race, Fredonia Station ; is a native of Germany, born in 
1840; was brought by his parents to the United States in 1846. His lather, George Race, purchased 
land in the town of Saukville, Ozaukee Co., and here John lived until 13 years of age ; he followed clerk- 
ing in various localities until 1858, at which time he came to Fredonia, and, after clerking for Charles F. 
Cooley for some time, purchased an interest in the store; in 1863, they sold their store and purchased an 
interest in the grist-mill; in 1865, Mr. Race sold his interest in the grist-mill, and, the following year, 
again associated with Mr. Cooley (who had previously purchased the saw-mill), and was engaged in the 
manufacture of sleigh and wagon stock and lumber, at Waubeka, until February, 1876, at which time they 
removed their business to Fredonia Station, where they have since continued. Mr. Race is a Democrat. 
Has been Chairman of the County Board ; is at present Chairman of the Town Board, which office he has 
held for twelve terms, and is a member of the A., F. & A. M. He was married, in 1862, to Miss Char- 
lotte J. Cooley; they have one child — Warren G. Mr. Race enlisted in the United States service in 
1864, but was rejected ; he was afterward drafted, but again rejected on account of large veins on one of 
his limbs. 

F. J. C. RElVIER, Fredonia ; is a native of Mecklenburg, Germany, born in 1846 ; came to the 
United States in. 1857, and lived with his parents in the town of Grafton, Ozaukee Co. In 1861, he en- 
listed in Co. G, 9th W. V. I., and served three years, after which he followed farming at Champaign City, 
111., one year; then worked at the cooper's trade at Milwaukee, Kansas City, Mo., Ripon, Wis., Chicago 
and Lockport, 111. In June, 1875, he came to Waubeka, and has continued his trade to the present time. 
He was married, in 1S67, to Doratha Helm, a native of Germany. Mr. Reiner is a Republican ; is at 
present Justice of the Peace, and a member of the I. 0. 0. F. 

JOHN R. SCHAURLE, proprietor of the Fredonia Mills; is a native of Germany, born in 
1830 ; immigrated to the United States in 1852 ; was engaged in confectionery, etc., at Boston, until 1855, 
at winch time he came to Ozaukee Co.; worked in the Port Washington Mills until 1861 ; he then came 
to Waubeka, rented mill property one year ; then purchased his present mill property for $5,000, which he 
refitted and enlarged in 1873, at an expense of about $16,000, and now has five runs of stone and seven 
sets of rollers, and manufactures at present about eighty barrels of flour per day. Mr. S. is a Liberal in 
politics. He was married, in 1858, to Miss Mary Bold ; they have ten children living — Theresa, now 
Mrs. J. P. Palausch, of Green Lake Co.; Lizzie, William, Mary, Katie, John, Albert, Philip, Robert and 
Oscar. 

DR. J. H. VOJE, Fredonia; was born in Germany in 1853; commenced the study of medi- 
cine in his 16th year; immigrated to the United States in 1872, and graduated at the Chicago Medical 



760 BIOGRAPHICAX sketches: 

College, March 21, 1876; he then practiced medicine at Kewaskum, Washington Co., until the spring of 
1878, when he went to Europe; visited Germany, also attended the Paris Exhibition, and, in the fall, 
returned to Wisconsin. After practicing medicine at Holstein, Calumet Co., about six months, came to 
Waubcka. where he now has a very large practice. Dr. Voje was married, in 1879, to Miss Hanna Ulrich, 
daughter of Dr. W. Ulrich, of Waukesha ; they have one child — Hartha, born July 14, 1880. 

FRANK J. WKBKK, Principal of Waubeka Schools; is the son of James Weber, who was 
a native of Austria, and who emigrated to the United States in 1840; lived in Pennsylvania and Ohio; 
came to Wisconsin in 1843 ; served in the Mexican war, and, in 1855, settled in Ozaukee Co. ; here he first 
kept a store at Grafton, and subsequently a saloon at Ulao ; his death occurred in 18(58, leaving a wife 
(since deceased and four children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest; he was born in Mil- 
waukee Aug. 7. 1849; removed with his parents to Ozaukee Co., where he attended school, and, at the 
age of 13. commenced sailing on the lakes, which he followed most of the time during the season of navi- 
gation until 1878, during which time he spent his winters in school until 18G9, attending Woodward High 
School, of Cincinnati, Ohio, two winters. He was married, in 1S77, to Augusta Streich, of Watertown, 
Wis., since which lime he has followed teaching, which profession he commenced in 1869 ; he also attends 
to some law business, as he is about to be admitted. In politics, he is a Republican, for which party he 
is an active worker; is a member of the A., F. & A. M. The children are Orlando F. and Emma. 

C. II. WITT, of the firm of Meyer it Witt, is a native of Hanover, Germany, born in 1847 ; 
emigrated to the United States in 1867 ; came direct to Wisconsin, and first stopped at Grafton, Ozaukee 
Co., lour months; subsequently he went to Farmington, where he clerked in the store of H. Gruhlc nine 
months; be then went to Port Washington atid clerked in the Cuion House eight months, when he re- 
turned to Farmington and again clerked for H. Gruhle three years, after which lie was store-keeper of the 
Newhall House, Milwaukee, about eighteen months, at the end of which time he came to Waubeca, and. 
in partnership with C. E. Meyer, purchased their present store, and have since been doing a general mer- 
cantile business. He was married, in 1874, to Miss Mary Klessig, of Farmington, Washington Co.: they 
have two children — Bertha and Ernst A. Mr. Witt is a Democrat ; is at present Town Clerk ; a member 
of the 0. D. H. S., the Turnverein and Singer Society. 



TOWN OF SAUKVILLE. 

AXTIIOXY All LII Al \SER, Saukville; is an old settler of Ozaukee ; a native of Germany* 
horn Nov. 8, 1 827 ; came with his parents to the United States in 1845, and settled on a farm in the town 
ol Mequon. Here, in 1851, he was married to Mary Groctelueschen. In l>.">r.. he removed to Sankville, 
and, in partnership with his brother William, engaged in the mercantile business, under the firm name 
ot Ahlhauser Bros., for four years, when they suspended business. In 1862, he purchased the Eagle Hotel, 
and has since been proprietor of the same. Mr. A. is a gentleman who has many winning ways, and there- 
fore has many friends. He is a Democrat in polities; has been Chairman of the Town Board twelve terms : 

i of Deeds two terms ; member of Assembly one term. Is at present Justit I' the Peace, which 

office he has held during the past ten years. The children are John, a harness -maker, of Sankville, 
Henry, a blaoksmith, of Turner Station, Ore.; William, present County Treasurer, and Louis, living at 
hi ime. 

JOSEPH A liltlCKCHT, Postmaster; one of Saukville's early settlers and prominent men . 

is a native oi Germany, born in 1831. He immigrated to the United States in 1851, and. after living 
three years in New Vork City, came to Milwaukee, and. in 1855, settled at Sankville; here he worked in 
the turning department of a saw-mill about three years, since which time he has been engaged in hotel 
business. If' has been Count} Clerk. Town Clerk, Chairman of County Board, etc., and is at present 
I 'list master, which office he has held since 1s7l'. He was married, in 1856, to Magdalene Mondbe ; they 

? wo children — fosepb ami George. 

('II KINTOIMI Kit Kl.l MB. station and express agent, Sankville ; was born in Mequon, 
Ozaukee Co., Deo. 30, \<l'J. received a common-school education and lived with his parents on a farm 
until 1868; be then tunic, 1 bis attention to railroading, learning the business at Granville ami soon took 
charge of the Btation at Thienville. Here, in 1876. he was married to Miss Minnie Zimmermann, daughter 
of Adolph and Fredrickc (Ipitz Zimmermann. In 1879, be removed to Cedarburg, where he remained 
one year, since which time he ha- had charge of the station at Sankville. The children are Ada A. M., 
and Alfred A. .1. Politics, liberal. 



TOWN OF GRAFTON. 761 

AUGUST KOI'.XIIii. proprietor of Saukville Mills; was born in Saxony in 1827. Was 
married at the age of 25 to Christena Schumann. Emigrated to the United States in 1854 and settled at 
Saukville ; here he served as a common laborer for two years, when he was stricken with the rheumatism, 
and, therefore, engaged in mercantile business, which he still follows. In 1879, he held a mortgage 
against the Saukville Mills, and, as they were destroyed, he was compelled to foreclose the same and take 
the property; he then rebuilt the mill at a cost of about 118,000; put in five run of stone, one set of 
single and one set of double rollers, and the mill now has a capacity of seventy-five barrels daily. He 
has five children — Minnie, now Mrs. Julius Brandtmuhl ; Oscar, Delia, Otto and Max. Oscar Koenig 
was born at Saukville in 1857 ; received a common-school education in both English and German, also a 
commercial education at the Spencerian College, of Milwaukee; clerked in his father's store until 1881, 
since which time he has had charge of the flouring-mills. He was married in 1880 to Mary Kuhefuss, of 
Cedarburg. 

CHARLES STOPPER, Town Clerk, Saukville; is a native of Germany, born in January, 
1843 ; was brought by his parents to the United States in 1848, and lived with them at Schenectady one 
year, then at Utica, N. Y., until 1855, at which time the family came to Wisconsin and settled at Sauk- 
ville ; here Charles learned the shoemaker's trade of his father, and, in 1861, returned to Utica. Two 
years later, he went to Chicago. In 1865, he returned home and has since followed his trade. He is a 
Democrat, and is at present Town Clerk. He was married in the fall of 1866 to Miss Margaret Kessler ; 
they have nine children — Alvis, Mene, Christena, Josephine, Peter, Charles, Lawrence, Frank and Joseph. 

LOUIS C. WAMROLD, Saukville; a native of Germany, born May 10, 1830. At the 
request of his father, he learned the stone-cutter's trade, but as he preferred blacksmithing, he, at the age 
of 19, emigrated to the United States and learned that trade at Williamsville, N. Y. ; he then went to 
Niagara Falls and worked on the Suspension Bridge until 1855, during which time, in 1855, he was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth Mueller. In 1856, he came to Saukville and has since followed his trade, meeting with 
marked success. He has four children — Laura, Mary, Amelia and Edward. Religion, Lutheran. 



TOWN OF CRAFTON. 

JOHN FITZGERALD, Grafton; was born in the State of Massachusetts in 1843, and 
when 2 years of age, was brought by his parents to Cedarburg, Ozaukee Co.; he attended the schools of that 
vicinity, also the State University; in the fall of 1866, he took charge of the school of Saukville, and con- 
tinued in the same three years; in 1S69, he engaged in mercantile business at Grafton with C. L. Dick- 
erman ; eighteen months later, he went to Chicago, 'and served in a real estate office eight months, then 
returned to Grafton, and in partnership with F. L. Harms, engaged in mercantile business, and continued 
eighteen months; the year following, he was a partner in the firm of C. A. Metzek & Co., Milwaukee, 
since which time he has continued teaching, and is at present Principal of the Grafton Schools. Mr. 
Fitzgerald was married, in 1872, to Miss Frances O'Ragan, of Grafton. 

G. C. FLEISCHMANN, teacher, Grafton ; was born in that place in 1852 ; received a 
Normal school education, and has made teaching his profession ; has been Principal of the Grafton Schools 
two years, and is at present teaching the school at Saukville. He is a Liberal in politics, and is at pres- 
ent Town Clerk. He was married, on July 1, 1876, to Miss Kate Stein, then of Trenton, Washington 
Co., but formerly of Fredonia, Ozaukee Co. They have two children — Mary and Lillie. 

E. L. HARMS, Grafton ; one of the leading merchants ; was born in Brunswick, Germany, in 
1S48, and when about 1 year old, was brought by his parents to the United States; they came direct to 
Wisconsin, and in the spring of 1850, settled on a farm in the town of Cedarburg. Here the subject of 
this sketch attended school, and helped on the farm until 16 years of age, at which time he went to New- 
burg, Washington Co., clerked in a store one year, then came to Grafton; in 1867, he went to Chicago, 
where he clerked a short time ; subsequently served in a railroad office a short time, and in the spring of 
1868, entered the Bryant & Stratton Business College, where he remained eight months, when on account 
of poor health he was obliged to return home ; recovering his health, he went to West Bend and clerked 
in the store of Ernst Frankenburg (his former employer at Newburg), and eight months later returned to 
Grafton and clerked in the store of C. L. Dickerman until April, 1871 ; he then acted as traveling sales- 
man one year, when he was married to Caroline Frick, of Grafton ; in 1874, in partnership with John 
Fitzgerald, he engaged in mercantile business, and carried on the same under the firm name of Harms & 



762 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 

Fitzgerald one year, at the end of which time he purchased his partner's interest, and has since continued 
the business alone. Mr. Harms has been Postmaster since 1870 ; was elected Justice of the Peace, but 
did not qualify. The children are Agnes, William, Olga, Alexander and an infant. 

JOHN LAl'SEN, of the firm of H. Schmidt & Co., Grafton; is a native of Prussia, born in 
1842; learned the miller's trade, and in 1864 emigrated to the United States; came direct to Wisconsin, 
and first stopped in Calumet Co., then in Sheboygan, and subsequently in Milwaukee; in the fall of 1865 
eame to Ozaukee Co., acted as head-miller in the mills at Hamilton until 1873; then came to Grafton, 
and in partnership with H. S. Smith purchased an interest in the flouring-mills, and ran the same under 
the firm name of C. Schlegel & Co. until 1879, when H. Heuer purchased Mr. Schlegel's interest, since 
which time the firm name has been H. Schmidt & Co. Mr. Lausen was married, in 1868, to Miss Kate 
Schmidt, a native of Germany. They have four children — Ottieli, Andrew, Dora and Louise. Mr. L. is a 
Liberal in politics; a member of the F. & A. M., and I. O. 0, I". 

WILLIAM F. OPITZ, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Saukville; one of the early pioneers; is a 
native of Saxony, born in 1816. In 1838. he was married to Wilhelmini Graff, and in the following year 
emigrated to the United States, and settled in the town of Mequon on the 6th day of August, I - 39. 
Here he purchased 160 acres of Government land, and 146 acres of land partially improved. In 1857, 
in partnership with Adolph Zimmermann, he built the Mequon Brewery, and was connected with the 
same until 1859. In 1866, he purchased his present farm of 290 acres, aud has since resided on the 
same. Mr. Opitz is a Democrat in politics, and, besides holding the various town offices, has been County 
Sheriff and member of Assembly. His children are Herman, Richard, Frank. ETenryette I now Mrs. 
Nicolaus Stine, of Sauk Co. I, .Matilda (now Mrs. Ernst Aldan, of Mequon I, and Thckla. 

WILLIAM ROHItKEN, Jr., Grafton; was born in Cedarburg, Ozaukee Co., in 1858. 
His parents. William and Catherine Roebkcn, are natives of Germany; emigrated to the United States 
about twenty-five years ago, and are still living on a farm in the town of Cedarburg. William, dr., the 
oldest of fire children, received a common-school education in both English and German; and, in 1874, 
entered the Cedarburg Woolen Mills, where he acted as shipping clerk, etc. While serving in this 
capacity, he BO gained the confidence and este ■ i n of his employers, that in February, 1881, he was given 
charge of the worsted department of the mills at Grafton. 

II. SCHMIDT, of the firm of H. Schmidt & Co., proprietors of Grafton Flouring Mills; was 
born in Germany Nov. 24, 1840. When he was 9 years of age. the family emigrated to the United 
States, anu*settled at Hamilton, Ozaukee Co. Here he lived with his parents on a farm until 1862, at 
which time he was drafted in the 34th W. V. I.; but, after four months' service, was discharged on 
account of sickness. lie then returned home, and, after recovering his health, went to Chicago, where he 
remained four years ; then followed sailing one year, when he again returned home; and, in 1868, was 
married to Margaret Asche, of Cedarburg. He then removed to Grafton, and followed teaming for the 
flouring mills one year, at the end of which time he purchased his father's farm of 78 seres, and worked 
the same, after which, in partnership with Charles Schlegel and John Lausen, he purchased the Grafton 
Mill. He has had the mi-fort uoe to receive many injuries, the most important of which is the loss of his 
left arm, in l s 7t',, ],\ being caught in the machinery. His children are Ida, I lulda, Emma, Henry, Regena 
and Arthur. 

JOHN SIMON, Grafton; one of Ozaukee's early settlers, is a native of Germany, born March 17, 
1819 ; came to the United States in 1842, arriving at Milwaukee July 7 , here he followed his trade as tailor 

until 1849 ; he then m to Grafton, purchased property, and was engaged in the hotel business until I 865, 

at which time he went to Port Washington and purchased the tannery, which he ran two and a half years, 
when he returned to Grafton and purchased the Grafton House, which he still owns ; March l, 1881, he 
rented the same to his son, John B. Mr. Simon is a Democrat; has been County Treasurer, Qnder 
Sheriff and Town Treasurer. He was married, in 1844, to Anna Schram ; they have four children living 
— Frank, a tanner in Milwaukee; Anna leu Mrs. Andrew Staah, of Grafton ; .John B., now of the 
Grafton Bouse; and N. J., a Bchool teacher in Chicago. 

JOHN It. SIMON, proprietor of the Grafton House, was horn in Grafton dune 8, 1855; re- 
ceived a common-school education, learned the saddler's trade, and spent one year in a tannery in Milwau- 
lu November, 1878, he was married to Miss Mary Barth; they have one child living — Johnnie. 
.<,,-. Simon rented the Grafton Bouse of his father, March 1. 1881. 

JOSH 1*11 SI'HIIX, Grafton; was horn in Milwaukee May 16, 1846; the year following, the 
family removed to Washington Co., and. in 1852, to Grafton; hen' Joseph received a common-school edu- 
cation, and. in L864, enlisted in Co. II. 16th W. V. [., and served until the close of the war. In 1869, 
i.t to Minnesota and remained one year. In I B7 1 , he was married to Catharine Hepschen. In 



TOWN OF BELGIUM. Too 

1876, he engaged in the saloon business ; in May, 1878, ho removed to his present location. He is a 
Democrat in politics ; has been Town Treasurer and Deputy Sheriff; in the foil of 1880, he was a candi- 
date for County Sheriff, but was defeated by thirty-one votes. The children are Angeline, Joseph, John 
and Mary. 



TOWN OF BELCIUM. 

REV. FR WILLIAM JOSEPH FRA1VTZ, was born in Luxemburg in March, 1849 ; 
emigrated to the United States with his mother and two brothers, and settled in the town of Belgium' 
Ozaukee Co.; in 1863, he entered the St. Francis Seminary of Milwaukee, where he was ordained as 
priest June 24, 1878, and for about four months took charge of the Holy Cross Church (during the absence 
of the regular priest), and at the same time attended the Mission at Waubeca; he was stationed at 
Waubeca for one year, and April 1, 188(1, returned to the Holy Cross, which church has 178 families. 

PETER JONES, Town Clerk; was born in Belgium, Europe in 1832; emigrated to the 
United States in 1852, and after stopping at Port Washington six months, went to Peshtigo, whore he 
followed lumbering until 185S; he then returned to Ozaukee Co., taught school in the town of Fredonia 
one year, and then purchased 84 acres of land in the town of Belgium, 80 acres of which are in Sec. 20, 
while 4 acres are located at Holy Cross. Mr. Jones has since lived upon the latter. He has taught 
school in District No. 5 since 1860. Is a Democrat in politics, and is at present Town Clerk, which office 
he has held since 1860. Mr. Jones was married, in 185S, to Margaret Schumacher; they have six chil- 
dren — Nicolas, Peter, Mary, Michael, Margaret and Anna. Religio'i. rtoman Catholic. 



TOO LATE FOR INSERTION IN PROPER PLACE. 

ADOLPH ARZRACHER, Village Clerk of West Bend; is the son of Christopher and 
Caroline Arzbacher ; was born in Rhine Province, Prussia, Nov. 19, 1831 ; studied the mercantile business, 
and, in 1848, 1849 and 1850, he traveled in France and Belgium as mercantile agent. In June', 1851, he 
came to America, and direct to Wisconsin ; made his home in the town of Polk, Washington Co., and engaged 
in forming. In 1856, he came to West Bend, and bought the grist and saw-mill property in company 
with his brother Gustave ; continued in this business till 1860, when he bought the Eagle Brewery of Mr. 
Eckstein. He operated the brewery till 1875, when he leased it to Kuelthau & Johnson, and sold it in. 
1880 to Mr. Fleischmann. Mr. Arzbacher has served as Deputy Sheriff from 1874 to 1881 ; was elected 
Village Clerk in 1877, and re-elected four times. He was married, Sept. 22, 1856, in Prussia, to Charlotte 
Grosholz, daughter of John Grosholz. Mrs. Arzbacher was born in the same province as her husband. 
They have six children — Otto A., Johanna (died when 4 years of age), Olga, Willie (died in infancy), 
Frederick and Emma. Otto married Sarah Horn, and is telegraph operator at Crystal Lake Station. 

OWEN IIARXS, farmer, Sec. 35, Farmington; has 80 acres of land in this town and SO 
in Trenton ; P. O. Newburg. The subject of this sketch was born in County Louth, Ireland, in July, 
1809; is the son of Patrick and Rose Hams. In 1839, he came to America; resided in Livingston, 
Monroe and Genesee Counties, N. Y , till 1843, when he returned to Ireland, and was married there, Jan. 
14, 1844, to Miss Mary Campbell. In 1S45, he returned to the United States, and made his home in 
New York till 1854. when he removed to Farmingtori, and located on his present farm. There were 
seven children in the family — Rose, now the wife of Edward Foley, of Farmington ; John married (^atherine 
Burk, and lives in Trenton; Mary is now Mrs. Patrick Osborn, of Minnesota; P. W. married Elizabeth 
Miller, and is in the marble business at West Bend ; Mathew is in the Territories ; Catherine and Owen 
are at home. 



PASSENGERS BOUND FOR 

CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, NEBRASKA, 

ID^A-KTOT-A-, MIITITESOTA, 

"wiscoasrsiisr, i&oetta.is'jl, 

J^ISTTD THE TEEBITOEIBS, 

Should, if they would consult their interest, buy their tickets via the 

Chicago & North -Western Railway 

This is the XjE.A.:DIiTC3- ^,^.II J _ Vv r ^.-2 _ of the 

WEST jLNJD NORTHWEST. 

This imp< riant system of Eiiilwav Lines \a 11 the World, owning and "p.Tating, 

under one management, 

2,390 IVEILES OF ROAD. 

Its Lines run ftom Chicago in nydirecl sth.it it En necessary to d< .,, p, sum ,-whichwiIl K iv *' ,l ° ,r - 

rect idea to the passenger of the part of country each Lin< tiu\ i Thi L i I erin i nim . ■■ ... 



Chicago, Council Bluffs & California Line. 
Chicago, Sioux City & Yankton Line. 
Chicago, Clinton, Dubuque & La Crosse Line. 
Chicago, Freeport & Dubuque Line. 



Chicago, La Crosse & Winona Line. 
Chicago, Minnesota & Dakota Line. 
Chicago, St, Paul & Minneapolis Line. 
Chicago, Milwaukee & Lake Superior Line 



Chicago, Green Bay & Marquette Line. 

These [dm 'CHICAGO & NORTH-WESTEBN" to reach all prin in thi WEST, NOBTHWEST, and, thxon 

connections, the FA It WE 

f facility for Quick, £ > Transit to the traveler wh is his route. 

Itste no road in the West, and offers inducemi that are not and cam Iby any of its competitors, 

Its management adopts every improve the modern Re rmined thai the CHICAGO A NOBTH- 

WESTKKN RAILWAY shal remain the LEADING Railway of the GREAT WEST. 



should ask for and he certain thei Pi i Coupon which reads, over the 

"CHICAGO & NORTH-WESTERN RY." 

AU Ticket Agents will be glad to sell them via this Line. 

REMEMBER!— PULLMAN HOTEL CARS A, !:i tSSSSfSrJc^SM 

St xoit ill - M i:s 11 :it.\ l:.l I I.WAY. is iiimm ili.-r rn.ui form ..t Hot 

CHROUG I : ttlssouriB CI ... OH EATING CABS of any sort 



NO TRANSFER at ST. PAUL via the CHICAGO & NORTH-WESTERN RY. 

Paawngen procuring Ockete to points beyond BT. PAl L should use GBEAT CABE to see thai (hej read over the 
Onieagyo &, North-Western Railway, 

— nit THE — 

01ii<-!ij«-o. St. Paul &> »Jtinneapolis Lin<-. 

Andnotovera route having it SIMILAR NAME, as Uii* i« 

8©*THE ONLY ROUTE YOU CAN TAKE TO AVOID A CHANGE OF DEPOT AT ST. PAUL.-** 

NEW TOBK "'■ I i I ay. I COUNCIL Bl 



BOSTON OKI I- i 
MIl.VA A I M E i I : , 

I i' . I 

M1NNEAI OI.IS TICK El : . n i, ,.iu t n . .. and St. 

HICAGO TlfiKE I "I EE I • 
II.... 
,1... Wells sii.'.t Depot, corner Wells :>».i Kin- 



Depot; and Ohlcs 

■ 

OMAHA I'liM I 01 ■■■tl Pacific Depot, and 1344 Far- 

I Ith. 
SAN FBANI I 
LONDON, ENGLAND, OFFICES MB str.m.1 and : U 






81 - 79 t4 


































' 



































































































is 















A *-'- ' 



-: 



■ 






. 






























<\ 


















* 












c c 












^ 






^t* j ^ 



V \ \/ V 




tJr, <JV 



























p _*° ... V 



<. ^'TVT' ,6*" ^> 



C, iP 






% 









0° %, 






Jl* 






. 






^ y - *** 









c ' 






.«*■ 



...■,- 



:■ 



























0> x« 

v 










